Folliculitis After Waxing

 What is Folliculitis? And What Causes it?

Folliculitis is a common skin infection/inflammation of the one or many hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the skin that is covered in hair and usually resembles a red, painful pimple. Folliculitis is often referred to as razor burn, barber's itch or hot tub rash.

Folliculitis can happen when our hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, a blockage of the follicle, shaving or waxing. Those damaged follicles can then be infected with Staphylococcus aureus (a bacteria). The cause of the infection can be either bacterial, fungal, mites, or by a noninfectious way - such as when hair curves back into the skin and causes the inflammation.

What it folliculitis looks like:

• Rash (reddened skin)
• Itching skin
• Pimples or pustules located around a hair or follicle, which can also be confused with chicken pox or ingrown hairs. 

Can Waxing Cause Folliculitis? Can I Wax If I Have It?

Waxing can absolutely cause folliculitis. When the hair follicle is injured or damaged during the hair removal, it becomes vulnerable to staph bacteria. One other common form of folliculitis from waxing that can occur, is the ever dreaded ingrown hair. Which can be prevented and control by exfoliating and moisturizing.

If you find yourself with a case of folliculitis, it is recommended to not wax. Waxing over it can cause it to be even more inflamed and annoying, so just wait it out until is has subsided and remember to take care of it.

How Long Can Folliculitis Last After Waxing?

Most cases of folliculitis can last anywhere from 7-10 days.  

How To Treat Folliculitis

At home treatments will work nicely for those mild cases. Apply a warm, moist washcloth to the area several times day, this will help relieve any discomfort and help the area drain. Nonprescription antibiotics, soothing lotion or cream, as well as keeping the area clean. Most importantly, protect the skin! Stop all waxing, shaving and exfoliating until the area has cleared.

If your case of folliculitis doesn’t subside or gets worse during your at home treatments, seek out advice from your doctor who can prescribe you an over the counter medication. 

How To Prevent Folliculitis After Waxing

Keeping up a good routine of cleansing and exfoliating the areas that you wax, will keep bumps and ingrown's from forming. Moisturize every single day and exfoliate 2-3 days a week!