what is laser hair removal called

HOW TO GET RID OF FOLLICULITIS: CAUSES AND TREATMENT

Folliculitis is typically characterized by inflammation of the hair folliculitis bumps on the scalp where the pores become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as itching, redness and even hair curling inward. Although the danger level is relatively low, many women often feel uncomfortable and lose confidence due to the negative aesthetic effects of this condition. Many individuals are actively searching for solutions, from natural remedies to medications, in an effort to resolve folliculitis bumps on the scalp, but improvement remains difficult. Determining the root cause is paramount in treating this condition. In this article, we have collected all the necessary information. Let’s dive in and explore.

WHAT CAUSES FOLLICULITIS

Folliculitis arises from inflammation of the hair follicle and various factors contribute to its development. One major cause is bacterial infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This type of bacteria is common on the skin and can penetrate hair follicles, causing inflammation and typical symptoms of folliculitis.

Additionally, like razor bumps, fungal infections can lead to folliculitis, with yeast or mold being common culprits. Using hot tubs or swimming pools, where these microorganisms thrive, may increase the risk of developing fungal folliculitis.

Furthermore, mechanical factors play a role in folliculitis. Friction from tight clothing, especially in areas with coarse hair, can cause irritation and contribute to folliculitis. Shaving, especially with a dull razor or with improper technique, can lead to small cuts and allow bacteria or fungi to enter. Excessive sweating, which can create a favorable environment for bacteria to grow, is another factor that can worsen folliculitis.

SYMPTOMS AND IMAGES OF FOLLICULITIS

The symptoms of folliculitis can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause. When folliculitis affects the scalp, it presents with specific signs that may include redness, swelling, and the formation of small, pus-filled bumps or pustules. These pustules can be itchy or painful and may cluster together, giving the affected area a bumpy appearance.

In addition to the visible symptoms, individuals with folliculitis in the scalp may also experience tenderness or soreness in the affected areas. The condition can lead to hair loss in some cases, as the inflammation disrupts the normal growth cycle of the hair follicles. It’s essential to note that folliculitis in the scalp can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

When examining images of folliculitis in the scalp, healthcare professionals look for these characteristic features to aid in diagnosis. Visual representations often show red, inflamed follicles and may reveal the presence of pustules. The images help healthcare providers distinguish folliculitis from other skin conditions and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

HOW TO TREAT FOLLICULITIS

HOME REMEDIES

DO A SOAP WASH

Wash the affected area with warm water and soap two times each day. Dry gently with a clean towel, and don’t share your towel with others. Make sure to use hot water and soap when washing clothes or towels that have touched the red bumps.

USE A WARM COMPRESS

A warm, wet cloth can make the red and painful area feel better. Use a new or very clean washcloth. You can either boil a soft cotton cloth or wash it in warm water and soap to make sure it’s clean.

TRY ALOE VERA

Aloe vera gel can make your skin heal faster. It’s cool and can help with itching, redness, and swelling. Aloe vera gel might also stop some kinds of bacteria that can cause infection. Find aloe vera gel without extra smells or chemicals. Put the aloe vera gel on your skin after washing it with soap and water.

AVOID SHAVING

Certain types of folliculitis, such as barber’s itch, can happen after you shave your skin. This can occur when shaving your face, head, or body. Shaving might bother the skin and open up the hair follicles, making it easier for infections to happen.

It’s better not to shave until the folliculitis is gone. When you decide to shave, make sure to use clean and sharp blades every time. Clean the area with warm, soapy water before and after shaving.

STOP WAXING

Some ways of removing hair, like waxing, can open up the hair follicle too much. This might cause problems like ingrown hair and skin infections, such as folliculitis.

If you have folliculitis, it’s better not to wax that area. Instead, you can try different ways to remove hair, like using depilatory creams.

TRY ESSENTIAL OILS

Studies in medicine tell us that certain oils from plants can fight bacteria and fungi. These oils might help with the germs that cause folliculitis.

Remember, you shouldn’t put these oils directly on your skin. Mix a few drops of the plant oil with another oil or a moisturizing cream. These oils are strong, so using them a lot or without diluting them can make your skin irritated.

Some oils that might be useful for treating skin infections like folliculitis include:

  • cinnamon oil
  • lemon oil
  • clove oil
  • tea tree oil
  • chamomile oil
  • eucalyptus oil

WEAR LOOSE, DRY CLOTHING

Folliculitis can happen when your clothes irritate your skin or when your skin rubs together. To prevent this, don’t wear tight things like yoga pants, tights, or leggings.

Avoid outfits that let your thighs rub against each other. You can wear shorts under a dress or skirt. For your underarms, use longer sleeve T-shirts and dresses to cover the skin.

Wet skin is more likely to get an infection. So, wear loose and breathable clothes, or ones that take away moisture. If you’re sweaty or wearing wet clothes, make sure to dry off and change right away.

MEDICATIONS

There are different ways to treat bacterial infections, like using lotions, gels, or pills. If the infection is not too severe, your doctor might give you an antibiotic lotion or gel. But if it’s more serious or keeps coming back, you might need pills that fight the infection from inside your body.

Fungal infections need different treatments, like creams, shampoos, or pills that fight against yeast. Antibiotics, the ones that work for bacteria, don’t help with this kind of folliculitis.

In some cases, you might need something to calm down the inflammation. If you have a mild kind of eosinophilic folliculitis, your doctor might suggest a special cream with steroids to help with itching. If you also have HIV/AIDS, using antiretroviral therapy might make your eosinophilic folliculitis symptoms get better.

OTHER INTERVENTIONS

Small surgery: If you have a big, painful bump or a bunch of them, your doctor might do a minor surgery. They’ll make a small cut to let out the goo inside, which can help with pain, make you heal faster, and reduce the chance of scars. After that, they might cover the spot with a clean cloth to soak up any leaking goo.

Laser hair removal: For a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae, your doctor might suggest using lasers to remove hair, especially if other treatments haven’t worked. This kind of treatment needs multiple visits to the doctor’s office.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Folliculitis can be serious sometimes, and you might need special medical help. Your doctor might give you strong medicines like prescription antibiotics or creams with steroids. In rare cases, you might even need surgery.

If you notice any signs of severe folliculitis, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Look out for things like whitehead pimples, pus or ooze from the skin, crusty sores, swelling, a big bump, hair loss, or scars. If you’ve been using a cream called hydrocortisone for itching, and it doesn’t get better after 2 weeks, talk to your doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist). They can help figure out the best way to make your skin feel better.

FAQ

1. Can folliculitis go away on its own?

Yes. Folliculitis is typically not a big issue and often goes away by itself without needing treatment.

2. Should you moisturize folliculitis?

Yes, it’s generally advisable to moisturize folliculitis-affected areas gently. 

3. How long will folliculitis last?

Many show improvement within a span of 7 to 10 days.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, tackling folliculitis involves a holistic approach that considers its various causes and effective treatments. Whether triggered by infections, friction, or other factors, addressing the underlying issues is vital. When it comes to folliculitis in the scalp, maintaining good scalp hygiene, using appropriate treatments, and avoiding potential irritants play key roles in managing and preventing this condition. 

HOW TO GET RID OF STRAWBERRY LEGS

It’s much easier than one may believe to get rid of strawberry legs, often known as those dark patches that give the appearance that your skin resembles the outside of a strawberry. However, you must first comprehend what these dots are and how they originated before you can even begin to consider remedies for getting skin that appears clearer and smoother. Therefore, even though it’s not thought to be dangerous, if you’re bothered by the presence of these black dots, there are a few techniques to stop them from appearing. You’ve come to the correct place if “How to get rid of strawberry legs” is the topic of your most recent search.

WHAT ARE STRAWBERRY LEGS

Keratosis pilaris (KP) or strawberry legs is a common skin disorder caused by an accumulation of keratin, a protein that clogs pores. Strawberry legs can be cured, but KP is incurable. Nevertheless, at-home treatments like hydrating and exfoliating your skin might lessen the appearance.

Clogged pores on the skin that resemble strawberry seeds are referred to as strawberry legs, thus the name. In contrast to the fruit, though, it’s something that women frequently want to get rid of. Strawberry legs are commonly characterized by increased pores and dark patches on the skin that correspond to the hair follicles.

WHAT CAUSE STRAWBERRY LEGS

SHAVING

Strawberry legs can occasionally result from shaving, especially when done incorrectly with old, dull blades or without shaving lotion.

In addition to causing strawberry legs, razor burns can result in folliculitis. Ingrown hairs can also occur after shaving.

These ingrown hairs can be the reason for strawberry legs in certain people. Those with thick body hair are more likely to experience this.

Occasionally, the irritation from shaving may cause the skin surrounding the follicle to darken, which accentuates the dark appearance.

CLOGGED PORES

Your legs’ skin has hundreds of pores, and just like any other pores, they can get blocked with dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Open comedones are the term for these blocked pores. The oil inside the blocked pores oxidizes and turns black when it comes into contact with air.

Your legs may be easier to see if you have dense body hair or wider pores on them from heredity.

FOLLICULITIS

When the hair follicle becomes inflamed and occasionally infected, it is known as folliculitis.

Shaving, waxing, and other hair removal techniques that expose the hair follicle to greater danger might cause this illness.

However, it may also happen if you’ve been in contact with microorganisms yeast fungus

Folliculitis can also result from using a hot tub when the chemicals and pH levels haven’t been correctly adjusted.

Usually beginning as tiny red pimples or blisters, folliculitis can progress into crusty lesions that are difficult to heal.

Folliculitis may occasionally be associated with ingrown hairs that are having difficulty penetrating the epidermis. This may also result in the appearance of darker skin that is linked to strawberry legs.

KERATOSIS PILARIS

Keratosis pilaris is a common and benign disorder that affects the skin of the upper arms and thighs.

The small, rough, and hard-to-the-touch lumps associated with keratosis pilaris may initially resemble tiny pimples, goosebumps, or “chicken skin.”

In reality, the lumps brought on by keratosis pilaris are microscopic collections of dead epithelial (skin) cells and the protein keratin. Despite the fact that moisturizers can help, they can be dry and irritating.

Seasonal in nature, keratosis pilaris usually manifests more commonly in the dry winter months.

On the other hand, frequent swimming may cause keratosis pilaris. The chemicals in swimming pools tend to dry out the skin. If you reside in an area with little humidity, this can also be the case.

OVERLY DRY SKIN

In addition to various disorders that mimic strawberry legs, dry skin can also cause or worsen the symptoms of strawberry legs.

But dryness doesn’t automatically lead to darker pores.

It is more likely that shaving will irritate your skin if it is really dry. You run the risk of getting folliculitis, razor burn, and the infamous “strawberry legs” look as a result.

Additionally, keratosis pilaris, folliculitis, open comedones, and razor burn become more noticeable to the unaided eye when an area is dry.

HOW TO TREAT STRAWBERRY LEGS

EXFOLIANTS

Exfoliants may be used to treat strawberry legs and use chemicals that minimize pores. Seek for products with salicylic or glycolic acid listed. These components aid in reducing inflammation, removing dead skin cells, and clearing clogged pores. After exfoliating your skin, think about using keratolytic, a chemical exfoliator that aids in removing dead skin cells. Use keratolytic as directed by a dermatologist or per the label. Excessive application of the product could cause skin irritation.

HUMIDIFIER

If the air in your house tends to dry out your skin, a humidifier can assist in maintaining moisture in the air. Hydrating your skin contributes to both the prevention and treatment of KP flares. To prevent the growth of mold and germs, clean and disinfect your humidifier on a regular basis.

LASER AND LIGHT THERAPY

If your KP is persistent and not improving with at-home treatments, you may want to look into laser and light therapy. For instance, studies have shown that intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy helps patients with KP have more equal skin tone, eliminates rough skin, and lessens redness.

MOISTURIZER

After shaving your legs, especially, it’s critical to moisturize your skin to prevent KP. Look for a moisturizer that contains urea or lactic acid. To seal in moisture, make sure you apply moisturizer to damp skin no later than five minutes after taking a bath or shower. If you have dry skin, reapply during the day as necessary.

Make use of a light shaving cream. To prevent causing irritation to your skin, go for an epilator or razor that has two blades. Apply a moisturizer containing ceramides or colloidal oatmeal afterward, as these components aid in protecting and calming your skin.

RETINOIDS

A derivative of vitamin A called retinoid helps hasten the turnover of skin cells. Retinoids hence enhance skin tone and stop keratin accumulation in your pores. Retinoids are available as topical creams or as oral capsules.

STEROID CREAM

Topical steroids can help treat KP by reducing inflammation. Consider consulting a dermatologist prior to using a steroid cream. According to a review that was published in 2021, using some steroid creams could lead to an increase in sebaceous (oil) glands on the face. The researchers observed that having more oil glands could lead to more hair follicles and a worsening of KP.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

While maintaining bump-free skin on our faces is a major concern for many of us, getting the same silky-smooth results from the neck down can also be high on our list of priorities. The reason why skin issues like body acne, keratosis pilaris (KP), and “strawberry legs” are so prevalent is that so many people have bothersome lumps all over their bodies.

Small dark or pink pots that run up and down the legs are a distinctive feature of strawberry legs. Clogged pores may be the cause of strawberry legs, despite the misconception held by some that the spots are hair follicles, debris, or even blackheads. If you are desperate to get rid of strawberry legs, check out our recommended treatments.