Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. The condition causes bumps to form on the skin that can resemble pimples. These bumps can be very painful. Anywhere that you have a hair follicle on the body, you can have folliculitis. However, it is most common on the face, scalp, thighs and groin.
Pseudo-folliculitis is a condition like folliculitis, but without the infection. The same bumps are present, but pseudo-folliculitis is nothing more than an ingrown hair. Still, this can be painful.
Causes
Folliculitis is usually caused by bacteria. When bacteria become trapped in the skin, infection can occur. Sweat, oils, and makeup can also cause the condition. You may be more likely to get folliculitis if you:
- Use a pool of hot tub not properly treated with chlorine.
- Wear tight fitting clothes
- Use antibiotics or steroid creams for long periods of time
- Work around substances that can block the skin
Pseudo-folliculitis commonly occurs after shaving. Men generally notice the razor bumps on their faces. Women tend to see it more of their legs, underarms, and bikini area. Pseudo- folliculitis occurs when hair attempts to grow back on a shaved area. If the hair is not able to get through the skin above it, the hair will sometimes curl back down and continue to grow. This causes an ingrown hair. The area can become red and inflamed, and sometimes even look like pimples on the skin.
Pseudo-folliculitis is most common in people who have coarse or curly hair. These types of hair have a more difficult time exiting the skin and can become ingrown easily.
Healing Folliculitis and Psuedo-folliculitis Naturally
Good grooming and hygiene habits are the first place to start in alleviating folliculitis and pseudo-folliculitis. Eliminating the use of chemical laden shave and post shave products and replacing them with all-natural soaps and shave creams will allow the skin to breathe. Keeping irritants and chemicals off the skin will lessen any reaction you could have. Look for soaps with a natural, botanical base of vegetable glycerin or coconut.
Avoid fragranced products, as they can be very irritating to the skin. Any synthetic colors or fragrances in soaps or other products can cause irritation and adverse reaction.
If you are suffering from pseudo-folliculitis, try buying a better razor. Make sure the razor is very sharp and replaced often. Keep the razor clean and free from bacteria that could be transferred onto your skin.
Many people like to apply an after shave. Just like shave creams, these products can be full of chemicals and unnatural additives. Instead, try using one of these natural oils:
- Shea butter
- Coca butter
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
- Grape Seed oil
- Sweet Almond oil
- Kukui Nut oil
- Rose Hip Seed oil
- Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, and Tea Tree essential oils
