Clogged hair follicles or hairs (known as folliculitis) are an unsightly condition that can cause itching and pain. This condition often occurs after you shave or pluck hair or hair on your face, groin, legs, and arms because a bacterial or fungal infection, chemical irritation, or mechanical injury causes inflammation of the hair follicles. If you experience this condition, give your skin plenty of time to heal. Use warm compresses and rinses to restore the condition. After that, take steps to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Treating Clogged Follicles
Step 1. Stop scheduled shaving or hair removal for 30 days
Blockage or inflammation of the hair follicles usually results from shaving and can affect any area you shave or wax. If you continue your shaving schedule when the follicles are inflamed, the skin will take longer to heal. Wait 30 days before shaving again to give your skin enough time to heal.
If your job requires you to look clean and hairless, consult a dermatologist immediately for advice on a hair removal method or hair removal method, without making the condition worse
Step 2. Apply a warm compress on the inflamed area 3-4 times a day
Warm compresses help open pores and clean clogged hair or fur pores. Apply the compress for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this treatment 3-4 times every day to keep the pores open and the substances that clog the follicles can be removed naturally.
- There are lots of warm compresses to choose from that you can buy from the store, but you can also make your own at home.
- You can also use a washcloth soaked in warm water, although the warmth doesn't last very long.
- Do not apply warm compresses to the skin for more than 20 minutes to avoid burning the skin.
Step 3. Wash your hair with the apple cider vinegar mixture
Folliculitis can also affect the scalp. If hair follicle blockage occurs on the scalp, a hair rinse procedure several times can clear the clogged follicle. Apple cider vinegar can naturally remove clumps and excess dead skin or oil, thereby clearing clogged follicles.
- Mix water with apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if you are using 240 ml of water, prepare an equal amount of apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the mixture into your hair after shampooing your hair. However, rinse your hair first to remove any shampoo residue before applying the vinegar.
- Massage the mixture on your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
- Don't use conditioner.
Step 4. Wear loose-fitting clothing until the inflammation subsides
Folliculitis is sometimes caused by tight, heavy clothing, or skin rubbing against each other (especially if you are overweight). This condition often occurs in the armpits, groin, and upper thighs, and occurs when the weather is hot and humid. If you have inflammation of the follicles or skin, don't wear tight clothing until the skin heals. Otherwise, the friction from the clothes keeps the inflammation on the skin, and the skin takes longer to heal.
Step 5. Apply a topical antibiotic on the affected area, three times a day for 7-10 days
Apply a topical antibiotic to the area with folliculitis three times a day to treat the infection. Keep using antibiotics for 7-10 days to help the skin recovery process.
- For example, you can use Mupirocin (Bactroban) topical cream to treat folliculitis. You can find over-the-counter antibiotic creams at pharmacies or online stores.
- If you don't see improvement after a few days, see your doctor to see if you need additional medication or treatment.
Step 6. Call a dermatologist if the problem doesn't go away after a few days
Home remedies don't always relieve inflammation of the hair follicles or feathers. If you've been trying to treat your condition yourself for a few days and don't see any change, make an appointment with a dermatologist for professional advice.
- Your dermatologist may try a variety of treatments for you, depending on the cause of the inflammation of the hair follicles. If the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, for example, a dermatologist may prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic creams.
- If the infection causes a cyst or abscess, the dermatologist can remove fluid/pus from the cyst or abscess.
- Also ask your dermatologist for steps you can take to prevent the problem from reappearing.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Folliculitis
Step 1. Maintain good hygiene to keep skin clean
Take a daily shower with soap and warm water to remove bacteria and fungi from the skin before they cause folliculitis. Also, take a shower after you sweat a lot or are very dirty. To protect your skin, apply a moisturizer (just a thin layer) after you shower.
Use a mild soap to remove dirt, oil, bacteria, and fungus from the skin
Step 2. Boost the immune system
Since bacterial and fungal infections often cause folliculitis, boosting your immune system can prevent the problem. In this way, the body can fight off the "seeds" of infection before the infection occurs and worsens.
- Sleep for 7-8 hours every night. Fatigue can lower the immune system.
- Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Consume more fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid fast processed and sugary foods.
Step 3. Only use a well-maintained swimming pool or hot tub
Bacteria that cause hair or hair follicle infections are often attached to humans through unclean swimming pools or hot tubs. If you suspect the existing swimming pool or soaking tub is not clean, it's a good idea to play it safe and not swim or soak in the pool or tub.
- If you have your own swimming pool or hot tub, make sure you use chlorine to prevent the growth of bacteria in the water.
- The water should not look cloudy. Make sure you can see the bottom of the pool clearly before swimming or taking a dip.
- If foam still forms on the surface of the water in the hot tub after the jet engine has been turned off, there's a good chance the water in the pool isn't filtering properly.
- Take a shower immediately after you swim if you suspect the water in the pool is lacking or not clean.
Step 4. Wash the bathing suit after use
Bacteria that cause inflammation of hair follicles or feathers can live on your swimsuit after you get out of the pool. This means you can trigger the infection again if you don't wash your clothes. Therefore, wash your bathing suit after use to prevent infection.
Step 5. Shave well
If done the wrong way, shaving can trigger hair or hair to grow inwards (ingrown hair) and infection. If you are prone to inflammation of the hair follicles, follow these steps before shaving.
- Wet the skin with warm water before shaving to soften the hair or hair.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Store razors in a dry place to prevent bacterial growth.
- Only use a sharp razor to prevent scratching or slashing the skin.
Step 6. Wear loose clothing in hot and humid weather
Sweat and friction from clothing on the skin can trigger folliculitis. Prevent this problem by not wearing tight clothing in hot and humid weather.
- Try using baby powder on the skin so that the friction of the skin against clothing does not trigger infection or inflammation.
- Do not wear tight clothing when exercising. If you're wearing tight-fitting workout clothes, take them off immediately after exercising and showering.
Step 7. Only use reputable waxing salon services
A dirty salon can be a breeding ground for folliculitis-causing bacteria. Reduce this risk by visiting only reputable and clean waxing salons.
- Do an internet search of the salon you want to visit and find out if there are any negative reviews or news about the salon.
- Ask friends about their experiences when using certain waxing salon services.
