Folliculitis Barbae

Read more about Folliculitis Barbae below.

Characteristics of Folliculitis Barbae

Folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles, can occur anywhere there is an injury or damage to the hair follicle caused by the rubbing of clothing or blockage of the follicle. Folliculitis occurs in males and females. Folliculitis barbae (PFB), on the other hand, is a male skin condition that occurs following shaving (razor bumps), frequently involving particularly curly beard hair. Folliculitis pubis can occur following shaving or waxing in the genital area. Folliculitis nuchae occurs on the back of the neck and can form dark, hard bumps on the neck.

Following shaving, the curly hair grows within the follicle in a corkscrew manner, growing into the follicle lining (wall). The follicle opening may also be partially blocked by cellular debris, which increases the frequency of in-grown hairs. Inflammation and a bacterial or viral infection frequently results. Folliculitis barbae is not acne but has similarities to acne (pustules and infections).

Traditional acne products are generally not the most effective products in treating folliculitis. Folliculitis is generally caused by Staphylococcus bacteria (staph infection) and not by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which causes acne. If product information does not include mention of this distinction and address the control of Staphylococcus, it is not likely the product(s) will control this bacteria. Treatment with these products may be ineffectual.

Effective folliculitis barbae treatment must include removal and control of Staphylococcus. BiON’s Antibacterial Cleanser and Bacteriostat Cleanser both kill P. acnes, but they also kill staphylococcus, E. coli, Salmonella and a number of other dreaded bacteria. These cleansers remove staph from the skin and kill the bacteria in existing folliculitis infections.

Biochemically Speaking, Acne Is Easy To Understand

BiON’s Salicylic-Glycolic Gel and Follicle Clearing Lotion remove cellular debris from the follicles to keep the openings clear and allow the hair to pass beyond the follicle openings. This significantly reduces the potential for new in-grown hairs. Both of these products, and the cleansers, contain anti-inflammatory agents to prevent excessive exfoliation of the follicular linings, which promotes folliculitis barbae. BiON’s Post Waxing Lotion is beneficial in preventing in-grown hairs and inflammation after waxing and shaving by weakening hair follicles and exfoliating the skin.

Men who suffer with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae must take special precautions to avoid PFB. Electric shavers and neck clippers do not trim the wiry, curly hairs of PFB sufferers close enough to the skin. If a close shave of the face or neck is not performed the hairs will again curl over and grow into the skin. For PFB sufferers it is recommended to use a SHARP single edge razor daily. Multiple blade razors cut the hair too short and dull blades can actually cause more razor bumps. Use a new blade every 2 to 3 days. It is important to shave daily and not to use neck clippers.

Apply Post Waxing Lotion every day after shaving to prevent PFB.  Also apply Post Waxing Lotion  for 3 to 4 days before and after having back of neck shaved by the barber.  The razor should be cleaned with Antibacterial Cleanser or Bacteriostat Cleanser, as razors retain bacteria. Use paper towels for a period of time to dry the face to avoid contamination from a soiled towel. Change pillow cases frequently for a period of time. If treatment is discontinued, folliculitis barbae may reoccur in time.

Some patients may develop carbuncles and/or very dry patches of skin. These can be treated with BiON’s Moisture Complex. This product was developed especially for acneic skin and can be used along with BiON’s acne products for adult acne, cystic acne, acne vulgaris, blackheads, milia and whiteheads.

If folliculitis pubis, in-grown hairs following salon waxing, or folliculitis nuchae, hard nodules on the back of the neck after a barber visit or waxing, are a problem, BiON’s Post Waxing Lotion can be applied to the waxed or shaved area 2 to 3 times daily for 2 days. This will prevent the development of inflammation and in-grown hairs.

Folliculitis Barbae (In-Grown Hairs)

Normal, Combination or Oily Skin

AM:
Antibacterial Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
Post Waxing Lotion– Apply following cleansing, leave on

Note: Perform treatment after shaving, rather than before

PM:
Antibacterial Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
Post Waxing Lotion– Apply following cleansing, leave on

Dry and/or Sensitive Skin

AM:
Bacteriostat Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
Post Waxing Lotion – Apply following cleansing, leave on
Moisture Complex – Optional, for dry skin. Use as needed, leave on

Note: Perform treatment after shaving, rather than before.

PM:
Bacteriostat Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
Post Waxing Lotion – Apply following cleansing, leave on
Moisture Complex – Optional, for dry skin. Use as needed, leave on

Waxing and Electrolysis

Post Waxing Lotion for home use should be used by clients with recurring or pre-existing ingrown hair problems. Post Waxing Lotion  should be applied two times a day starting 2 to 3 days prior to hair removal by waxing, sugaring or electrolysis. This application will prevent the development of inflammation and in-grown hairs by weakening hair follicles and exfoliating the skin prior to waxing, making hair removal in the salon much cleaner and neater.

• Apply a sufficient amount of Post Waxing Lotion to dampen the skin approximately 10 minutes prior to waxing and allow to dry. Apply a very thin layer when using on the face or extremely sensitive areas.
• After waxing procedure, apply  Post Waxing Lotion to the area waxed 2 to 3 times daily for 2 days. May have a drying effect on extra sensitive areas.  There may be slight stinging for a few seconds when applying initially after waxing. Post wax skin bumps should be minimal the next day.
• No additional treatment should be needed for approximately 7 days after completing Step 3 unless ingrown hairs remain. Clients that are prone to post waxing ingrown hairs client should be instructed to apply Post Waxing Lotion 2-3 times weekly to maintain ingrown hair free skin.