Folliculitis is simply an inflammation of the hair-producing follicles. They are located within the pores of your skin. Their symptoms include pain, itching and redness. Rashes, pimples or pustules may be present. If left untreated, boils, carbuncles, or boils can form.
Causes include fungal, bacterial and viral infections. But the condition begins when the hair follicles become damaged in some way. The damage allows pathogens to cause infection. Things that can damage follicles include:
• shaving, especially if a lubricant has not been used
• abrasion, usually from excessive scrubbing or exfoliation
• clogged pores
how to prevent folliculitis
You can prevent folliculitis if you avoid damaging the follicles. When you’re shaving, you should use a lubricant that doesn’t contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients. Ingredients to avoid include mineral oil, petroleum, paraffin wax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, mink oil, soybean oil, wheat germ oil, sodium chloride (salt), sodium laurel sulfate and artificial colors.
Exfoliation should be avoided if you have a history of folliculitis. You should never scrub your face, as it causes irritation and inflammation.
After shaving, you should use a solution that contains a natural antiseptic such as witch hazel or an antibacterial such as active manuka honey. This will help control bacteria and other pathogens, just in case a follicle is accidentally damaged.
For men who shave their faces, I recommend Active Facial Liquid as a post-shave treatment, due to its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
For women who shave their legs, underarms or other body parts, I recommend following them up with a good body lotion. Body lotion should have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.
• How to treat folliculitis
Antibiotics are rarely prescribed. In most cases, a topical antiseptic treatment is necessary. I recommend using a deep cleansing mask as soon as you notice symptoms.
Most antiseptic treatments contain alcohol. Many contain pore-clogging ingredients that may increase your risk of future episodes. Even the better antiseptic ointments contain only one active ingredient.
The list below shows you what’s in our recommended deep cleansing mask, as well as the medicinal activity of each ingredient.
• Kaolin – antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory
• Shea Butter – Anti-inflammatory
• Active Manuka Honey – Antibacterial
• Allantoin – Anti-inflammatory
• Synergy Anti-inflammatory Vaccines
Deep cleansing masks can also be used on an occasional (usually bi-weekly) basis to help prevent clogged pores and folliculitis. Kaolin is a clay extract that attracts dirt particles and other debris, gently drawing them out of the pores.
• Other things to consider
Chronic or recurrent folliculitis is associated with a variety of nutritional deficiencies. A good multi-nutritional supplement like Total Balance will fill in any gaps in your diet.
Omega-3 fish oil helps reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body. It is not a cure, but it may help prevent future outbreaks.
• Restatement of Benefits
If you use a deep cleansing mask, its benefits will include:
• Less Pain
• less redness
• less itching
• Fast treatment
Those benefits are due to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of the ingredients in the mask. This will provide the folliculitis relief you need.
• What should you do now
Here’s your next step to healthier, more radiant skin care – sign up for our free skin care guide and newsletter. Just click on the link that says Free Skin Care Guide in the resource box below. Go there now. “You’ll love the way you look.”
Source by Margaret Bell
