How to Treat Hair Follicle Inflammation Problem – Folliculitis
Folliculitis is simply inflammation of the hair-producing follicles. They are located within the pores of your skin. They symptoms include pain, itching and redness. Rashes, pimples or pustules may be present. If left untreated, boils, carbuncles or furuncles can form.
The causes include fungal, bacterial and viral infections. But the condition begins when the hair follicles are damaged in some way. The damage allows the pathogens to cause infection. Things that can damage the follicles include:
- Shaving, especially when no lubricant is used
- Friction, usually from excessive scrubbing or exfoliation
- Clogged pores
How to Prevent Folliculitis
You can prevent folliculitis if you avoid damaging the follicles.
- When you are shaving, you should use a ubricant that does not contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients. Ingredients to avoid include mineral oil, petrolatum, 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 auses irritation and inflammation. After shaving, you should use a solution that contains a natural antiseptic like witch hazel or an antibacterial like active manuka honey. This will help to control bacteria and other pathogens, just in case a follicle accidentally becomes damaged.
For men who shave their faces, I recommend active facial fluid as an after-shave treatment, because of its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
For women who shave their legs, underarms or other body parts, I recommend they follow up with a good Body Lotion. The 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 all that is necessary. I recommend the use of the a Deep Cleansing Mask as soon as you notice the symptoms.
Most antiseptic treatments contain alcohol. Many contain pore-clogging ingredients that can increase your risk of future episodes. Even the better antiseptic ointments contain only one active ingredient.
The list below shows you what the our recommended Deep Cleansing Mask contains, 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
- Cynergy TK-anti-inflammatory
The Deep Cleansing mask can also be used on an occasional (usually bi-weekly) basis to help prevent clogged pores and the accompanying folliculitis. Kaolin is a clay extract that attracts dirt particles and other debris, pulling them gently out of the pores.
Other Things to Consider
Chronic or recurring folliculitis has been associated with a variety of nutritional deficiencies. A good multi-nutritional supplement like Total Balance will correct any shortcomings in your diet.
Omega-3 fish oil helps to reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body. It is not a treatment, but it may help prevent future outbreaks.
A Recap of the Benefits
If all you do is use the Deep Cleansing Mask, the benefits will include:
- Reduced pain
- Reduced redness
- Reduced itching
- Faster healing
Those benefits are due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-pathogen activity of the ingredients in the mask. It will provide the folliculitis relief you need.
Posted in Treatments