Many people develop folliculitis — a bumpy, pimple-like rash — after hair removal. It's usually caused by inflammation. Inflammation typically goes away on its own without treatment. If you have white or fluid-bumps that last more than a few days, your folliculitis may be the result of a mild infection.
An ingrown hair may appear about a week after waxing. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows and reinserts itself into the hair follicle. Ingrown hairs can cause itchy and sometimes painful bumps that often look like pimples on the skin. Without treatment, ingrown hairs can become infected.
Depending on the type of bump and the level of severity, waxing bumps can disappear anywhere between 24-hours post wax or up to a week. Folliculitis is the most common reaction and also the least alarming. Bumps from folliculitis usually subside within 24-48 hours post wax.
Don't Pop Pimples
And especially in areas where the skin is sensitive due to a recent wax, this can be a significant risk.
Use an Astringent
Applying an astringent immediately after waxing will help reduce the inflammation that occurs after the process. Soaking a cotton ball in the product and dabbing it softly on the area will kept the freshly waxed skin cool.
Folliculitis. According to the AAD, folliculitis will usually resolve on its own. 5 So, to help it along and to ease discomfort, apply a warm compress to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes, three or more times per day. You also should not wax, shave, or pluck hair for at least 30 days.
At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores.
Resist the temptation to squeeze or pop a folliculitis boil. While you might manage to express the pus and other infected fluid, you also run the risk of pushing those toxins more deeply into the skin, to the point that they may enter your bloodstream. Instead, let your dermatologist diagnose and treat the problem.
Folliculitis isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection, though in some cases it can transfer via close skin contact. However, the herpes simplex virus is spread through sexual contact. In rare cases, this virus can cause folliculitis.
It is typically not a cause for concern and will remedy independently. However, folliculitis can result in painful skin inflammation, sores, and pimple-like bumps. It is often the result of improper shaving technique, poor hygiene, and wearing tight clothing. Avoiding these practices can help prevent folliculitis.
Most cases of folliculitis are mild. It usually goes away on its own within a few days. In some cases, you might need medical treatment, such as antibiotics. Folliculitis isn't contagious, but it can spread from one part of the skin to another area on your body.
The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days.
Symptoms for folliculitis may include: Pus in the hair follicle. Irritated and red follicles. Damaged hair.
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with staphylococci (staph) bacteria.
We know it might be incredibly tempting to pop those annoying white pimples, but it will only aggravate the area more! Don't touch any freshly waxed areas for 24-48 hours after your service, as your skin is much more sensitive than usual.
It is common to develop folliculitis after hair removal, like waxing, which looks like small red bumps or pimples around hair follicles. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles are damaged and infected by bacteria.
However, if you want to get rid of bumps after waxing instead of waiting it out, you can apply a few simple home remedies that use aloe vera, tea tree oil, witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, or coconut oil.
Hair follicles remain open for hours after waxing, so it's best to avoid contact with any excess moisture for at least 24 hours. If you must bathe the same day as your wax, take a shower, not a bath. The bacteria, skin, and product in the water could cause infection.
Dry, brittle hair could possibly have broken during your wax. Reduce this from happening by exfoliating (a couple to few times a week) and moisturizing (daily) between wax appointments.