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Folliculitis
What is folliculitis and are there any remedies I can use to reduce it?
Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles as it appears on the surface of the skin. It can occur anywhere on the skin and is generally caused by the hair follicles becoming damaged due to friction from clothing, a blockage of the follicle or from shaving. Sometimes the follicles may become infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus which causes further irritation, inflammation and infection. Folliculitis causes a rash, itching, and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle in the neck, groin, or genital area.
Lifestyle factors for folliculitis
- Hot, moist compresses may promote drainage of the affected follicles
- Reduce friction from clothing and wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic clothing
- Avoid shaving the area if possible and always use a sharp razor when shaving to ensure a smooth shave. Splash on some Witch Hazel water after shaving to help tonify the skin and heal minor cuts
- Keep the area clean
- Avoid contaminated clothing and washcloths
- Gentle skin brushing of the area may help to reduce the incidence of folliculitis any release any blocked follicles beneath the skin
Natural remedies for folliculitis
- Apply a soothing balm which may also reduce the incidence of the irritation returning, a herbal based aqueous cream containing anti-bacterial herbs may be of assistance. Manuka honey or creams containing Calendula, Comfrey, Tea Tree oil, Lavender or Rose hip oil will also help to soothe the condition
- Zinc supplementation, Zinc is a mineral which is needed to reduce inflammation and to help the skin to heal