Folliculitis Barbae – Folliculitis After Shaving

There are different types of folliculitis that may arise as a result of shaving.

Tinea Barbae is a form of folliculitis that is caused by a fungus in the area of the beard, which shows as itchy white bumps, frequently surrounded by red skin.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is inflammation of the hair follicles of the beard when hairs curve back into the skin following shaving.

In some instances, the hair follicle can become infected with the staphylococcus aureus bacteria, gaining access through a shaving cut.

Depending on the cause, folliculitis symptoms may vary. The most frequent symptoms being a rash, white bumps, itching, pimples and pustules.

Treatments may also vary. Relief may occur following application of a hot and moist compress to the affected area several times a day, which may help the drainage of the hair follicles. Antibiotics in cream form or taken orally may also be an option, as well as anti-fungal medications to control the infection.

Obviously, prevention is the better option. Avoid shaving if possible, or at least use a clean razor or use an electric version. Loose fitting clothes should be worn around recently shaven parts of the body. Do not share towels, and wash them after each use.

Folliculitis generally responds to treatment, but drugs are not the preferred choice for many people these days.

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Folliculitis Barbae

Folliculitis barbae is the term used for the infection caused due to inflammation of the hair follicles in the area of the beard.

Staphylococcus aureus is the bacteria that is responsible for many of the known skin infections, including folliculitis barbae. The infection often occurs in men after shaving. If the shaving equipment is contaminated and continually used, then a recurrence of the infection is highly likely. Bacteria may also inhabit the nose, so it is always worth checking for its presence.

Normally, the area affected is the upper part of the follicle, close to the skin. However, it can become a more deep seated infection, causing an inflammatory reaction from the immune system. This leads to redness and irritation in between the follicles, sometimes causing scarring. This is called sycosis barbae.

Folliculitis barbae results in extreme itchiness and tenderness. Around the beard area, red swellings, often tipped with yellow-headed spots called pustules, appear where the hairs exit from the skin. As the inflammatory reaction increases , the area of redness expands, which only serves to amplify irritation. In the case of sycosis barbae, pus can sometimes exude from the spots, causing even more discomfort.

Confirmation of folliculitis barbae may be achieved by taking pus samples to test for infection. Nasal swabs may also be used to ascertain whether bacteria from the nose is the problem. Very close examination of the skin is also necessary to differentiate between pseudofolliculitis (ingrowing hairs), and folliculitis barbae, although it is possible for both types to exist at the same time.

Typical folliculitis barbae treatment ranges from antibiotic tablets, cream applied to the skin, nasal antibiotics, steroid cream for chronic inflammation, to doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory antibiotics.

Natural folliculitis treatment, for all types including folliculitis barbae, are available if avoidance of antibiotics is preferred.

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