Red Bumps After Waxing?

If you have noticed red bumps after waxing, then you are probably suffering from folliculitis. This happens because the waxing process causes irritation of the hair follicles, leading to inflammation. The waxing treatment removes the whole hair, even down to the root below the skin surface. However, even though this hair removal treatment is highly effective, if the wax is too hot, or the skin is already sensitive, then folliculitis can occur.

Folliculitis falls into two types. Superficial folliculitis manifests as groups of small red bumps or blisters filled with pus, with skin inflammation that feels extremely sore, itchy and tender. Deep folliculitis consists of larger sores with pus-filled blisters, often very painful, which may leave scars as the infection heals.

As for prevention, if you already have sensitive or sunburned skin, it is better to avoid waxing altogether. If you have undergone a waxing treatment, do not wear tight, rough material such as jeans, or lycra outfits over the waxed area. In fact, avoid anything that may cause friction or rub the skin of the waxed area. Laser hair removal may be a better alternative method, as it is does not usually lead to folliculitis.

Home remedies that can be tried include the application of a warm compress to the waxed area several times a day, which should soothe the inflamed skin. Oatmeal lotions, over the counter hydrocortisone creams or antibiotic ointment, and antibacterial soap are other options that could be tried. If you have to shave the waxed area, it would be wise to use an electric razor, applying soothing lotion afterwards.

Mild attacks of folliculitis may clear up by themselves without treatment or by using home remedies. However, sometimes the infection may spread, or the pain may increase. In this instance, medical assistance should always be sought, as some form of medication may be required, usually in the form of a course of antibiotics.

However, where hair removal is concerned, if a common sense approach is followed, then folliculitis can be avoided or at least controlled, even by using home folliculitis treatments.

Superficial Folliculitis

There are various forms of superficial folliculitis, which include the following:

Staphylococcal Folliculitis

This is a very common type which can be identified by very itchy, white bumps that are filled with pus, appearing anywhere on the body where hair follicles are situated. It is caused by hair follicles becoming infected by the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, commonly called staph. Even though staph bacteria are present permanently on the skin, it only presents a problem on entering the body via a wound or a cut. For example, this could occur whilst shaving or through a simple scratch.

Pseudomonas Folliculitis

This type is often referred to as Hot Tub Folliculitis. 

The cause of this form of folliculitis is the pseudomonas bacteria, which prospers in many different surroundings, including hot tubs in which the regulation of chlorine and  pH levels is lacking. Many red, itchy bumps can appear any time up to five days following exposure to the bacteria. These can very quickly develop into pustules, which are small pus-laden blisters. The rash can often be found to be worse in the areas where swimwear retains the contaminated water close to the skin.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

This affects men in the area of the beard, following shaving, when shaved hairs curve back into the skin, leading to inflammation. An unpleasant end result can be the formation of dark scars on the face and neck, usually known as keloid scars.

Pityrosporum Folliculitis

This type occurs as a result of a yeast infection, producing long-lasting, red and itchy pustules on the chest and back, and in some cases on the neck and face. This is particularly prevalent in teens and adult men.

Folliculitis Symptoms

Folliculitis symptoms and signs are variable , depending upon which infection type they are based. There are two distinct types of infection, Superficial Folliculitis and Deep Folliculitis.

Superficial Folliculitis

In this case, the upper section of the hair follicle is affected, which may result in the following:

• Groups of either red or pus-filled bumps that encircle hair follicles
• Blisters that are full of pus that crack and crust over
• Inflamed and reddened skin patches
• Extreme soreness and itchiness

Deep Folliculitis

In this type, the problem arises deeper in the skin that surrounds the hair follicle, with the whole hair follicle affected. This can lead to:

• Large inflated bumps
• Pus-laden blisters, breaking open and crusting
• Pain
• Possibility of scars remaining on clearance of the infection