Acne

Folliculitis Barbae
(In-Grown Hairs)

Folliculitis can occur anywhere there is an injury or damage to the hair follicle caused by the rubbing of clothing or blockage of the follicle.  Folliculitis occurs in males and females.  Folliculitis barbae, on the other hand, is a male skin condition that occurs following shaving, frequently involving particularly curly beard hair.

Following shaving, the curly hair grows within the follicle in a corkscrew manner, growing into the follicle lining (wall).  The follicle opening may also be partially blocked by cellular debris, which increases the frequency of in-grown hairs.  Inflammation and an infection frequently result.  Folliculitis barbae is not acne but has similarities to acne (pustules and infections).

Traditional acne products are generally not the most effective products in treating folliculitis.  Folliculitis is caused by Staphylococcus bacteria (staph infection) and not by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which causes acne.  If product information does not include mention of this distinction and address the control of Staphylococcus, it is not likely the product(s) will control this bacteria.  Treatment with these products may be ineffectual.

Effective treatment must include removal and control of Staphylococcus.  Antibacterial Cleanser and Bacteriostat Cleanser both kill P. acnes, but they also kill staphylococcus, E. coli, Salmonella and a number of other dreaded bacteria.  These cleansers remove staph from the skin and kill the bacteria in existing folliculitis infections. 

Salicylic-Glycolic Gel and Follicle Clearing Lotion remove cellular debris from the follicles to keep the openings clear and allow the hair to pass beyond the follicle openings.  This significantly reduces the potential for new in-grown hairs.  Both of these products and the cleansers contain anti-inflammatory agents to prevent excessive exfoliation of the follicular linings, which promotes folliculitis barbae. 

Treatment in the AM should follow shaving.  The razor should be cleaned with the cleanser, as razors retain bacteria.  Use paper towels for a period of time to dry the face to avoid contamination from a soiled towel.  Change pillow cases frequently for a period of time.  If treatment is discontinued, folliculitis barbae may reoccur in time. 

Some patients may develop carbuncles and/or very dry patches of skin.  These can be treated with Moisture Complex.

Folliculitis Barbae (In-Grown Hairs)
Normal, Combination or Oily Skin
AM    Antibacterial Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Salicylic-Glycolic Gel – Apply following cleansing, leave on
Note: Perform treatment after shaving, rather than before
PM    Antibacterial Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Salicylic-Glycolic Gel – Apply following cleansing, leave on
Dry and/or Sensitive Skin
AM    Bacteriostat Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Follicle Clearing Lotion – Apply following cleansing, leave on
         Moisture Complex – Optional, for dry skin.  Use as needed, leave on
Note: Perform treatment after shaving, rather than before.
PM    Bacteriostat Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Follicle Clearing Lotion – Apply following cleansing, leave on
         Moisture Complex – Optional, for dry skin.  Use as needed, leave on

© 2008 BiON Research