5 Home Remedies to Treat Folliculitis

As women, we know the frustration, time and pain that comes along with shaving and waxing. It is a constant upkeep battle that comes with monthly visits to the salon, ever-changing razors, hot wax, and unfortunately razor bump folliculitis. In fact, when we chose to shave or wax our lady bits, we are choosing to rip out our hair follicles from the roots and when they grow back, they become embedded in the skin which leads to an infected hair follicle. Ouch! If you are like me and have been experiencing folliculitis, then I have some extremely helpful tips to help you relieve the pain and irritation at home. 

RELATED: Embarrassing Bikini Waxing Questions Answered

5 Home Remedies You Need

1. Warm Compress

The use of a warm compress will help the pain, swelling and irritation you are currently experiencing.

Use a new clean cloth each time and follow these steps below two or three times a day. 

• Boil 2 or 3 cups of water.
• Then let it stand until it reaches room temperature. 
• Add in 1 tsp of salt and stir.
• Soak the cloth in the solution and then ring out excess water.
• Gently press to the affected area. 

2. Antibacterial Soap Wash

Ensuring that the affected area is clean daily is a wonderful way to help speed up the healing process and prevent folliculitis from spreading.

You will use a clean cloth (each time) warm water and an antibacterial soap at least two times daily. Once done cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth.

From our partner

Join a Study, Help Future Patients. Researchers are studying a potential treatment for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Find out if you may qualify

RELATED: 5 Real Reasons To Stop Shaving Your Pubic Hair

3. Aloe Vera or Apple Cider Vinegar 

These two methods can offer double protection and healing measures. Aloe Vera is a wonder plant that gives you a soothing sensation and helps the skin heal faster.

Please use only pure Aloe Vera with no perfumes or additives and only after you have cleaned the affected area.

The next thing you can use is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). It is an antimicrobial agent that helps manage your condition. Follow these steps below. 

• Mix 1 tbs of ACV with ½ of water.
• Then dip cotton balls into the solution, apply to the affected area for two minutes. 
• Repeat twice a day. 

4. Hydrogen Peroxide Wash

Now, I never thought to use hydrogen peroxide, but it is shown to get rid of bacteria and fungi that folliculitis can cause. You can find hydrogen in any local store or pharmacy, such as Walmart.

From our partner

Diagnosed with Advanced Small Cell Lung Cancer? Learn more about a new study for patients with ES-SCLC.

Please remember to avoid using this solution on healthy skin. You do not want to kill healthy bacteria. This remedy can be followed in three straightforward steps. 

• First, you can dilute the hydrogen with clean sterile water or just use it directly as is. 
• Next, apply to the affected area with a clean cotton ball. A spray bottle can be used for large areas. 
• Lastly, you let the area dry and reapply as needed. 

RELATED: Ouch! 3 Ways Shaving Can Send you to the ER

5. Benzoyl Peroxide 

This is a wash solution that I was prescribed by my dermatologist. It is used to treat acne. You can obtain one by going to see a dermatologist or you can buy one OTC in the beauty aisle of a store such as Walmart or Safeway.

If you decide to use it, please follow the directions labeled on the bottle. However, my wash works like this: 

• First, wash the affected area with soap and warm water. I usually apply mine while in the shower, so this is simple to do. 
• Then once the area is clean, shake the bottle and pour a dime size onto your finger. 
• Then apply to the area for a minute by rubbing it in. 
• Then rinse with water and pat dry when you are done. Use twice daily. 

Laser Hair Removal: What You Need to Know

In the end, folliculitis needs to be taken seriously and these tips above will help you treat and manage your condition the best way possible especially if you are still shaving and/or waxing. The benefits of these tips are they are things you might already have at home or if you need to buy, they are inexpensive to purchase. This is great especially now with the holidays upon us. However, if you are looking to fully prevent this from happening again, then you should investigate Laser Hair Removal.