Month: October 2014

What Is Folliculitis & How Do I Treat It?

What Is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition which can be uncomfortable and irritating. It arises from either infection or blockage of the hair follicles when it becomes in-grown. It can develop on anyone, both men and women, although certain factors can make some people more likely to get it.

can laser hair removal cure folliculitis?

Yes it can is the short answer. If it can cure yours would depend on a number of factors. These include the cause of your folliculitus and your suitability for laser hair removal treatment. To fully understand your condition and find out about treatment options keep reading.

Common causes of Folliculitis

These include:

  1. Existing acne or dermatitis
  2. Having a medical condition (diabetes, leukemia and HIV/AIDS)
  3. Medications including steroid cream or antibiotics for acne
  4. Clothing such as rubber gloves or high boots which are poorly ventilated
  5. Medications including steroid cream or antibiotics for acne
  6. Using poorly maintained hot tubs
  7. Damaged hair follicles via shaving, waxing or tight clothing
  8. Men with curly hair

Symptoms

Initially it may appear around the hair follicle as small red bumps or white-headed pimples. The follicles are the tiny pockets from which each hair grows and where the name folliculitis derives.

Most often it clears up in a few day but in more serious cases they can become infected. The infection can then spread and turn into non-healing, crusty sores leaving scarring.

Usually a condition which is suffered by males, it is caused by a variety of factors and appears in different guises.

Male model on green background

Types Of Folliculitis

Folliculitis can be either superficial or deep. Superficial folliculitis involves part of the follicle. Deep folliculitis involves the whole follicle and is usually more problematic and severe.

Superficial Types Of Folliculitis

  • Bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus

The most common types include that which is caused by infection of the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus and that which is caused by many ingrown hairs. The appearance of both kinds of folliculitis is very similar with red inflamed pimples appearing on the area of each hair follicle, sometimes with a yellow head present which can be itchy and pus-filled .

Staphylococcus infection is often transmitted from the sufferer’s own nose where this bacteria is usually present; generally the bacteria is completely harmless until it colonises areas it’s not meant to be…i.e. the hair follicles!

  • Folliculitis barbae

The other kind of folliculitis, sometimes called razor burns, is caused by in-growing hairs which become twisted within the follicle and cause a nasty pimple; this is usually found in men with curly hair.

It is more common in Asian and African and Caribbean men. The friction caused by shaving can damage the follicle and that’s when folliculitis occurs.

  • Hot tub folliculitis (pseudomonas folliculitis

Is caused by pseudomonas bacteria, which is found in many places, including hot tubs and heated pools in which the chlorine and pH levels aren’t well-regulated.

The risk factors for folliculitis don’t only include shaving though…if you spend a lot of time in public baths or hot tubs then you’re at increased risk as bacteria thrives in warm, wet places and this is a common way for people to pick up the bacterial strain of folliculitis.

  • Pityrosporum follicculitis

Is chronic, red, itchy pustules on the back and chest and sometimes on the neck, shoulders, upper arms and face. This type is caused by a yeast infection.

Forms of deep folliculitis include:

  • Sycosis barbae

Affecting men who have started to shave.

  • Gram-negative folliculitis

Develops if you’re receiving long-term antibiotic therapy for acne.

  • Boils (furuncles)

These occur when hair follicles become deeply infected with staph bacteria. A red or pink bump or boil usually appears and can be painful.

  • Eosinophilic folliculitis

Mainly affecting people with HIV/AIDS.

 

folliculitis through shaving

Shaving and folliculitis

As the saying goes prevention is better then cure. Tips for avoiding folliculitis include avoiding shaving if you don’t need to be clean shaven. Not an option for everyone but consider growing a beard if you have suffered from folliculitis and want to lower your risks.

If you must shave do it with care and if you can less frequently. Try and adopt good shaving habits such as washing with warm water using antibacterial soap before you start.Raise embedded hairs with a soft pad by or flannel and apply generous amounts of lotion before you start.

Other tips include:

  • Shave in either direction. There is not one rule for everyone. Do what works for you.
  • Try not to shave too close either by stretching the skin or using an electric razor.
  • If you are shaving manually take care to rinse the blade after each stroke with warm water.
  • Applying moisturising lotion after you shave.
  • Try not to share razors, towels and flannels

How to get rid of folliculitis

Folliculitis can be prevented by scrupulous bathing and by exfoliation and regular shaving breaks. For some men however, they find that recurrent infection is so regular that the best course of action is to have the hair in the problem area permanently removed with such treatments as laser hair removal.

Laser treatment for folliculitis scars

Laser hair removal will destroy the problem hair follicle safely without damaging any surround skin tissue as well as being able to diminish the appearance of any scarring that may have resulted from folliculitis.

In addition to helping treat folliculitis it will also reduce your chances of developing the skin problem in the future.

Laser hair removal for folliculitis before and after picture

folliculitis before and after picture

Laser hair removal prices

Prices for laser hair removal start from £22 at Premier Laser. Advanced laser now work on all skin types and tones from light to dark skin and can bring you excellent results and an end to painful folliculitis.

Next Steps if you live in London

If you live in London near one of our 9 clinics why not book a free consultation with one of our friendly laser specialists. Since 2008 we have performed over 500,000 laser treatments on Londoners of all colours and genders and are London’s leading independent laser specialists.

 

 

25 Weird Facts about Hair You Never Knew

Having done laser hair removal since 2008, we have got rid of a lot of hair in that time – billions of hairs.! So lets talk about hair!.

Hair is one of those things which we take for granted….unless we’ve got too much or too little of it! It’s a defining feature for most people with many women being extremely attached to their hair or very proud of it.

There are numerous superstitions and old wives tales attached to hair, its growth, its colour and when and when not to cut it. In reality it’s something which is there for a purpose…the hair on our heads provides warmth and some protection from blows; rather like a cushioning surface it dulls any knocks to the head we may suffer in addition to protecting our scalps from the sun’s UV rays.

The hair on our bodies is there for similar reasons but today, we strive to minimise its presence and many people in the Western World prefer a smooth, hair-free finish. The following weird facts about hair are fascinating and incredible…so read on to learn more about something which most people take for granted.

hair model

25 Weird Hair Facts

1) Your hair is a sort of recording device and contains much information about what you have eaten and drunk including medications and minerals.

2) Blonde people have more hairs than dark or red haired people. Blondes average at 146,000 hair strands whilst brunettes have a measly 100,000!

3) The only information which cannot be identified through hair is sex. Scientists can tell a person’s race, age and what their diet is like but not what sex they are by studying a strand of hair.

4) Hair is very elastic and can stretch up to 30% more than its original length.

5) Hair is extremely strong and a whole head of hair can support 2 tonnes in weight.

6) Red hair is the rarest colour and is found in only 1% of the population of the world.

7) Hair grows in phases and at any one time while 90% of the hair on your head is growing, the other 10% is resting.

8) The Victorians used to make jewellery and keepsakes from locks of hair saved from their dead loved-ones. Saved within lockets and twined into intricate patterns they wore this jewellery as a reminder of their dear departed.

9) In some cultures the hair is never cut when the moon is waning (growing smaller) but only when it is waxing (growing larger) as the belief is that this makes it grow strong and well.

10) Hair covers every surface of the human body with the exception of the palms, the soles of the feet and the mucus membranes.

11) Fetuses have formed all of their hair follicles by the time they are 5 months old.

12) The average woman under the age of 35 spends between £500 and £800 on hair care products per year.

13) The first people recorded as having habitually removed their body hair were the ancient Egyptians.

14) Hair is one of the most commonly used pieces of evidence in forensic investigation.

15) Once hair leaves your scalp, it is dead.

16) Trichotillomania is the compulsion some people suffer which drives them to pull out their own hair strand by strand.

17) Hair does not keep on growing indefinitely if you stop cutting it; most people’s hair has a finite length and will not grow beyond around 3 feet long.

18) Male pattern baldness is inherited from either the male or the female side of the family.

19) We all have tiny mites living in the roots of our eyelashes and while that sounds gross, they are actually helping us out by being there. They eat the shed cells from the area and this helps new eyelashes to grow.

20) The average Caucasian will begin greying at around 34 years old; black people and Asian people don’t begin this process until around 10 years later.

21) Hair takes 6 weeks to grow

22) The hair cycle contains 3 phases

23) You lose around 100-150 hairs a day

24) Hair is the 2nd fastest organ in the body ( after the marrow )

25) A single hair can live for 5 years!

So all in all, hair is pretty amazing stuff; it keeps us warm, it protects us and looks pretty too…it’s no wonder that it’s such a defining feature for many people!

5 Health Benefits Of Jojoba Oil

The Jojoba shrub grows in the harsh climate of the Sonoran Desert where locals have harvested it for centuries for use in preparations which have a number of health benefits and medicinal uses. Today it’s sold widely in the Western World and if you’ve never investigated this magical elixir then you’re missing out!

Jojoba is rich in beneficial ingredients which are amazing for a number of problem areas on your body…read on to learn more about the health benefits of Jojoba oil and the 5 ways in which your body can recover from minor irritations with it’s help.

Makeup remover: Treat your skin as it needs to be treated by using an all natural makeup remover. Jojoba oil is non-greasy and unlike many commercially sold makeup removers it is free from harsh perfumes. You need only a few drops on a cotton ball to successfully remove even the thickest of makeup and without dragging or rubbing. It won’t cause breakouts because it won’t clog your pores so your skin will benefit from being clean and makeup free and there will be no nasty residue left over.

Moisturiser: For your face and for your body Jojoba oil makes a great moisturizer and will nourish your skin and calm dry or flaky patches down. Massage it into your driest areas straight after a shower when your skin is still moist and if you make a habit of this, within a week you will notice a huge difference in softness and flexibility.

Deep conditioning treatment: If your hair is dry due to over processing or regular dye applications, then use Jojoba oil as a recovery aid. Dampen your hair and then apply a blob of oil and massage it in… leave it to work over an hour before washing out…you’ll find your hair is softer and shiner than ever.

modelHand and foot treatment: Massage Jojoba oil into your hands and feet, pop on some socks and some cotton gloves and relax for an hour; when you remove them the oil will have conditioned your skin and nails.

Lip conditioner: Use Jojoba oil instead of thick, greasy lip balms…in the winter or summer months it will moisturize and protect at the same time.

Natural oils are pure and free from chemicals….and chemicals are often the cause of sensitive or red skin. Don’t use over the counter treatments unless you must. All-natural Jojoba oil can perform so many miracles on the health of your skin, hair and nails that it really is a wonder-oil!

Jojoba oil is inexpensive and you know there are nothing but natural ingredients in it; give it a try…your body will thank you for it and you should see an improvement in your problem areas with a week or two.

Achieve That Flat Belly You Have Always Wanted With These Simple Tips

A flat belly is the one thing which most of us crave and even if you’re not generally overweight it can still be the cause of a let down in your general shape. A flat belly is what makes your clothes look great…it’s the thing that will allow you to wear your swimsuit with confidence and wear jeans in comfort.

Continue reading “Achieve That Flat Belly You Have Always Wanted With These Simple Tips”

What Is A Chemical Peel And How Does It Work?

To the uninitiated chemical peels can sound rather barbaric. After all…this is your face we’re talking about here! The thought of adding chemicals which cause peeling to your facial area can sound rather frightening but in fact, chemical peels are highly effective and surprisingly non-painful to undergo.

Continue reading “What Is A Chemical Peel And How Does It Work?”

Have You Tried The Acne Free Diet?

For many years researchers and skin specialists believed that there was no connection between diet and skin health. Acne was caused by hormones or by poor cleanliness and a whole host of other outside elements.

research into acne causes

However, in recent years more and more evidence is coming to light regarding diet and skin health. A recent study by RMIT University in Australia and the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Children’s and Royal Melbourne hospitals has turned up some compelling evidence to indicate that diet plays an enormous role in the health of our skin.

diet and acne

Part of the study pointed to the unarguable fact that whilst acne is very prevalent in Western societies it is practically non-existent in more traditional communities; hunter gatherers are rarely reported to suffer from acne and Eskimo communities who eat seasonal and caught foods only began to suffer from acne in the 1950s…when American companies began working in their land and employed many locals. This led to those employees and their families suddenly chancing their dietary habits and within 15 years acne had reared its ugly head.

Those dietary changes were of course the inclusion of processed foods and much more sugar than these people had ever before been exposed to.

 

acne

What is acne and what causes it?

Before the acne diet is discussed, it is important to fully grasp what acne actually is…it’s not just a breakout of spots or pimples which is something which many teenagers and even people in their 30s are prone to now and then.

Acne is a chronic skin condition where the spots, pustules and cysts are more extreme and they don’t only affect the face but can appear on the back and shoulders as well as the neck.

Acne can be painful as well as unsightly and at a time when a young person wants to feel their best, it is a particularly cruel condition…sapping confidence and making young people very unhappy.

When hair follicles and pores become blocked with old skin cells and naturally occurring oils, the sebaceous glands beneath the skin’s surface keep on creating oil regardless…this creates in turn a “back up” of oil….that’s the lump or bump which can look so red, sore and unsightly.

types of acne

There are various types of acne and they’re generally classified as :

  • mild
  • moderate
  • severe

Mild acne

consists of blackheads and whiteheads which don’t become especially raised or sore in appearance but can still be unsightly. They won’t usually appear anywhere else but the face.

Moderate acne

can include papules which are raised and inflamed lumps and pustules, which are raised, inflamed and include an infected looking “head” of white or yellow.

Severe acne

is the most debilitating of the types and it includes cysts and nodules which are very large, inflamed, sore and uneven in appearance; this type of acne can strike the face and the body at the same time.

How can the Acne Free Diet help?

For many years, the link between diet and acne has been ignored and this has been based on two poorly controlled studies both of which were published over 30 years ago! Now the team from RMIT University, led by Doctor Neil Mann have not only challenged this but have created a carefully constructed diet which can change the course of acne over as little as 12 weeks.

On the face of it, the diet is very simple…and that is also the core of the idea behind the Acne Free Diet. By following a diet unlike most other modern Western societies, people are finding that their acne is clearing up and becoming a minor issue or even a thing of the past.

The diet is based on the diets of those hunter-gatherer societies who never suffered from acne.

eliminating processed and sugary food

It is a diet free from processed and sugary foods…an extremely healthy diet and one which is simple to manage and easy to stick to; it involves eating more lean protein and low Glaecaemic index foods such as Basmati rice and beans.

The study involved two focus groups, all of which were young men between the ages of 15 and 25. One group stuck to a normal Western diet which included processed foods high in sugar and fat and the other group ate a diet which imitated that of the hunter gatherer…so plenty of fish, lean meat, eggs, pulses and greens.

results of test

At the end of the test period, the young men who had followed the healthier diet showed more than 50% improvement in their acne symptoms whilst the other group showed no such improvement. The men on the healthy diet also showed a reduction in insulin resistance as well as a reduction in the presence of hormones which are linked to acne.

The improvements in skin was said to be significant and noticeable and the decrease of insulin resistance was a wonderful side-effect which could help people prone to diabetes in the future.

Well-being and confidence was also said to be at an all-time high amongst the young men who ate the hunter gatherer style diet.

The Demonization of Carbs

In recent years, carbohydrates have suffered a severe knocking from various “experts” who claim they are responsible for everything from weight gain to skin issues when in fact they are a vital part of a healthy diet.

Carbs play a vital role in the supply of energy to healthy, active people and they are also the only food which affects blood glucose levels. This is linked to the Glaecaemic Index mentioned earlier…or GI for short.

Glaecaemic Index

GI measures the rise and fall effect which certain foods have on blood glucose.

Foods with a high GI measurement include sugary breakfast cereals and biscuits as well as white bread and potatoes. These foods are digested fast, absorbed fast and they cause blood glucose levels to shoot upwards rapidly…providing a short lived “kick” of energy. This cheaply gained energy causes the pancreas to produce high insulin levels…and it’s those insulin levels which stimulate the hormones associated with acne.

Low GI carbs such as Basmati rice, beans, porridge and wholegrain bread do the opposite. They provide energy over a sustained period of time…and don’t cause insulin levels to spike.

eating healthy for your skin

What the Anti Acne Diet Involves

The foods which you can safely eat on the Anti Acne Diet include the following:

 

  • High fibre breakfast cereals such as rolled oats and natural muesli
  • Grain bread, fruit loaf and sourdough
  • Basmati rice, Doongara rice, wholegrain pasta, noodles
  • Crispbreads with grains
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables especially bananas, apples, carrots, sweet potato and sweet corn
  • Plain popcorn and unsalted nuts
  • Honey
  • Water, fruit juice and low fat milk

Pretty much any fruit and vegetable or salad is a great choice so when participants experienced the desire to snack on sugary foods, the advice is to grab a handful of berries instead.

  • What about meals?

When planning your meals, remember that a portion of lean meat is advised with lunch and dinner. You can vary the types of meat which you choose and keep portions to realistic size.

It is advised for those following the diet to eat at least 3 portions of red meat per week. Lamb, beef, veal or fish are all good choices for dinner. For lunch, a portion of lean chicken, turkey or fish is a good idea as they’re packed with nutrients and low in fat. Dairy should be eaten 3 times per day and do remember to include eggs.

Add leafy green vegetables and salads to your plate as well as legumes, rice or beans where possible.

  • Remember to go low GI

Breakfast is the perfect time to get strict and remember to choose a good kick start to your day; porridge or muesli is ideal as they are low GI and will see you through until your next snack or meal.

Fruit should be included as a snack and aim for around 3 pieces per day. During the evening which is a danger point for many people…a time when unhealthy snacks seem more tempting, have popcorn (unsweetened) to hand as well as dried fruit or nuts. These are all proved snacks for the Anti Acne Diet and with results expected within 12 short weeks, it’s worth making the extra effort.

Meal Ideas

Sometimes it’s hard to stick to special diets because food is habit forming…meaning that it feels “easier” to open a packet and throw something into the microwave than to plan a healthy meal…but this needn’t be the reality if you are willing to plan a little and to ensure that you always have plenty of choices at hand.

Breakfast ideas

  • Two boiled eggs with two slices of wholegrain toast
  • Baked beans with two slices of wholegrain toast
  • Fruit smoothie made from one piece of fruit, spoon of honey and small tub of natural yogurt or half tub natural yogurt and half glass of milk
  • Two slices wholegrain toast, sautéed mushrooms and tomato slices

Lunch ideas

  • Ham salad sandwich made with wholegrain bread, 100g ham, mixed salad and a little mustard
  • Chicken and pasta salad made with 100g skinless chicken, cup of wholegrain pasta, mixed salad and a sprinkle of seeds
  • Lamb salad made with 100g diced lamb, mixed salad and oil-free dressing.

Dinner ideas

  • Roast lamb with mixed roast vegetables
  • Chicken stir fry with Basmati rice made with 100g of lean, diced chicken
  • Salmon and rice made with grilled salmon and fragrant Basmati rice infused with lemongrass, served with fresh green salad
  • Steak sandwich made with lean steak and served on wholegrain wrap with mixed peppers and salad

Keeping Things Interesting

Remember to use herbs and spices…keep pots of fresh herbs to hand in order to spice up your meals. Keep an imagination when it comes to desserts…you are allowed two small scoops of ice cream a week in addition to a cup or large pot of natural yogurt. These are great when mixed with soft berries or with honey. Snack foods should be kept accessible and in small portions…don’t put popcorn in a large bowl and smother it in butter. Use a small bowl and a little salt…this makes a great alternative to crisps or chips.

eating out

If you’re eating out, you don’t need to completely avoid sauces and dressings but do ask that they are served on the side or in a separate container. Then you only need a small taste of them and won’t over indulge so easily.

When trying to work out if a food is good for your skin or not, ask yourself how much it has been “altered” by any processing…is it an unnatural colour? Has it been coated in anything such as breadcrumbs or sugar? If the answer is yes then avoid it!

Keep your skin clean and free of perfumed lotions and potions and wait for the improvements to begin with your acne free diet!

Next Steps

If you live in London and would like a free skin consultation to discuss your skin concerns, contact us today we have 9 clinics across London for your convenience.