help i have red dots on my legs

[chickenlegs10191]

for the longest time.. ive had dots on my legs and i have no idea what they are and how to get rid of them.
i think it first started when i shaved my legs way back then and shaving was not exactly for me because my hairs grew back really thick and fast.. so then i let it grow out and started waxing
ever since i started waxing.. ive been getting red dots near the hair follicles.. they dont go away in a couple days or whatever.. theyre there alllll the time and its really frustrating.
im guessing this is because when i shaved the hair grew back thick&stubborn and when i wax it leaves the red dots. i really regret shaving in the first place anywho is there anyway to get rid of these dots???? ive got like chicken legs forever/???
ps. its not from waxing. i wax my lower arms and i have absolutely no dots and its really smooth..
i havent shaved in 3 years..its not razor burn
i only wax and i exofiliate and mousturize a lot
but the dots are still there flat red or purple ones (dont itch) on the surface of my hair follicle...is there any kind of cream i can use??
heres a pic
http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad28/chickenlegs10191/DSC01234.jpg
http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad28/chickenlegs10191/DSC01235.jpg

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the pictures it looks like folliculitis. Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).
Pls keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

In future when you are waxing,apply wax in the direction of hair growth and wax should be tolerably hot.Then try to wax the hair out in a single strip as multiple strips may injure the skin more.After waxing apply ice(wrapped in a towel) and some calamine lotion on the skin which helps in soothing.You can also take some over the counter anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen after waxing.

However,the best method of painless hair removal is by laser treatment.I would advise you to consult a dermatologist/cosmetologist and discuss this option with him.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.