shaving and hair follicle irritation

[shawn57187]

Throughout my teens, I was always fortunate to be clear skinned.  However, entering my 20s, my facial hair has begun growing in thicker. Coupled with this increased growth, is what appears to be raised bumps surrounding the hair follicles (sometimes with a hair potruding and sometiimes not).  If left alone, they will usually remain the color of the surrounding skin and fade after several weeks.

However, every once in awhile, they will grow to about the size of a pinhead and take on a pink color.  Regardless of whether the bump is red or normal skin color, I can usually get quite a bit of solid white material from it when I squeeze them and they never come to a  white head.

I've been recently following a regimen where I apply 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel twice daily to my face and use a gentle unmedicated face wash along with skin lotion. It seems to have helped reduce the bumps, but they still persist just underneath the corners of my mouth.  I've tried antibiotics, changing razors, and growing a beard but they still persist. Since I've begun my regimen I usually have no more than 5 of these suspect spots on my face.  

My question is: Is this something I can have treated or is this part of a normal reaction to shaving one's face?  It has never been diagnosed officially, my general practitioner tends to just give out medication without much investigation.  Sad as this may seem, I'm not sure I can remember what clear skin looks like and I doubt my clear skinned friends would appreciate me examining their faces.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds to me like all you are seeing is somewhat prominent follicles.  Skin does change in the 20's--pores become larger, skin color and texture become less even, and so forth.  Why not see a dermatologist--or even an esthetician--who can confirm that your skin is normal, because I believe it is.  If there are ways to even things out a bit, they can suggest some.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[B_Johnson]

Unfortunately there is no true way to treat the problem of ingrown hair.  It can be a somewhat troublesome problem to african americans and those with very curly hair.

One option is the use of depilatory creams or electolysis to curb hair growth but this would destroy the ability for you to grow facial hair.

Ive also heard that using an electric razor reduces the occurance of ingrown hair in some individuals.

[shawn57187]

I'm certain that my facial hair is not curly.  The only explanation I could think of is that it is so fiine, that it easily bends back onto itself instead of breaking through to the surface.  I'm still convinced these are ingrown hairs, though.  Maybe some form of yeast overgrowth? (something which I've had before)

[B_Johnson]

I'm not familiar with any type of yeast overgrowth.  Unlesss you are refering to Tinea Barbae? What was the diagnosis exactly.  

Folliculitis is usually caused by bacteria, which sounds much like you described. A similar condition can develop with the fungus mentioned above.  Continued facial cleansing as you described should be helpful.  Did your doctor try an antifungal previously?

As I mentioned before, there is a theory that if you use a regular razor you cut the hair short and sharp and it might grow at an angle and into surrounding skin.  They claim that it occurs less often with electric razors since they do not shave as closely.

[coolguy1169]

After Shaving my penil area I have found a various amount of red bumps mainly above the bladder.  They are are tiny but and are not itchy. It hurts when I shave over them and sometimes bleeds. Is the natural and what is roung?

[qtpiehunniebunch]

Hi. I am 19 and my intire life I have had these red spots all over my legs, sometimes on the back of my arms. My arms mostly cleared up by the time I got to junior high, but my legs and my bikini line and my butt too! Its really embarrassing and really noticable. Its so noticable I got fired from a modeling job because of it. My hair on my legs are soOOooOo thick. I shave in the morning and by night I have a small amount of stubble. When I use lotion after shaving it burns, even just putting it on shaving or no shaving. I know I know, no scented or fruity lotions. I will use lubaderm or gold bond, (STILL BURNS) More than the burning its the way my legs look. It reminds me of chicken skin. Its always red around each and every hair follical. I hate it because I live with my boyfriend and he says he doesn't care which is comforting I guess, but I would just rather not have the problem. oh and thats not all of it. I have been breaking out on my face, back and rear with these "hard" pimples. They don't get a head and they hurt like hell and a lot of black heads. I also get these weird little black head on the side of my butt cheek. I know it sounds like I am a disgusting freak.. But Im not. I just want to be bump, blackhead, and hair free! and NO MORE REDNESS! by the way, i do not have curly hair. I am all of norwegien descent. PLEASE HELP ME HAVE BEUATIFUL SKIN FOR ONCE!
thank you.
.janae.