Hi all - Can you please share your expertise with someone in need of advice?
Background: I have been suffering from recurring gram negative (bacterial) folliculitis in my beard area for about 1 year (mainly on cheeks and jawline). During this time I have tried many different treatments… oral antibiotics provide temporary relief but the infections return after completing the course, accutane helped improve the condition but did not clear it completely, and topicals / antiseptic cleansers do not seem to help at all.
I’ve consulted many dermatologists - More than one of them believe that laser hair removal or electrolysis to remove facial hair would benefit me, or possibly even provide total relief.
However, I have not yet been able to answer a key question: Does permanent destruction and removal of a hair mean that the follicle can no longer become infected?
Note that my folliculitis is not secondary to shaving or ingrown hairs.
Please, if you could share your insight, I would be very appreciative.
I have completed a couple cases like yours and yes this is a permanent fix. If you go ahead with electrolysis, have your practitioner remove the hairs that are not infected first … then change needle and treat the infected follicles. Point: you don’t want to spread the infection from follicle to follicle.
Given that my bacterial folliculitis is mostly confined to a nickel or quarter sized area on my lower cheek / jawline, how should I instruct the electrologist? I have fairly dense facial hair and wouldn’t want to remove everything… but I also do not want to end up looking patchy. My overall goal is to defeat the folliculitis while maintaining a natural look. I really don’t mind shaving daily as long as it is comfortable and infection free. (It’s been a very long time since I’ve been able to wet shave normally)
Would you suggest treating the entire cheek in order to reduce density by say 50% and then completely 100% clear the problem area of all follicles? Is it possible to “fade” into a bald patch if I were to have every last hair in the problem zone zapped?
Or maybe treat the problem area only?
Or maybe aim for 50% reduction across the entire cheek including the problem area in hopes of reducing the folliculitis?
I cant give you that information for LHR. I’m an electrologist and my LHR knowledge is not as strong. Maybe Nora ( thinou) will pipe up she’s the laser expert.
If I were to go with electrolysis, what is the best approach for someone who wants to treat a patch of recurring bacterial folliculitis but isn’t interested in removing the entire beard? I’m concerned that treating only the problem area will result in a noticeably patchy look and that trying to reduce density across my entire face may not be enough to solve the folliculitis in my problem area.
For context, I know exactly which follicles are prone to infection. Most of them are clustered in one area. I almost never experience infections outside of these specific follicles. I’d say that my density is a 6 or 7 out of 10, certainly enough for a regular 5 o’clock shadow, but I’ve never been one for a beard.
Do I just ask my electrologist to fully clear the problem area and try to blend it into the surrounding facial hair?
Hopefully my question makes sense - let me know if it doesn’t.
Sorry I’m taking a break from hairtell. Possibly for 6 months or so or permanent one. This hasnt been a good week for me. So somepne else will have to answer your question
Don’t take a break Seana … you comments are fresh, thoughtful and often fun. Sticking with it is a fine way to remain relevant and help you through the difficult times. During my cancer treatment, for example, I welcomed a chance to involve myself with people in need. So … stick around! We need you. I NEED YOU!
Sorry Michael it’s not happening for some time to come.I’m in no shape to help anyone right now. It’s day 6 of the seige and I havent slep. Considered ending my life ( which to be clear I’m not but yes I am at this point ). Been 24 hour a day horns non-stop and we’re preparing for more upcoming violence and terrorism ( it actually still is going on). We’re all at our breaking point and now at the fighting back point. It’s going to be very bloody this weekend.
Holy S**T! Maybe do some videos? I do remember “those days” when I was in SNCC and working for Civil Rights. Got beat-up in Alabama … not terrible, but my buddy John Levy went home; I stayed and marched. Remember EVERYTHING changes and is forgotten. Just ride it out.