How to Diagnose an Infected Hair Follicle

An infected hair follicle is extremely common on the male face, female legs, and bikini area. Anywhere shaving occurs, you can expect to have some discomfort and redness. Sometimes people aren't sure whether they have an infection or a rash. This article explains how you can detect and diagnose an infect hair follicle on your own body.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror

Instructions

1. Take note of any itchy patches of skin. an infected hair follicle causes this uncomfortable condition. Typically, at this stage, it is still superficial and nothing to worry about.

2. Look at the area you scratched in the previous step. Do you see any red bumps, almost rash-like? An infected hair follicle often occurs in groups. Sometimes this happens immediately after shaving.

3. Press the area gently with your fingertips. An actual infected hair follicle will feel a bit tender. It shouldn't hurt very badly if it's only superficial, however. If you experience great pain, the problem might be a bit more serious.

4. Watch the bumps over a period of a few days. If they turn into blisters and break open, it could be an infected hair follicle. Typically these include puss.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have recurrent problems with infected hair follicles, talk to a doctor because you could experience hair loss.