Also known as folliculitis, these pimple-like bumps occur in the beard area on the face, and sometimes on the neck and scalp. This often appears a few days after shaving when freshly cut hairs begin to pierce the skin as they grow out. These coarse, often ingrown hairs irritate the skin surface which can become infected resulting in red pimples and pus-filled bumps.
Effective treatments include the use of a mild benzoyl peroxide lotion, 1-2% salicylic acid wash and prescription topical antibiotics.
Growing out your beard or neck hairs is often curative. If you can’t sport a full beard, try allowing some hair growth after a close shave (even a few days worth can be enough) to reduce the problem. Aveeno Sensitive Skin Shaving Gel can be helpful when used in combination with the above products and medications.
Sometimes a short course of oral antibiotics for a couple weeks may be needed to control a persistent skin outbreak.
