Is aloe vera good for infected hair pores? 

Inflamed or infected hair pores, also known as folliculitis, is a common skin condition that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds. There are various treatment options for this skin condition, but if you’re an enthusiast of natural products, you know that aloe vera is popular in the skin care industry. Now, you might be asking, “Is aloe vera good for folliculitis?” In this article, we will answer this question and learn more about folliculitis, its types, and treatment options. 

Defining inflamed hair pore or folliculitis 

Folliculitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles (hair pores) become infected or irritated, often due to bacterial infections. The most common causative bacteria of folliculitis are Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Proteus.  

Other microorganisms (fungi, viruses, and parasites) can also be the causative factors. It can also be caused by physical factors, like friction from clothing, shaving, or exposure to contaminated water pools and hot tubs. This condition can manifest in various degrees of severity and can affect any area of the body where hair is present. 

Moreover, medications like antibiotics and hormones can also cause folliculitis. In some cases, the cause is unknown. 

See related: Gram-positive vs. gram-negative bacteria

Folliculitis signs and symptoms 

Folliculitis can present with a range of symptoms, which may include the following: 

• Painful pus-filled bumps and redness. Small red bumps that may be filled with pus may appear, often with pain or itch, on inflamed hair pores. Each bump has a central hair and can get bigger with continued hair shaving on the affected area. 
• Swelling. The pus on infected areas might be on the deeper parts of the infected hair pore, making the it swollen and red. 
• Furuncles. A deeper skin infection may cause a boil (furuncle). 
• Crusting or flaking. As the condition progresses and the pus-filled lesions dry, the skin may develop a crusty or flaky appearance. 

Due to the presentation of folliculitis, it can be mistaken as other skin conditions, like ingrown hairs, acne, ringworm or superficial fungal infections, keratosis pilaris, cutaneous candidiasis, and miliaris. 

Types of folliculitis 

Folliculitis has different types according to its cause. The types of folliculitis include bacterial folliculitis, Gram-negative folliculitis, hot tub folliculitis, folliculitis barbae, pityrosporum folliculitis, eosinophilic folliculitis, boils and carbuncles, viral folliculitis, and Demodex folliculitis. 

• Bacterial folliculitis. This type is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus and features itchy, pus-filled rashes. 

• Gram-negative folliculitis. This folliculitis is caused by Gram-negative bacteria and causes pus-filled bumps around the nose and mouth. This sometimes occurs in those who are under long-term antibiotic therapy for acne. 
• Hot tub rash (Pseudomonas folliculitis). When a person goes for a dip in a hot tub, pool, lake, or water slides with contaminated, unchlorinated water with incorrect pH levels, there is a high possibility of getting folliculitis. This is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, hence the name Pseudomonas folliculitis. The itchy, red rashes and pus-filled blisters most commonly occur on the abdomen or other areas covered by swimwear. 
• Pityrosporum folliculitis. This type of folliculitis is caused by the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which normally grows on the skin. This condition may be linked to antibiotic use or immunosuppression. It manifests as a rash of pus-filled itchy bumps that mostly occur on the chest, posterior arms, back, and face. 
• Eosinophilic folliculitis. This type causes intense itching and patches of bumps that comes and goes, forming near hair follicles of the face and upper body. It mainly affects those who have HIV/AIDS, occurring more frequently in males. Eosinophils are present around the hair follicles of this type. 
• Boils and carbuncles. This type occurs when there is a deep Staphylococcal infection of hair follicles. This tends to appear suddenly and is characterized by pain and inflammation. Meanwhile, carbuncles are a group of these boils. 

• Folliculitis barbae (Sycosis barbae). This occurs in areas of the body people shave, like beards, legs, and bikini areas. It causes painful pus-filled bumps, and the cause might be secondary to viral, fungal, or eosinophilic causes. The deeper infection of folliculitis barbae is called sycosis barbae. 
• Viral folliculitis. This type is most commonly caused by herpes viruses and is very rare. If herpes zoster is the causative agent (which causes shingles), lesions may present as painful pus-filled bumps and spots with crusts within an area supplied by one nerve. 
• Demodex folliculitis. This folliculitis is caused by the Demodex mite and symptoms appear very suddenly. Symptoms include itchiness, burning sensation, whitehead-like pus-filled bumps, redness, sandpaper-like texture, eczema-like scales, and a white sheen on the skin or eyelashes. This type can spread from human to human. 

If you have any of the mentioned symptoms, it is best to consult a medical professional to determine the cause of your folliculitis and give you the appropriate treatment medication. 

See related: What are the different types of skin rashes?

Can folliculitis be cured? Treatments for folliculitis 

Folliculitis can be cured. Several treatment options are available for managing this infection, which may include the following: 

• Topical creams and ointments to help reduce inflammation. 
• Topical antibiotics or antifungal medications to address the underlying microbes. 
• Minor surgery to drain pus from a large boil or carbuncle. 

Natural remedies that may help folliculitis 

In addition to the conventional treatments we mentioned, there are several natural remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of folliculitis, like tea tree oil, aloe vera, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. Let’s find out how they help and learn about all-natural products that use these essential oils as ingredients. 

Is aloe vera good for folliculitis? 

Aloe vera might help with treat symptoms or prevent folliculitis, and research proves its abilities to fight infection and inflammation. This study by Arbab et al. (2021) shows that 100 microliters of aloe vera leaf and root extract have similar sensitivity as standard antibiotics used against the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria isolated from wounds, including Staphylococcus aureus, the most common cause of bacterial folliculitis. 

Applying aloe vera topically has been reported to enhance wound healing of injuries, including skin infections and inflammation (Hekmatpou et al., 2019). Aloe vera also showed wound-healing and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities against drug-resistant S. aureus (Prakoso et al., 2018). 

Symptomatic relief with aloe vera 

Do you have folliculitis? We have products that can help you! CANhaveTODAY’s salves and moisturizer contain aloe vera leaf extracts, and each skin care product has a unique combination of essential oils that can help with the different types of folliculitis. 

Waters Mist 

Our Waters Mist salve is an arsenal of potent natural antibacterial agents effective against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella, and other bacteria. Made with lemongrass essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, and a high concentration of tea tree oil, this salve will help fight bacterial folliculitis and other bacterial-caused folliculitis types (Naik et al., 2010; Behbahani et al., 2020; Orchard & van Vurren, 2017). 

Research also found that tree oil, lemongrass essential oil, and cinnamon essential oil are potent in preventing and reducing inflammation (Hart et al., 2000; Han & Parker, 2017; Esmaeili et al., 2022). This means that these essential oils can take care of the redness, pain, itch, and swelling of the inflamed hair follicles. 

See related: Waters Mist, A Natural Bug Repellent for Skin

Soothing Juggernaut 

Soothing Juggernaut is a powerful salve for inflammation and fungal skin infections. Formulated with arnica, frankincense, and cypress essential oils, this salve will give relief to the symptoms of folliculitis. 

Several scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of arnica, frankincense, and cypress essential oils in fighting inflammation (Ianniti et al., 2016; Al-Yasiry & Kiczorowska, 2016; Aazza et al., 2014). These essential oils can soothe the itch, pain, redness, and swelling of the infected follicles. 

Soothing Juggernaut can also help with pityrosporum folliculitis, thanks to its antifungal properties. Frankincense is an excellent antifungal, and arnica and cypress are also effective in fighting fungi (Tibenda et al., 2022; Orchard & van Vuuren, 2017; Galovicova et al., 2023). With Soothing Juggernaut, you can both fight the symptom and the cause of pityrosporum folliculitis! 

See related: Get rid of bruises with Frankincense bruise cream Soothing Juggernaut

Healing Legends 

If your folliculitis turned into crusty sores, CANhaveTODAY has Healing Legends to help you! This salve is packed with potent essential oils that can accelerate the closing and healing of wounds as well as fight bacteria and fungi. 

Healing Legends has the essential oils of myrrh, bergamot, and frankincense as the main ingredients. This study by Gebrehiwot et al. (2015) shows that myrrh increased the contraction rate of wounds, made the replacement of skin faster, and the skin stronger. It also showed its antibacterial and antifungal activities, which are comparable to standard antibiotics. Bergamot, meanwhile, is effective in reducing inflammation and remodeling tissue (Han et al., 2017). Frankincense also helps wound healing by lowering collagen III levels, which decreases the chance of scar formation (Han et al., 2017). With Healing Legends, you can take care of the inflammation, infection, and wound all at once! 

See related: Man & steel: healing blacksmith injuries & skin problems

Sparkling Rain 

Sparkling Rain is a moisturizer formulated with strong anti-inflammatory ingredients: chaga mushroom extract and grapefruit essential oil (Alhallaf & Perkins, 2022; Zhang et al., 2022). It can help with the symptoms of folliculitis, such as redness, itch, and swelling.  

This moisturizer is not only a great anti-inflammatory: it is also a potent antibacterial and antifungal (Glamoclija et al., 2015; Negi & Jayaprakasha, 2001; Denkova-Kostova et al., 2020)! This means it has the potential to fight off the infecting organism and prevent further infections. Sparkling Rain does all of these while moisturizing your skin! 

See related: Sparkling Rain: Natural Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

Preventative measures for inflamed or infected hair pores

To reduce the risk of folliculitis, consider carrying-out these preventative measures: 

• Maintain proper hygiene. Shower regularly, particularly after activities that cause sweating or exposure to potentially contaminated water sources. 

• Avoid tight or restrictive clothing. Choose loose-fitting garments to minimize friction and irritation on skin. 
• Avoid shaving or practice safe shaving. Try other hair removal methods like waxing or using hair removal cream. If shaving is a must for you, use a clean, sharp razor, clean your face before shaving, shave in the direction of hair growth, and moisturize afterward. 

Help soothe folliculitis symptoms with CANhaveTODAY 

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that can cause discomfort and irritation. By understanding its symptoms and available treatment options, you can effectively manage and prevent this skin condition.  

CANhaveTODAY products will help with your folliculitis symptoms. Our all-natural skin care products contain ingredients that are effective, safe, and scientifically backed. Don’t wait any longer and let CANhaveTODAY take care of your folliculitis worries! 

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