Nirvana Clinic

Hair Bumps (Pseudo-Folliculitis Barbae)

What is Pseudo-Folliculitis?

Pseudo-folliculitis (PF), commonly known as shaving bumps, is an inflammatory condition, widespread among individuals with thick curly hair. As the hair grows out of the skin, it curls and re-enters the skin. The skin reacts to it as a foreign object and becomes inflamed and irritated, creating bumps and discoloration. Often hairs start curling even before growing out of the skin, creating in-grown hairs. These bumps become quite large, causing discomfort to the patient.

Sometimes relief can be achieved with the use of topical steroids and exfoliating agents. Growing hair is sometimes curative as well. More commonly, the ingrown hair is pulled out after each shaving session. Although this is a solution, it is, however, painful and time consuming.

How does the treatment work?

The laser beam passes through the skin and is absorbed in the hair follicle residing underneath the skin surface. The laser energy destroys the follicle with the heat that it generates. Destroyed hairs are then either dissolved within the skin or extruded by the body. Because the laser beam is larger in diameter than the hair follicle, a large number of hairs can be treated simultaneously.

What should I expect during treatment?

Most patients experience a stinging or burning sensation when a laser pulse is delivered. While general anesthesia will not be required, a topical anesthetic may be applied to sensitive skin. To further reduce discomfort, Lyra and Gemini both utilize a special cooling system that lowers the temperature of the skin at the treatment site before, during and after laser exposure.

What should I expect after treatment?

After treatment, you may return to your regular routine immediately. Some patients may experience a slight reddening around the hair follicles immediately following treatment which typically disappears within a few minutes.

It will seem that the hair continues to grow for a period of one to two weeks after laser treatment, but in fact, these hairs are actually lifeless and are simply being cast out by your body.

How many treatments will be needed?

Laser treatment impairs the growth of hair follicles when they are in the growth cycle at the time of treatment. All hair follicles are not active at the same time. Depending upon the growth cycle of the follicles when the treatment is applied, multiple treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, may be required to obtain the overall desired effect.

Here's what patients are saying about the treatment?

"After only a couple treatments I have noticed dramatic reductions in the facial hair areas. Shaving is much easier now and faster. The constant itching and scratching is totally gone and I have a renewed sense of confidence about my appearance".
Rick., Houston , TX

"I noticed a difference after the first treatment. But it was after the second treatment that I noticed an amazing difference. ..I used to shave everyday. It has now been 6 months since the last time I shaved. Now when I stop to look in the mirror I smile. it saved my life."
Barbara, Dallas , TX

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Nirvana Clinic is Jacksonville, Florida's premier location for medically supervised weight loss and comprehensive non-surgical cosmetic medicine. The highly trained medical staff at Nirvana Clinic specialize in mesotherapy, weight loss using OPTIFAST®, medical microdermabrasion, facials, photo rejuvenation, sclerotherapy, laser vein therapy, laser hair removal, stretch mark and scar revision, as well as relaxing massage therapy.

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