Understanding how to identify folliculitis vs acne is essential for all estheticians and waxing specialists. Although you shouldn’t be making a diagnosis unless you’re a doctor or dermatologist, distinguishing between the two conditions helps you ensure the safety and comfort of your clients. This guide highlights the differences and similarities between folliculitis vs acne, so you know exactly how to move forward if your clients arrive with bumps and breakouts.
What, exactly, is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an inflammatory condition affecting hair follicles. Let’s take a closer look at this common ailment.
What causes folliculitis?
Folliculitis is often caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. When harmful microorganisms enter the hair follicle, they can lead to major discomfort and irritation. However, this condition may also result from friction, excessive heat, or trauma to the skin, such as waxing or shaving with unsanitary razors.
What does it look like?
Symptoms of folliculitis may include:
- Small red bumps
- Pustules
- Boils
- Itching
- Burning
- Stinging
- How do you treat it?
Remember, unless you’re a healthcare professional, treating any medical condition is outside your scope of practice. Rather than treatment, focus on calming the skin and preventing future occurrences.
In most cases, you should not wax over active folliculitis. Encourage your client to visit their dermatologist for unresolved breakouts.
If your client needs suggestions for handling mild folliculitis after hair removal, encourage them to follow proper waxing aftercare. Additionally, they might slowly incorporate the following into their skincare routine:
- Mild salicylic acid
- Lactic or mandelic acid
- Tea tree oil
Read more: Folliculitis After Waxing: What It Is and How to Treat It
What about acne?
Acne is a chronic condition characterized by clogged pores. Here’s what you need to know to determine whether those bumps on your client are caused by folliculitis vs acne.
Understanding types and grades of acne
Let’s start with an overview of how different types of acne may manifest:
Non-inflammatory acne:
- Blackheads: Dark blemishes caused by oxidized oil or sebum in the pores.
- Whiteheads: White or flesh-colored bumps without excessive redness or pus.
Inflammatory acne:
- Papules: Red, inflamed bumps that may be tender or sore.
- Pustules: Red bumps with a white or yellow, pus-filled center. Often confused with folliculitis.
Moderate to severe acne:
- Nodules: Large, deep lesions that feel firm and painful.
- Cysts: Soft, fluid-filled pimples that often leave visible scars.
While we often think of acne appearing on the face, it can occur just about anywhere on the body.
Primary causes of acne
Acne tends to develop in response to several factors. Hormonal fluctuations, excess sebum production, and the presence of C. acnes bacteria are all common contributors. Dead skin cells that fail to shed properly may clog pores, forming comedones. Additionally, certain skincare products, cosmetics, medications, and even friction can all trigger this condition.
How to approach waxing an acne
If a client has comedonal acne that isn’t inflamed, scabbed, or open, it may be safe to wax over pimples. However, inflammation and severe breakouts must be treated differently.
Never wax over papules, pustules, nodules, cysts, open lesions, or active infections. When you see these blemishes, have your client consult with a doctor or dermatologist to regain control over their acne before waxing.
Related reading: How To Prevent and Treat Pimples After Waxing
How to tell the difference between folliculitis vs acne
The symptomatic differences between folliculitis vs acne can be very subtle. Here are a few indicators to help you identify which condition your client may be facing:
Check for blackheads
Blackheads, or open comedones, are unique to acne, so inspect the treatment area for tiny black or gray dots that signal impurities in the pores.
While you’re checking for potential blackheads, take a closer look at any whiteheads or pustules on the skin. White spots centered around hair follicles are a good indication that they’re caused by folliculitis, not acne.
Note the location
Since folliculitis affects hair follicles, bumps and blemishes tend to be evenly spaced, match hair density, and appear in areas that have been waxed or shaved recently. Acne, on the other hand, is more common in spots with more oil gland activity, such as the:
- Jawline
- Chin
- Lower cheeks
- Forehead
- Scalp
- Chest
- Upper back
Itching: a key symptom of folliculitis
Searching for one more tell-tale sign to differentiate between folliculitis vs acne? We’ve got you covered. If those bumps are itchy, you can bet they’re likely caused by folliculitis. That uncomfortable sensation occurs when underlying inflammation triggers the body’s innate immune response.
Related: Histamine Reaction After Waxing: How To Spot and Treat It
Questions about treating folliculitis? Get expert tips and guidance at Enso Wax!
At Enso Wax, we love helping estheticians and waxing specialists at every stage of their careers. By creating some of the best hard and soft waxes on the market, hosting regular educational events, and offering a platform for industry insiders to share what they’ve learned along the way, we hope to help you take your career to the next level. Check out The Waxing Podcast or reach out today to learn more!
