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After getting a haircut, I developed inflamed acne on my head and at the nape of my neck. Why did that happen?

Many parents bring their children to see doctors thinking it's just common acne, but in most cases, it's not just acne.

Inflamed bumps after a haircut are most often caused by... Folliculitis (Infection in the hair follicles) Due to insufficiently clean equipment, or due to... Irritation from hair fragments and chemicals. At the barbershop. The initial solution is... The scalp should be cleaned immediately after a haircut. And if an unusually large number of pus-filled blisters appear, you should see a doctor to receive topical or oral antibiotics depending on the severity, to prevent the condition from spreading and causing permanent scarring.

Don't try to squeeze it; it will only make things worse, leading to inflammation, chronic infection, and further spread. It's best to see a doctor as soon as possible. It's different from acne because usually there are multiple bumps or spots at once, and acne isn't typically this numerous or painful. Therefore, don't leave it untreated for too long.


 This answer provides only preliminary information. Please schedule an appointment with a doctor for a detailed examination and information.

Sycosis Barbae (Barber's Folliculitis) It is more common in men, especially those with short, close-to-the-skin (fade) haircuts, who have a higher than normal risk. 25-30%

Is it real acne or just folliculitis? Let's check the difference.

To make it easier for patients to understand, I've summarized the key differences in this table.

Observable characteristicsCommon acne (Acne Vulgaris)Folliculitis
Main causeSebum blockage And bacteria. C. acnesBacterial/fungal infections Or irritation at the hair roots.
Bump-like appearanceThere are both clogged pores (whiteheads/blackheads) and inflamed, pus-filled acne.เป็น A red bump or pustule with hair/fur in the center. always
Frequently found coordinatesFace, chest, back (areas with many fatty glands)Scalp, nape of the neckLegs, arms (areas with hair/fur)
Associated symptomsIt is often painful when pressed, or there may be no pain at all.It often causes a tingling or itching sensation. Or you may feel a burning sensation around the blisters.
Stimulating factorsHormones, cosmetics, stress.Shaving, getting a very short haircut.Moisture from sweat.
The D' Acne XL comprehensive acne treatment course (covering face and neck) with IPL scar reduction offers several advantages: who it's suitable for, the price, and frequently asked questions.

Folliculitis: When the device isn't as clean as you think.

The main cause that doctors most often see isn't clogged pores, but rather... "Fonitis" It's caused by bacterial or fungal infections.

  • Mechanism of occurrence: Time the technician uses Hair clippers or razors Used by many people and It was not thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Germs that accumulate can enter the skin through tiny, invisible abrasions while cutting your hair.
  • Comparative example: Have the patient imagine lightly scratching their skin with something unclean. Even without a bleeding wound, germs take advantage of the disturbance to penetrate the skin and form an inflamed, pus-filled bump.

Hair clipping irritation

Sometimes, the red bumps that appear are not directly caused by disease, but rather by... "Tiny strands of hair" That's what falls into the collar or between the hairline after the haircut.

  • symptom: Short, sharp hair fragments constantly irritate the delicate skin at the nape of the neck, causing... Irritation and inflammation It can even look like inflamed acne.
  • Points of interest: It often has symptoms. Itchy, tingling sensation, too. And if we accidentally scratch it too hard, it will spread bacteria from our fingers, causing further inflammation.

Allergic reaction to products used in the salon (Contact Dermatitis)

Some salons may use clipper oil, hairspray, or talcum powder for use after haircuts, which can cause... Contact allergy okay

  • nature: The skin will develop a red rash with clear blisters or small red bumps scattered in the areas that have come into direct contact with those chemicals.

Other frequently asked questions