• Inflammation of a hair follicle
• Symptoms may include redness, itching and pain around a hair follicle
• Caused by infection or damage to hair follicle due to friction from shaving, excessive sweating or acne
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age
• May be mild to severe, resolves with treatment
• Not life threatening

• Cover area with warm wet bandages 3 to 6 times a day for itching and pain
• Use Burow’s solution (or similar), or white vinegar solution (1 Tbsp white vinegar with 300 mL water) to wet bandage
• Avoid wearing tight clothing around that area

FOR ITCHING

• Avoid items or situations that cause you to itch
• Moisturize daily
• Use creams, lotions or gels that soothe and cool the skin
• Avoid scratching
• Cut fingernails short, and consider wearing gloves at night to prevent scratching
• Use mild, fragrance free soap and laundry detergent
• Cover area with cold wet bandages or take a cool bath
• Over-the-counter medicines (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Diphenhydramine