There’s more to men’s grooming than looking and feeling good. In some cases, practising good hygiene and keeping a close eye on the upkeep of your appearance can help to prevent medical conditions, such as pilonidal cysts and folliculitis. If this term is alien to you, worry not, as here at pamperbananaman we’ve created a guide to shed some light on what can be a very painful and inconvenient condition.

 

 

Pilonidal Cysts

What is a Pilonidal Cyst and What are the Symptoms? 

A pilonidal cyst is a common condition experienced by men who are regularly active, such as cyclists and rugby players. The cyst itself evolved through ingrown hairs and most commonly affects the area around the coccyx. At times, this cyst and the skin in the area can become infected, which can then form a painful abscess if untreated. Other than the cyst itself, the condition does not carry any other symptoms unless it becomes infected. Signs of infection include fever, pain around the area in question, swelling, redness, and lower back pain. 

What are the Causes of Pilonidal Cysts? 

Most doctors believe that ingrown hairs are the main reason behind the development of a pilonidal cyst. The word ‘pilonidal’ means “nest of hair”, and this refers to the hair follicles that doctors sometimes find inside the cyst itself. Another theory suggests that pilonidal cysts occur after that particular area of your body experiences excessive trauma. This partially explains why sporty men are more vulnerable to experiencing the cysts, as they are more likely to injure themselves in contact games such as rugby, or if their body is under strain for long periods of time such as when cycling.

Interestingly, during World War II, more than 80,000 soldiers suffered from pilonidal cysts and were actually hospitalised as a result. It was believed that this occurred because of the irritation and constant nature of riding in bumpy jeeps, leading to the condition being dubbed “Jeep disease”.

Folliculitis

What is Folliculitis and What are the Symptoms?

Folliculitis is a common, benign skin disorder that affects people of all ages, from babies to pensioners. The condition usually appears as tiny red bumps across the area affected, with some having a small dot of pus at the top. They can appear all over the body, but most commonly involve hair follicles on the face, chest, back, buttocks and legs.

What are the Causes of Folliculitis? 

Folliculitis can be caused by a large number of infectious organisms. It can often affect those with a compromised immune system, if they are suffering from any other illness, for example, those with diabetes. However, folliculitis is most commonly caused by poor skin hygiene, the use of improper shaving techniques, excessive sweating and ingrown hairs.

Treatment for Folliculitis and Pilonidal Cysts

As with many medical conditions like these, the best form of treatment is prevention, and that’s where pamperbananaman can help. By opting for a regular waxing regime, you are not only maintaining a clean, hygienic appearance, but you are also avoiding the likelihood of conditions like this developing in the first place. Waxing removes hair at the follicle, minimising the chances of ingrown hairs developing, which is one of the main causes of both pilonidal cysts and folliculitis.

Other Benefits of Male Waxing

As well as avoiding pilonidal cysts and folliculitis, there are also several other benefits to male waxing that you might not have considered previously.

While shaving only removes hair on the surface, waxing will take care of both hairs and dead skin, leaving your skin feeling smoother, softer and even lighter. A regular waxing routine will keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated, whilst avoiding any of the undesirable effects that the accumulation of dead skin can have.

Waxing can also increase body sensitivity by removing the ‘rough’ exterior of hair. When waxing is done professionally, it improves blood circulation to the topmost layer of skin, allowing your nerves to rejuvenate as well.

It is a well-known fact that excess amounts of hair on the body is one of the main culprits in causing body odour. Unlike shaving, wax removes hair at follicle level, leaving skin completely hair-free and thus highly unlikely to absorb sweat and body odour. Those that suffer with body odour problems should seriously consider adopting a regular waxing regime to alleviate the issue.

There are also an array of other benefits including improved appearance and enhanced muscle definition, increased self-confidence and even partners preferring a smoother look.  

If you are an active male, the best advice we can give on avoiding skin ailments like the above is by organising your own men’s waxing, Bristol, regime. Male waxing is gaining popularity up and down the country, and more and more are discovering the many benefits of smooth, hair-free skin. Pamperbananaman offers a range of waxing treatments, and our knowledgeable and professional staff will be able to answer any questions you may have throughout the process. We also provide extensive aftercare advice, helping you to make the most out of the treatment and keep your skin looking healthy and hygienic for as long as possible.