Folliculitis treatment for Black skin

On richly pigmented skin, inflammation may appear brown, purple, grey, or darker than the surrounding skin rather than bright red. Folliculitis can cause small bumps, itch, tenderness, or pus around hairs, and healing may leave post-inflammatory darkening. The mark can last after the active bumps settle. Shaving, ingrown hairs, friction, and picking can keep the cycle going. A clinician should assess persistent bumps, especially when they scar or form firm raised areas.

Use a mild cleanser, moisturise if the skin feels dry, and avoid abrasive scrubs, strong fragrance, and picking. Pause close shaving or waxing during a flare; when you resume, use a clean tool and avoid repeated passes. Treatment may include a topical medicine or another targeted option after examination. Avoid unlabelled lightening products or steroid mixtures, which can worsen irritation or change skin texture. See [Folliculitis](/conditions/folliculitis/) and [Ingrown Hairs](/symptoms/ingrown-hairs/) for related information.

Seek medical advice for painful deep bumps, drainage, spreading warmth or swelling, repeated flares, or changes that are leaving scars. Prompt care is needed with fever, rapidly worsening pain, or feeling unwell. Mention any history of keloids or dark marks so the treatment plan can minimise additional skin injury.

Could this be folliculitis or ingrown hairs? How can we treat the active bumps without worsening dark marks? Is my hair-removal routine contributing? What can safely help leftover discoloration?