Folliculitis

What is Folliculitis

• Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles. Folliculitis most commonly occurs on the scalp, thighs, legs, back, and buttocks. However, it can occur anywhere on the body.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• A bacterial infection (common).
• A fungal infection.
• A viral infection.
• Coming into contact with certain chemicals, especially oils and tars.
• Shaving or waxing.
• Applying greasy ointments or creams to your skin often.

Long-lasting folliculitis and folliculitis that keeps coming back can be caused by bacteria that live in the nostrils.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in people with:

• A weakened immune system.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity.

What are the symptoms of Folliculitis?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Redness.
• Soreness.
• Swelling.
• Itching.
• Small white or yellow, pus-filled, itchy spots (pustules) that appear over a reddened area. If there is an infection that goes deep into the follicle, these may develop into a boil (furuncle).
• A group of closely packed boils (carbuncle). These tend to form in hairy, sweaty areas of the body.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a skin exam. To find what is causing the condition, your health care provider may take a sample of one of the pustules or boils for testing.

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated by:

• Applying warm compresses to the affected areas.
• Taking an antibiotic medicine or applying an antibiotic medicine to the skin.
• Applying or bathing with an antiseptic solution.
• Taking an over-the-counter medicine to help with itching.
• Having a procedure to drain any pustules or boils. This may be done if a pustule or boil contains a lot of pus or fluid.
• Laser hair removal. This may be done to treat long-lasting folliculitis.

Follow these instructions at home:

• If directed, apply heat to the affected area as often as told by your health care provider. Use the heat source that your health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
  • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
  • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, use it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not shave irritated skin.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Get help right away if:

• You have more redness, swelling, or pain in the affected area.
• Red streaks are spreading from the affected area.
• You have a fever.

Summary

Folliculitis is a common skin condition characterized by the inflammation or infection of hair follicles. It typically appears as small red or white-headed pimples around hair follicles, often accompanied by itching, tenderness, or discomfort.

Several factors can contribute to folliculitis:

1. Bacterial Infection: Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that can cause folliculitis. The bacteria enter the hair follicles through cuts, abrasions, or shaving.
2. Fungal Infection: Yeasts, such as Malassezia, or fungi like Candida, can cause folliculitis, particularly in warm and moist environments.
3. Ingrown Hairs: Curled or trapped hairs can lead to irritation and subsequent folliculitis.
4. Blocked Hair Follicles: Use of oily or occlusive skincare products, tight clothing, or excess sweat can clog hair follicles, leading to inflammation.
5. Shaving: Shaving can cause irritation, especially when done improperly or with blunt razors.

Treatment for folliculitis depends on its cause and severity:

• Self-care: Mild cases might improve with self-care measures like warm compresses, proper hygiene, avoiding tight clothing, and refraining from shaving the affected area.
• Topical Medications: Antibacterial or antifungal creams, gels, or washes can help alleviate symptoms and clear the infection.
• Oral Medications: In severe cases or when the infection is widespread, oral antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed.
• Avoiding Irritants: Refraining from shaving the affected area until it heals and avoiding tight clothing or abrasive materials that may further irritate the skin.
• Medical Procedures: In persistent or severe cases, medical procedures like laser hair removal or incision and drainage of larger, painful lesions might be necessary.

If folliculitis symptoms persist, worsen, or occur frequently, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a dermatologist or healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment tailored to your specific condition.