Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicle, a small pocket in the skin where hair grows. It is common on the face, scalp, neck, chest, chest, back, buttocks and thighs, but can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. It can range from mild inflammation to severe infection.
Causes of folliculitis :
Folliculitis can be caused by several factors, including
1. infectious causes:
- bacteria: most commonly Staphylococcus aureus.
- Fungi: for example Malassezia and Candida.
- Viruses: herpes simplex virus can cause folliculitis.
- Parasites: rare cases caused by mites and other organisms.
2. Non-infectious causes:
- irritation from shaving, waxing, tight clothing.
- Blockage of hair follicles by sebum, sweat or cosmetics.
- Friction and heat, common in 'hot bath folliculitis' caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Symptoms of folliculitis :
- Small, red or white bumps that look like pimples, often with hair in the center.
- The pus-filled blisters may crust over.
- Itching, tenderness or burning sensation.
- Swelling and pain in the skin around the affected area.
- In severe cases, large boils or abscesses may form.
Types of folliculitis
1. Superficial folliculitis:
- Affects only the top part of the hair follicle.
- It appears as small red bumps or pustules.
2. Deep folliculitis:
- Affects the entire hair follicle, including the deeper layers of the skin.
- It can cause painful, larger lesions and abscesses.
The specific types are:
- Bacterial folliculitis: Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, it appears as pus-filled bumps.
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae: Common in people who shave. It is caused by ingrown hairs that cause irritation and inflammation.
- Hot tub folliculitis: Associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and appears as red, itchy bumps after immersion in a neglected hot tub or swimming pool.
- Fungal folliculitis: Caused by a fungal infection such as Malassezia.
- Gram-negative folliculitis: usually develops after long-term antibiotic treatment of acne.
Diagnosis
Health professionals usually diagnose folliculitis by looking at its appearance. In more severe or persistent cases.
- the diagnosis is made by taking a skin sample to identify bacteria, fungi or other organisms.
- If the cause is unclear, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Folliculitis treatment :
Mild cases:
- warm compresses: reduce inflammation and promote drainage.
- Gentle cleansing: use antibacterial or antifungal cleansers.
Topical treatment:
- antibiotic creams such as mupirocin or clindamycin for bacterial infections.
- Antifungal creams such as ketoconazole for fungal infections.
Oral:
- Oral antibiotics such as cephalexin for bacterial folliculitis.
- Oral antifungals such as fluconazole for fungal folliculitis.
Other treatments:
- For pseudofolliculitis: stop shaving or use hair removal creams or lasers.
- For hot tub folliculitis: mild cases usually heal on their own.
Home remedies and personal care
- Avoid shaving or irritating the affected area.
- Use a clean, sharp razor or switch to electric clippers.
- Wash with antibacterial soap and apply an over-the-counter cream.
- Avoid tight clothing that rubs the skin.
- Soothe the skin with bath salts containing aloe vera or oatmeal.
Complications :
If left untreated or poorly managed,
- folliculitis can lead to rash or abscess.
- Permanent scarring or dark spots (hyperpigmentation).
- Recurrent infections or chronic folliculitis.
- Cellulitis, a deeper skin infection.
Prevention :
- Maintain hygiene and keep your skin clean.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as razors and towels.
- Use non-comedogenic skin care products to prevent clogged pores.
- Avoid tight clothing, extreme heat and friction.
If folliculitis persists or worsens despite treatment, consult a health care professional for further evaluation and management.
