Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the infection of hair follicles, its histological definition being the presence of inflammatory cells in the skin. It can affect anywhere on the scalp as well as the rest of the skin. Folliculitis produces the development of an inflammatory or pustule nodule around the hair. This can be deep or superficial, and inflammation may be limited to the superficial aspect of the hair follicle with the main participation of the infundibulum, and it can also pertain to the deep aspect along with the superficial.
In severe cases, there can be permanent hair loss as well as scarring. Even mild folliculitis causes discomfort and embarrassment. The reason for this infection can be waxing, shaving, plucking or electrolysis. The most common cause is bacteria.
Barbers itch or impetigo of Bockhart is a common superficial type of infectious folliculitis and it is set off by Staphylococcus aureus. More causes can be some types of fungus and yeast. Folliculitis that is caused due to a fungus is more common in people with impaired immune systems. Non-infectious folliculitis is caused by oils, greases and tars which touch the skin. Lesions due to this infection are found on the upper lip close to the nose, in the area covered by the beard. These are erythematous follicular-based pustules or papules which can rupture and leave behind a yellow crust. This kind of folliculitis occurs frequently among staphylococcal nasal carriers.
Some causes of folliculitis are:
- Inflammatory skin conditions.
- Occlusion.
- Excessive perspiration.
- Follicular trauma.
- Friction from shaving.
Common symptoms of folliculitis may be:
- Pain.
- Edema.
- Erythema (redness and inflammation of the skin).
- Small pimples.
- Pus-filled lesions.
Possible Folliculitis treatment
Even though hot tub folliculitis seldom needs treatment, doctors might prescribe some topical or oral medication to assist in relieving the itching. If the lesions don’t go away soon, then oral ciprofloxacin can be taken. Fusidic acid can be used both as an ointment as well as a cream. Eosinophilic folliculitis can be cured with special therapies meant for this kind of folliculitis, but people often prefer topical corticosteroids over this. Putting moist heat compresses on the infected area helps in dilating the blood vessels, therefore draining the lesions. However, extremely severe cases require several months of treatment with isotretinoin. It is best to keep the skin dry, clean and free from irritation or any abrasion helps prevent folliculitis.
