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FOLLICULITIS

Skin Conditions / By

FOLLICULITIS

Folliculitis is a common benign skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed.

  • Hair follicles are tiny pockets in the skin from which hair grows. They can be found about everywhere except for the lips, the palms, and the soles of the feet.
  • If bacteria infect a follicle or there is a blockage in a follicle, it may become red and swollen
  • The condition is not life-threatening but it can be itchy and embarrassing.
  • Folliculitis can appear anywhere there is hair, but its most likely to show up on the scalp, legs, armpits, back, chest, buttocks or face.
  • There are several forms of folliculitis, which can be superficial or deep. The superficial type involves part of the hair follicle, and the deep type affects more of the hair follicle and is usually more severe.
  • Possible complications of folliculitis include boils under the skin, recurrent or spreading infection, permanent skin damage, such as scarring or dark spots.

CAUSES

Folliculitis is generally caused by an infection of hair follicles with Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria). Folliculitis can also be caused by fungi, viruses, and physical trauma to the follicles.

Anyone can develop folliculitis but certain factors can increase the risk of having it. This includes:

  • Having acne or dermatitis
  • Long-term use of certain medications such as steroid creams.
  • Regularly wearing clothing that traps heat and sweat, such as high boots
  • A weakened immune system caused by medical conditions such as HIV or cancer
  • Being overweight
  • Using an unclean bathtub or swimming pool

Types and their causes

 

SUPERFICIAL FOLLICULITIS
  • Pseudomonas folliculitis also known as hot tub folliculitis is caused by Pseudomonas bacteria found in pools and hot tubs where the pH balance and chlorine levels are not adequately regulated and monitored. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 days after exposure to the bacteria that causes it.
  • Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a skin irritation caused by ingrown hair. It usually affects men with curly hair who shave too close. It may also affect people who get bikini waxes in the groin area. It is also known as barber’s itch.
  • Bacterial folliculitis is the most common type. It occurs when the hair follicle gets infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Staph bacteria live on the skin all the time but they enter deeper tissues through a wound or cut.
  • Pityrosporum folliculitis is caused by a yeast infection of the skin that produces chronic, red, itchy pustules on the back, and chest and sometimes on the neck, shoulders, upper arms, and face.
DEEP FOLLICULITIS
  • Sycosis barbae, it affects males who have begun to shave. It is a deeper form of barber’s itch that can cause scarring and permanent hair loss.
  • Boils and carbuncles, these occur when hair follicles are deeply infected with staph bacteria.
  • Eosinophilic folliculitis, this type usually affects people with HIV/AIDS.
  • Gram-negative folliculitis, this type affects people receiving long-term antibiotic therapy for acne.

SYMPTOMS

  • Itchy, burning skin
  • A large swollen bump or mass
  • Painful, tender skin
  • Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust
  • Swelling
  • Mild fever
  • Small red bumps
  • White-headed pimples

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will examine the skin, and take note of symptoms.

In cases where initial treatment doesn’t clear up your condition, the doctor may use a swab to take a sample of the infected skin or hair. This is sent to the laboratory for examining and to detect what is causing your condition.

In rare cases, a skin biopsy may be done to rule out other conditions.

TREATMENT

Treatment option usually depends on the type and severity of your condition.

Mild cases often only require home remedies. Severe or recurrent cases may need medication or other therapies.

Medications

  • Creams or pills to control infection
  • Creams or pills to reduce inflammation
  • Creams, shampoos or pills to fight fungal infections

Other therapies

  • Minor surgery, if you have a large boil or carbuncle.
  • Laser hair removal if other treatment option does not work.