Folliculitis

Have you ever had a rash on your skin that just wouldn't go away no matter what you tried? If so, you may have been suffering from folliculitis. Folliculitis is a common skin condition that results in a rash of small red bumps around hair follicles. While the rash can be itchy and embarrassing, it is usually not a serious condition. There are several different treatments available for folliculitis, so there is no need to suffer any longer. Read on to learn more about this condition and how to treat it.

 

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become inflamed. The inflammation can be caused by an infection, irritation, or injury to the follicle. Folliculitis can occur on any part of the body that has hair, but it is most commonly found on the face, scalp, chest, and back.

 

Types of folliculitis

There are several types of folliculitis, each with different causes:

Bacterial folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph), which is commonly found on the skin. It can also be caused by other bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (pseudomonas) or Streptococcus pyogenes (strep). Bacterial folliculitis is more common in people who have recently been in the hospital or who have a weakened immune system.

Fungal folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is usually caused by the fungus Candida albicans (candida), which is a type of yeast. It can also be caused by other fungi, such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes (tinea). Fungal folliculitis is more common in people who have diabetes or who are taking antibiotics.

Viral folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is usually caused by the virus that causes herpes simplex (herpes). It can also be caused by the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster). Viral folliculitis is more common in people who have a weakened immune system.

Chemical folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is caused by chemicals that damage the hair follicle, such as certain hair dyes, permanents, straighteners, and chlorinated pools. It can also be caused by radiation therapy.

Physical folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is caused by physical damage to the hair follicle, such as from shaving, plucking, waxing, or wearing tight clothing.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae: This type of folliculitis is caused by ingrown hairs. It is more common in men who shave their beards.

Hot tub folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (pseudomonas). It is more common in people who use hot tubs or Jacuzzis that are not properly cleaned.

Folliculitis decalvans: This type of folliculitis is a rare, chronic form of folliculitis that leads to permanent hair loss. It is more common in men than in women.

Sycosis barbae: This type of folliculitis is a chronic form of bacterial folliculitis that affects the beard area. It is more common in men who shave their beards.

Tropical folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (pseudomonas). It is more common in people who live in hot, humid climates.

Demodex folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is caused by the mite Demodex folliculorum. It is more common in people with a weakened immune system.

 

What are the symptoms of folliculitis?

The symptoms of folliculitis vary depending on the type of folliculitis you have. The most common symptom is a rash that appears as small, red bumps around the hair follicles. The bumps may be itchy, sore, or crusty over.

Other symptoms of folliculitis include:

• Whiteheads
     
• Pus-filled bumps
     
• Scales or crusts     on the skin
     
• Burning sensation on the skin
     
• Itching
     
• Painful rash
   

If the folliculitis is caused by an infection, you may also have a fever.

 

What causes folliculitis?    

Folliculitis can be caused by several different things, including infections, irritation, or injury to the hair follicle. The most common cause of folliculitis is an infection with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph).

Other causes of folliculitis include:

• Fungal infections
• Viral infections
• Allergic reactions
• Injury to the skin
• Excessive sweating
• Tight clothing that rubs the skin
• Obstruction of the hair follicle

 

How is folliculitis treated?

Mild cases of folliculitis can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications. More severe cases may require prescription antibiotics or other treatments.

Treatments for folliculitis include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied to the skin. They are used to treat bacterial and fungal infections.
     
• Anti-inflammatory medications: These medications can help reduce swelling, redness, and pain. They include over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
     
• Topical antiseptic solutions: These solutions can help kill bacteria and speed up the healing process. They include over-the-counter products such as chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) and povidone-iodine (Betadine).
     
• Topical antifungal creams: These creams can help treat fungal infections. They include over-the-counter products such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and ketoconazole (Nizoral).
     
• Corticosteroid injections: These injections can help reduce inflammation. They are usually given by a doctor.
     
• Laser therapy: This therapy uses lasers to destroy the hair follicle. It is usually done by a doctor.
     
• Surgical removal: This is the last resort treatment for folliculitis that does not respond to other treatments. It involves removing the affected area of the skin.

If the folliculitis is caused by an infection, your doctor will also treat the infection.

 

How can I prevent folliculitis?

There are several things you can do to prevent folliculitis, including:

• Washing your skin regularly.
     
• Avoid tight clothing that rubs the skin.
     
• Avoid hot tubs, Jacuzzis, and swimming pools.
     
• Shaving with a clean razor.
     
• Avoid sharing towels, razors, or other personal items.
     
• Use an antibacterial soap if you have open wounds on your skin.

If you have folliculitis, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry. You should also avoid picking or scratching at the bumps. Doing so can spread the infection and make the folliculitis worse.

 

Conclusion   

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that can be caused by a variety of things. It is often treated at home with over-the-counter medications, but more severe cases may require prescription antibiotics or other treatments. There are several things you can do to prevent folliculitis, including washing your skin regularly and avoiding tight clothing that rubs the skin. If you have folliculitis, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry. You should also avoid picking or scratching at the bumps. Doing so can spread the infection and make the folliculitis worse.