If you’ve gotten red, itchy, painful patches in your skin, you will have folliculitis. Learn what folliculitis is, the right way to treat it, and the right way to prevent it.
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles, the little pockets in your skin where hair grows. When these follicles develop into inflamed or infected, they could cause small, red, and sometimes pus-filled bumps on the skin. Folliculitis can occur anywhere you’ve gotten hair, however it is commonest on the face, scalp, arms, and legs.
Causes and Symptoms of Folliculitis
Folliculitis is usually brought on by a bacterial infection. Other infectious causes of folliculitis include fungi, viruses, and parasites. Folliculitis may also be brought on by non-infectious causes, for instance, when hair follicles are irritated or damaged reminiscent of by shaving or rubbing with the proper clothes. Types of folliculitis include:
- Bacterial folliculitis:Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria are essentially the most common explanation for bacterial folliculitis. So-called “hot tub” folliculitis is normally brought on by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteria may occur in individuals who use hot tubs with contaminated water.
- Fungal folliculitis: Also referred to as pterosporum folliculitis, this condition is usually seen during adolescence resulting from overactive oil glands. It appears within the shoulders, back and neck.
- Viral folliculitis: Often brought on by the herpes simplex virus, such a folliculitis is normally painful and occurs in groups or clusters on the skin.
- Eosinophilic folliculitis: Primarily seen in individuals with weakened immune systems, reminiscent of those with HIV/AIDS. It involves the buildup of a style of white blood cell (eosinophils) around hair follicles, causing irritation and inflammation.
- Demodex folliculitis: This condition is brought on by tinnitus. Demodex The mites, which live within the hair follicles and oil glands on our skin. When there are too a lot of these crusts, they could cause irritation and redness, which may end up in folliculitis. It is commonest in individuals with rosacea.
- Non-infectious folliculitis: Also called pseudofolliculitis, it will possibly be brought on by irritation from shaving or wearing tight clothing.
Symptoms of folliculitis can vary based on the cause, but often share common characteristics. Common symptoms include:
- Clusters of small red spots or whiteheads around hair follicles
- Itchy or irritated skin
- Painful, swollen bumps
- Pus-filled blisters that break and crust over.
Folliculitis is usually mistaken for keratosis pilaris (KP), a standard skin condition characterised by small, rough patches often found on the arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. Unlike folliculitis, KP is brought on by a buildup of keratin that clogs hair follicles. KP might be managed with exfoliation and moisturizing.
Treatment of folliculitis
Treatment of folliculitis is determined by the severity and cause. For mild cases, keeping the affected area clean and avoiding irritation could also be sufficient. Warm compresses can assist reduce itching and promote healing. Most folliculitis resolves by itself inside seven to 10 days.
If your folliculitis doesn't recuperate by itself, see your doctor. In persistent cases, a health care provider may prescribe medications which can be applied to the skin or taken by mouth. For folliculitis brought on by a bacterial infection, a health care provider may prescribe a topical antibiotic or antibiotic pills. If the cause is fungus, an antifungal cream or shampoo could also be advisable. Viral folliculitis might be treated with antiviral medications, and Demodex Folliculitis might be treated with antiparasitic drugs.
In severe cases, a minor procedure could also be needed to empty a big abscess. Eosinophilic folliculitis often requires treatment of the underlying, immunosuppressive condition.
Prevention of folliculitis
Folliculitis can often be prevented by adopting easy habits that make your skin less prone to infection and irritation. Precautions include:
- Practice good hygiene. Keep your skin clean and dry. Cleanse your skin with mild soap and water, especially after sweating from exercise or spending time outdoors.
- Avoid tight clothing. Wear loose, breathable clothing to cut back irritation.
- Shave fastidiously. Use a clean, sharp razor and shave within the direction of hair growth. Consider using shaving cream or gel to cut back friction.
- Limit exposure to hot tubs. If you employ a hot tub, be sure it’s clean and well maintained.
- Avoid sharing personal items. To reduce the chance of infection, don’t share towels, razors, or clothing.