Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the name granted to a group of skin situations in which there are inflamed hair follicles. The answer is a tender red spot, sometimes with a surface pustule. Folliculitis can be because of infection, occlusion, irritation and specific skin diseases. Folliculitis is reaction of one or more hair follicles. Chronic blisters of superficial folliculitis or lesions which are manipulated can results in deep folliculitis, which, in turn, can result in scarring. Perifolliculitis, on the other side, is described as the presence of inflammatory cells in the perifollicular tissues and can involve the adjacent reticular dermis. Folliculitis and perifolliculitis can ecident independently or together as a reply of follicular disruption and irritation. The true type of inflammatory cells can differ and may be dependent on the etiology of the folliculitis and/or the stage at which the biopsy specimen was obtained. Patients with superficial folliculitis generally appears with multiple small papules and pustules that are punctured by a central hair.
Patient may complain of pruritus or mild discomfort. It is generally because of bacteria , especially the type called staph ( Staphylococcus ). It can also because of yeast and another type of fungus. Folliculitis resulted by a fungus is mostly seen in people who have trouble fighting infections as they have an impaired immune system. Most common superficial type of infectious folliculitis is named as impetigo of Bockhart or barbers itch and is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The blisters are visible in the bearded area, usually on the upper lip near the nose, as erythematous follicular-based papules or pustules that may breaks and leave a yellow crust. The pustule is normally perforated by a hair that is easily extracted from the follicle. This form of folliculitis may happens more frequently in staphylococcal nasal carriers.
Causes of Folliculitis
Common causes of Folliculitis
- Friction from shaving or tight clothing
- Excess perspiration.
- Inflammatory skin conditions.
- Abrasions.
- Surgical wounds.
- Occlusion from plastic dressings.
- Adhesive tape.
- Exposure to coal tar.
- Infection.
- Friction.
- Follicular trauma.
Symptoms of Folliculitis
Common Symptoms of Folliculitis
- Pain.
- Erythema (inflammation and redness of the skin).
- Edema.
- Rash.
- Itching.
- Pimples or pustules.
- Yellow pus-filled lesions.
- Fever.
- Malaise.
Treatment of Folliculitis
Common Treatment of Folliculitis
- Medicated shampoos are available to treat folliculitis on the scalp or beard.
- Hot moist compresses may promote drainage of extensive folliculitis.
- Usually mild folliculitis heals on its own in about 2 weeks. Warm compresses made with white vinegar or Burow’s solution may help relieve itching and aid healing
- Antibiotic( Erythromycin, Clindamycin,Mupirocin, Cephalexin and Dicloxacillin ) or antifungal cream will usually clear up the condition.
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a best treatment for this condition is preventive. Shaving with an electric razor, which doesn’t cut as compared to as a razor blade does, can help. After using blade, massage your beard area with a warm, moist washcloth or facial sponge to lift the hairs so they can be cut more easily.
- Use a shaving gel instead of cream, and shave in the direction of the hair growth. When finished, rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply a moisturizing after-shave. If these measures don’t help, doctor may prescribe the acne medication tretinoin (Retin-A).
Filed under: Skin Disorders