Folliculitis - Symptoms and Treatment

Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It is a common disorder of the skin, and it can occur at any age. It can develop on any part of the body, but is most likely to occur on the scalp, face, or parts of the arms, armpits, or legs not usually covered by clothing. Small, yellowish-white blister-like lumps (pustules) surrounded by narrow red rings are usually present with both bacterial folliculitis and fungal folliculitis. Hair can grow through or alongside of the pustules, which sometimes ooze blood-stained pus. Folliculitis can cause boils and, in rare instances, serious skin infections. Bacteria from folliculitis can enter the blood stream and travel to other parts of the body. The most common etiology of folliculitis is bacterial infection, often due to Staphylococcus aureus. Folliculitis can also be found in the beard area, known as barber's itch or pseudofolliculities and sometimes on the scalp along the front hairline with small, very itchy rash like pustules (small blisters with pus inside). Folliculitis skin infections primarily affect younger adults. Folliculitis appears as small, round and slightly elevated pus-filled pimples or pustules that form around the hair follicles, located in the center of each lesion. The affected areas often cause mild discomfort as the infected lesions become swollen and tender. Itching is common and often the biggest complaint .

Folliculitis generally occurs as small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles the tiny pockets from which each hair grows. Most infections are superficial, and although they may itch, they're seldom painful. It is a group of skin conditions in which there are inflamed hair follicles results in folliculitis. Chronic folliculitis is uncommon except in acne vulgaris, where constituents of the normal flora (e.g., Propionibacterium acnes) may play a role. This type of condition may occur wherever on the skin. Typically it appears as an eruption of skin that surrounds a hair or hair pore. Folliculitis is of two forms, i.e. one is superficial and the other is termed as deep Folliculitis. It is very much possible that one person manage to get both the afflictions since very often superficial develops into the deep Folliculitis. Diffuse folliculitis occurs in two settings. "Hot-tub folliculitis" is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in waters that are insufficiently chlorinated and maintained at temperatures between 37 and 40°C.

Causes of Folliculitis

Common Causes of Folliculitis :

• Heat and sweating are also factors that can contribute to folliculitis.
• Contact with oils, tar and grease can make one more susceptible to folliculitis.
• Staphylococcus aureus are the most common bacteria that cause folliculitis. It is not known why these bacteria infect the hair follicles.
• Some people are born with a tendency to development folliculitis. If you are one of these people you may have to continue treatment to prevent recurrences.

Symptoms of Folliculitis

Some common Symptoms of Folliculitis :

• Pus in the hair follicle.
• Irritated and red follicles.
• Erythema.
• Genital lesions
• Damaged hair.
• Itchy skin.
• Malaise.
• Pain.
• Reddened skin area.
• pimples located around a hair follicle.

Treatment of Folliculitis

• Liquid form of Lever 2000 soap (a mild antibacterial soap).
• Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment.
• Topical antiseptic treatment is adequate for most cases. Some patients may benefit from systemic flucloxacillin.
• oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics (to treat the infection).
• Possible removal of the boils and carbuncles.
• Furuncles and carbuncles may require an incision and drainage of pus.
• Alternative treatments may be eating a balanced diet, including protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
• Topical antibiotics (Bactroban), oral antibiotics (dicloxacillin), or antifungal medications may be needed to control the infection.

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