What is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles resulting from bacterial or fungal infections. It looks like small red bumps or white-headed pimples present around the hair follicles [1].

In folliculitis, pus-filled blisters are formed over the skin that is painful and tender. These blisters can break and crust over. They cause a burning sensation.

The cause of folliculitis is an infection with staphylococcus aureus [2]. It can also be caused by viruses, fungi, or ingrown hairs.

If left untreated, folliculitis may lead to the spreading of infection resulting in the formation of boils under the skin. It can cause permanent skin damage. If hair follicles are damaged then it can cause permanent hair loss.

It is diagnosed by the doctor by looking at the infection. The medical history of the patient is also helpful. The doctor may also take samples from the infection. In rare cases, a biopsy is done.

 

What are the Types of Folliculitis?

There are two types of folliculitis [3]:

1. Superficial Folliculitis:

Superficial folliculitis involves only a part of the follicle. It is not severe. Several forms of superficial folliculitis are below:

• Bacterial Folliculitis
• Pseudomonas Folliculitis
• Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
• Pityrosporum folliculitis

 

1. Deep Folliculitis:

Deep folliculitis involves the entire follicle and is the most severe form of folliculitis. It can occur in the following forms:

• Sycosis Barbae
• Gram-Negative Folliculitis
• Furuncles and Carbuncles
• Eosinophilic Folliculitis

 

What are the Causes of Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is caused by bacterial, fungal, viral infections, or physical traumas. Some causes of folliculitis are mentioned below:

• Long-term use of some medications.
• Folliculitis is linked to weakened immune conditions.
• Take a bath in an unclean hot tub.
• Bacteria enter the body.
• Folliculitis occurs as a complication of acne.
• Cover the skin with plastic wrap.
• Skin-clogging substances.
• Infection of ingrown hair.
• Improper cleaning techniques.
• Wearing tight clothes.
• Rubbing clothes with the skin.

 

What are the Symptoms of Folliculitis?

Some common symptoms of folliculitis are described below:

• The appearance of small red bumps.
• Formation of small pustules.
• Presence of white-headed pimples.
• Severe pain and tenderness.
• Burning and itching.
• The surrounding skin may become red and swollen.

 

How Folliculitis is diagnosed?

Folliculitis can be diagnosed by the following methods:

• The doctor diagnoses folliculitis by generally looking over the affected area or by taking a previous medical history.
• Dermoscopy is useful in detecting folliculitis.
• The sample can be taken from the affected area and is sent for laboratory investigation.

 

What is the Treatment of Folliculitis?

Treatment options for folliculitis are described below [4]:

• In eosinophilic folliculitis, Ultraviolet light therapy is useful.
• In chronic folliculitis, hair follicles are removed by lasers.
• Antiseptics are used for treatment.
• In bacterial folliculitis, topical antibiotics are used.
• Oral antibiotics and antiparasitic antibiotics are also used.
• In the case of fungal folliculitis, fluconazole can be taken.
• Use of antiviral agents.
• In gram-negative folliculitis, isotretinoin is used.
• Topical corticosteroids are useful in relieving itching and swelling.
• More serious infections require surgical treatment.

 

How Folliculitis Can be Prevented?

 Folliculitis can be avoided by following the instructions [5]:

• By maintaining hot bathtubs and pools.
• People should prefer wearing loose clothes.
• Use hair removal creams.
• Avoid shaving.
• Take proper care of your hygiene.
• Take care of the wounds if you have any.

 

 

 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5821164/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29484091/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002406/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7083913/

 

---

Find articles related to: Medicine Telehealth Health infection follice germs


More articles about Skin & Esthetics

Back to the Health Tips Index