Folliculitis is a skin condition that happens when the hair follicles get infected or inflamed. This condition is commonly confused with acne and can affect regions present with hair such as the arms, face, chest, legs or scalp. Everybody should know how it starts, the causes behind this problem, what symptoms of the disease are there, and how it can be cured.
What Causes Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles usually caused due to infections, which may be bacterial or fungal in origin. Of the five categories of this condition, the most popular one is bacterial folliculitis caused by bacteria, especially the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that penetrate the hair follicles. Other potential causes include:
- Fungal infections:
These may cause fungal folliculitis that includes yeast (Malassezia) infections of the hair follicles. - Irritation:
Friction of clothes on the skin, shaving or bathing in water containing the bacteria causes hair follicle infection. - Ingrown hairs:
If hair curls back into the skin, it may become inflamed. - Skin conditions: This condition may develop easily in a person with skin conditions like eczema or acne, or may occur due to shaving, waxing or any other hair removal process.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Folliculitis
Side symptoms of this condition may feature as itching, red bumps on the skin or affected areas of the body. Common signs include:
- Red bumps or pimples:
These could occur near hair follicles and could perhaps be associated with itching or pain. - Pus-filled blisters:
In worse cases, the bumps may develop into pustules which have a red base, raised with pus content therein. - Crusting or scabbing:
As the condition progresses, the lesions may be present under crusts. - Discomfort or tenderness:
The affected areas may be the areas that are sensitive to touch in the body of the individual.
If this condition occurs on the scalp, it is referred to as folliculitis scalp, and if not treated, it causes both hair loss and itching.
Diagnosis of Folliculitis
The common approach to diagnosing this skin condition is by a physical examination of the affected area. To establish a proper diagnosis, a healthcare expert might ask a person about his or her symptoms, medical history, any skin reactions or recent infections. In some cases, a doctor may need to take tissue samples such as a biopsy or skin culture in a bid to establish what is wrong, whether a condition is chronic or not.
Folliculitis Treatment
Folliculitis treatment may vary depending on the cause of the infection. Here are some common approaches:
- Antibiotic therapy:
In bacterial folliculitis, the physician may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to clear the bacteria. This is especially the case in bacterial folliculitis. - Antifungal medications:
If the condition is due to a fungus, then the doctor will probably give creams or tablets to treat the fungus. - Topical treatments:
For mild conditions, there are over the counter creams that can be bought which contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. - Warm compresses:
Such poultices should be warm and moist: using them may alleviate pain and also encourage the drainage of pustular lesions. - Avoiding irritants:
Some of the tips to avoid irritation include wearing very loose clothing and avoiding very close shaves. - Medicated shampoos:
This condition on the scalp can be controlled using over the counter shampoos with ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione. - Preventive measures:
The best ways to prevent this skin condition are to wash the skin often, avoid hot tubs, and take care of the skin after shaving.
When to Seek Medical Help
Most cases of this hair follicle infection are mild and can be managed at home, however, it is essential to seek medical advice if you experience:
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Persistent signs that either remain unaltered or progress.
- Situations that cannot be solved by home remedies
Conclusion
Folliculitis is a skin condition that is harmless but can cause discomfort and stress. To be able to fix it, a person must know what causes it and what signs a person exhibits if they have it. In case one feels that there is hair follicle infection, he or she should consult a doctor on what precautions he or she needs to take to avoid contracting the disease again. Avoiding folliculitis and getting the skin you’ve always wanted is possible if you follow the preventive measures and consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease.
