Folliculitis

Definition

Folliculitis is a skin condition leading to inflamed hair follicles. The result is a tender red spot, often with a surface pustule. Folliculitis can be due to infection, occlusion, irritation and specific skin diseases. Folliculitis usually appears as small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles - the tiny pockets from which each individual hair grows.

Folliculitis may also lead to the development of furuncles , commonly called boils, or carbuncles. It is exacerbated by irritation, pressure, friction, or perspiration. Prognosis depends on the infection's severity and on the patient's conditions and ability to resist infection.

Causes of Folliculitis

Folliculitis develops when bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, or a fungus enters the body through a cut, surgical incision, scrape or other break in the skin near a hair follicle. Scratching the affected area can trap fungus or bacteria under the fingernails and spread the infection on other parts of the body too. This is usually caused by traumatic hair removal, that is, hair under the skin barrier of the pouch is pulled out when the skin barrier is removed.

Contact with oils, tar and grease can make one more susceptible to folliculitis. Tight or occlusive clothing such as polyester can contribute to the development of folliculitis.

Symptoms of Folliculitis

Symptoms related to Boils are as follows:

• Itching skin.
• Pimples or pustules located around a hair follicle.
• Typically occurs on neck axilla, or groin area.
• May present as genital lesions.
• Rash (reddened skin area).

Treatment of Folliculitis

• If folliculitis (Tinea barbae) occurs on the scalp or beard area, a shampoo containing selenium sulfide 2.5%, selenium 1%, or 50% propylene glycol can be used.
• A pill such as tetracycline or minocycline can be given for 4 to 6 weeks.
• In many cases, the infection clears on its own. When it persists, your doctor may recommend treatment with a topical antibiotic. For more severe infections involving the entire follicle, you may need oral antibiotics or broad-spectrum anti fungal agents.
• Mild folliculitis caused by bacteria is often treated with antibiotic ointments or creams such as bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate (Polysporin), clindomycin, erythromycin, or mupirocin (Bactroban). Topical antiseptic cleansers may also be used, such as povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine.
• Cleaning the area once to twice a day with the liquid form of Lever 2000 soap is helpful.

You should see a doctor if fever develops during treatment or if the infection spreads or a pus pocket develops during treatment.