Folliculitis: what it is, causes and treatment

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitisis an inflammatory reaction, which occurs in the area or cavities wherepilosebaceous follicles grow, usually human hair present in the armpits, scalp or anogenital region. In itself, it is an infection of the hair follicles.

In most cases, inflammation is usually evolutionary in three stages: acute, subacute and the last stage which is chronic. It is mainly caused by the presence of a microorganism such as a bacterium or virus, it is known that the central agent isStaphylococcus aureus.

Note: It is known thanks to an aesthetic study, that “Folliculitis affects both genders equally and any age group. Its exact incidence is difficult to determine, as many of the patients do not seek medical attention.” (1)

What causes folliculitis?

Folliculitishas several causes, in addition to the presence of microorganisms or a specific bacterium, so it is sometimes difficult to determine its main cause. Here are what factors cause folliculitis:

1. Infection and irritation

The infectionis caused by other bacteriasuch asStaphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosaandKlebsiella spp. They are the main causes of folliculitis, regardless of the area that has had contact, beyond the hair folliclepresenting possible high-risk complications.

The irritation can be prolonged if care is not taken , leading to one of several forms of folliculitis known as superficial folliculitis.

Important: A study highlights something important about superficial folliculitis “It is characterized by the presence of a small and fragile dome-shaped pustule on the infundibulum of the hair follicle” . (two)

2. Acne or dermatitis

Acne is a fairly common inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles, in the field of dermatology it is very common that if it is constantly manipulated, it causes irritation and damages the skin. It is caused by increases in sebaceous secretion and the bacteriaP. Acnes.

On the other hand, atopic dermatitis is very frequent during the childhood stage, it can even vary from region to region, it is the sudden appearance of skin lesions that can evolve through several stages to cover large areas of the skin.

Note: It is necessary to know that “Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary condition that predisposes to a series of diseases, mostly related to alterations in cellular immunity.” (3)

3. Hot clothing

The heat on the skin is not always a great contribution. Sometimesexcess heat can affect the skin and its hydration,leading to skin rashes due to dry skin, which can be quite irritating. This is related to warm clothes in times of high temperatures.

3. Baths in Jacuzzis

We all want to take a warm bath in the jacuzzi, right? But you have to admit that it has certain key disadvantages.

Again, the use of a hot tub in times of heat or very high temperatures, this can seriously affect the skin, but mainly, in recent times, there is a Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis infection or called “Hot tub rash”.

To highlight: It refers to contact folliculitis in Contaminated water , whether from a jacuzzi, a spa or in swimming pools, being very frequent during hot times.

4. Medicines

There are various medications with side effects on the human body, especially if consumed in excess.

These drug rashes are caused by allergic reactions, regardless of whether the drug is taken orally or by injection. They are accompanied by pain, inflammation and skin irritation.

What are the symptoms of folliculitis?

Folliculitis has several key symptoms,some of which are very easy to recognize, however you have to be alert for any symptoms related to the disease. We present the most important:

1. Skin rashes

Cutaneous manifestations are quite frequent during the initial stage of folliculitis.

These rashes are quite unpleasant due to their presence, they are reddish in nature and become quite irritating to the skin, they can be aggravated if there is an infection that ends in scaly and lumpy skin.

To highlight: There are various diseases of skin rashes, related to the skin, the central nervous system or body organs, as mentioned in a study “these lesions are part of a disease or in other cases are the product of a disease” . (4)

2. Inflammation and redness

The skin rash can follow a line of key symptoms , including swelling and redness in a person.

During advanced folliculitis, some red inflammation can be seenin the superficial part of the skin, being painful and even itchy. Scratching the skin during inflammation can be quite serious

3. Itching and pain

When a person’s skin is red and inflamed, it is accompanied by very frequent itching, which is almost never easily relieved.

Not to mention that the pain is prolonged (due to redness and skin pain) and can be felt by the slightest rubbing of the skin with some cloth, which can worsen the inflammation and generate more itching.

What to do to eliminate folliculitis?

Fortunately, there are several ways to successfully eliminate folliculitisor infection from the follicles. We present the main ways to alleviate this inflammatory condition:

1. Warm compresses

First of all , they relieve inflammation, by improving blood flow, which is transported through the tissues, making healing even faster. Therefore, compresses are a great option to recover from injuries to the dermis.

2. Antibiotics and antifungals

Antibiotics and antifungals are essential as a treatment for folliculitis. Mainly antifungals, prevent the growth or appearance of bacteria(even fungi) preventing symptoms and also, in many cases, cause the death of said infectious agent. They are consumed orally and depend on medical prescription.

Note: Oral antibiotics are also necessary during a treatment, some very remarkable ones are administered such as: dicloxacillin and cephalexin. Depending again on the doctor’s recommendation, since in many patients the bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics.

3. Drainage surgery

Drainage surgery is required, if possible, when the bacterial folliculitis infection develops into an abscess with abundant pus.

There is not so much protocol, the doctor must clean the affected area with alcohol first, and then drain the pus that is inside the abscess and clean the area again and avoid the expansion of the remains of the bacteria.

4. Laser hair removal

This is a preventive measure for the appearance of folliculitistag. Many experts endorse it for depilation of armpit hair or any other type.

In addition to completely removing hair or unwanted hair, it Can prevent infectionsor sudden redness in the dermis layer. No razor blades are required to damage the delicate skin.

5. Adequate hygiene habits

It is necessary to maintain proper personal hygiene, bathe daily and wash all the areas of the body where the hair is found, because the hair is also a protective medium for microorganisms, but if it is not washed properly they can enter the mucous areas.

Note: The use of soap on the body and genitals is important and should not be overlooked.

Key Conclusions

• It is caused by the appearance of infectious bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus ), acne or allergic reactions.
• may occur.
• Folliculitis can be acute, subacute, or chronic in certain cases.
• Treatment consists of warm compresses, drainage of pus, or use of antibiotics and antifungals.