Folliculitis

What is Folliculitis?

When hair follicles become infected, folliculitis will form. Usually staphylococcus or other bacteria will be involved. Anyone can develop the condition, however one is more susceptible to the condition if:

• they are obese
• are exposed to hot water, such as a hot tub or heated swimming pool
• have a pre-existing skin condition like acne or dermatitis
• have trauma to the skin due to a surgery or an injury
• use antibiotics long term for acne
• have a medical condition that reduces the resistance to infection, such as HIV, diabetes or chronic leukemia
• long term exposure to clothing that will trap heat, such as high boots

Folliculitis Symptoms

Mild or severe cases of folliculitis can form.  Mild cases usually do not case much complications but they may have a re-occurant or spreading infection. Large itchy patches of staph infection can be present on the skin.  With severe cases, there may be scarring or leave patches of skin that are darker than the rest of the skin.  Destruction of the hair follicles may take place, which will lead to permanent hair loss.  Furunculosis can form, which are many boils under the skin that start off small but get larger and more painful as they are filled with pus.

Types of Folliculitis

There are two types of folliculitis, superficial and deep folliculitis.  Superficial folliculitis effects the upper part of the hair follicle and may cause red clusters that could be filled with pus that form around the hair follicles, pus filled blisters that can break open and crust over, red and inflamed skin and tender or itchy skin.  Deep folliculitis causes pain with possible scarring once the infection clears up.  Pus filled blisters can break open and crust over, and there is usually a large swollen bump or mass.

A diagnosis will be made just by looking at the skin. A sample of the skin can also be taken to send to the lab for further testing. It will be checked for bacteria presence.

Folliculitis Treatment

Mild cases of folliculitis will usually require no treatment.  Severe cases will need to be treated.  Antibiotics can be prescribed to take either orally, topically or both.  It may be recommended not to shave the area until the infection is gone and it has healed properly.  If you must shave, use a gel instead of a cream,  use an electric razor as they do not cut as closely to the skin, and shave in the direction of the hair growth.  Afterward, apply a moisturizing aftershave.  Medication to help with itching could be prescribed.

Warm saline compresses could help with some forms of folliculitis.  Topical or oral antifungal medications could be prescribed.  If there are boils or carbuncles, the doctor may drain them, which will ease the pain and help the healing process go much faster. Topical corticosteroids could be prescribed for some types of folliculitis.

Home treatment for folliculitis include applying warm compresses to the effected area.  This can be done several times a day. This will relieve pain and also help with the drainage.  For severely itchy skin, one can try an oatmeal lotion or a hydro cortisone cream.  If the skin is irritated, do not shave it. Shave in the direction of the hair growth if you must shave and use a clean new blade each time.  Electric razors work the best as they do not get as close  to the skin as a regular razor blade would.

Folliculitis Prevention

As a preventative measure, never share your towels or washcloths with anyone.   Make sure after each use they are getting washed in hot, soapy water.  Wash all clothing that touches the effected area in hot, soapy water after each wash.

Reference Sources

1. Web MD

2. Medscape