Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle. It is a common disorder of the skin, and it can develop at any age. Folliculitis is a primary inflammation of the hair follicle which occurs as a outcome of various infections or secondary to follicular trauma or occlusion. Folliculitis normally arises as small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles - the tiny pockets from which each hair grows. Folliculitis begins when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving.

In some issues of folliculitis, the ruptured follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph). The condition may happen anywhere on the skin. Most infections are apparent, and although they may itch, they're seldom painful. The inflammation can be either limited to the superficial countenance of the follicle with primary involvement of the infundibulum or the inflammation can affect both the superficial and deep aspects.

Chronic lesions of superficial folliculitis or lesions which are maneuvered can eventuate in deep folliculitis, which, in turn, can result in scarring. Folliculitis can cause boils and, in rare cases, severe skin infections. Bacteria from folliculitis can penetrate the blood stream and travel to other parts of the body. Harsh cases may cause permanent hair loss and scarring, and even moderate folliculitis can be constrained and embarrassing.

Folliculitis has been quintessentially divided into superficial and deep forms; however, most of the superficial forms can evolve into the deep form. The marks and symptoms of folliculitis vary, based on the type of infection. In superficial forms of the disorder, small pimples srise around one or more hair follicles. Barber's itch is a staphylococcus infection of the hair follicles in the beard portion of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving enhances the condition. Tinea barbae is alike to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus. Patients having deep folliculitis typically have more pain, may experience purulence drainage.

Many people develop folliculitis after exposure to a poorly chlorinated hot tub or whirlpool. This condition, occassionally called "hot-tub folliculitis" or "hot-tub dermatitis," is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bacteria which cause folliculitis are infectious. Bacterial folliculitis infections are generally mild and can be cleared up by applying an over-the-counter topical antibiotic cream or ointment to the affected area as directed by your doctor.

A person suffer from folliculitis can infect others who live in the same household. Superficial folliculitis often clears by itself in a few days, but deep or recurring folliculitis may require medical treatment. Usually treatment can clear or regulate the condition, but elimination of external aggravating factors is the most important aspect of long term control. Recurrence of Folliculitis is frequent and revert eat treatment may be needed.

Causes of Folliculitis

The common causes and risk factor's of Folliculitis involve the following:

Friction from shaving or tight clothing.
Inflammatory skin conditions, involving dermatitis and acne.
Dirty, crowded living conditions.
Patients who have a reduced immune status, prior skin injury, or dermatoses or those who are obese may be more at risk.
Injuries to your skin such as abrasions or surgical wounds.
Exposure to hot, humid temperatures.

Symptoms of Folliculitis

Some sign and symptoms related to Folliculitis are as follows:

Itching skin.
Rash (reddened skin area).
Fever.
The pustules that develop with deep folliculitis are usually larger, more painful, and longer-lasting than those from mild (superficial) folliculitis.
Yellow pus-filled lesions.
The pimples may crust over.

Treatment of Folliculitis

Here is list of the methods for treating Folliculitis:

Topical antiseptic treatment is adequate for most cases.
Hot moist compresses may encourage drainage of extensive folliculitis.
Hot tub folliculitis rarely desires treatment, although your doctor may prescribe an oral or topical medication to help relieve itching (anti-pruritic).
More serious cases may require an oral antibiotics (dicloxacillin).
Some patients may advantage from systemic flucloxacillin.
Antifungal medications may be required to control the infection.

If you like this page, please post it on:

What's New in our Beauty BLog