Folliculitis

Definition

Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. With common names like hot tub folliculitis and barber's itch, folliculitis may sound more like a bad joke than a skin disorder. But folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles, is no laughing matter. Severe cases may cause permanent hair loss and scarring, and even mild folliculitis can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Bactroban ointment should be applied into the front of the nose for several days to prevent a carrier state. While this may seem like it makes no sense, the inside front area of the nostrils is often a place where bacteria can survive a course of oral antibiotics. Later, they spread back to the skin to cause a relapse. Perifolliculitis, on the other hand, is defined as the presence of inflammatory cells in the perifollicular tissues and can involve the adjacent reticular dermis. Folliculitis and perifolliculitis can manifest independently or together as a result of follicular disruption and irritation.

Causes

1. The most common cause of folliculitis is due to staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria.
2. It may be caused by friction from shaving or tight clothing.
3. It may also cause by excess perspiration which can block the follicles.
4. Some inflammatory condition like acne or dermatitis may also lead to this problem.
5. Some injuries such as abrasions or surgical wounds can also Cause folliculitis.
6. Exposure to coal tar, pitch or creosote. It is common among roofers, mechanics and oil workers.
7. Occlusion from plastic dressings or adhesive tape.

Symptoms

1. The most important symptom may be pain, inflammation and redness in the skin or edema.
2. The lesions may range from tiny white-topped pustules to large, yellow pus-filled lesions.
3. In some advanced conditionss the complaints may be of hard, painful nodules.
4. In severe cases, it may progress to a systemic infection where there would be fever and malaise.
5. Common symptoms include a rash, itching, and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle in the neck, groin, or genital area. The pimples may crust over.
6. There are symptoms that multiple members of family or party with same rash and same hot tub exposure.

Treatment

1. Sometimes topical antibiotics, such as bacitracin with polymyxin B, may be administered.
2. Furuncles and carbuncles may require an incision and drainage of pus.
3. Your doctor may advise not shaving the affected area until the infection heals. If you must shave, use an electric razor or clean razor blade every time.
4. All steroids can have serious side effects and should be used for as brief a time as possible.
5. Fusidic acid is also used sometime. It inhibits protein synthesis in the bacteria and without that capacity, the bacteria will die.
6. Since folliculitis is more common in individuals who are obese, weight reduction may be helpful.
7. Use an antibacterial soap to wash the infected area. If the infection is on your scalp or beard, use a shampoo containing selenium or propylene glycol.