Folliculitis

Folliculitis

Folliculitis, also called folliculitis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the hair follicles on the skin. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or improper skin hygiene. It manifests itself as redness, itching, pain and the appearance of pustules or papules around the hair follicle. It can occur all over the body, but most often affects the scalp, face, neck and armpit area. In most cases, this disease can be treated with appropriate antibacterial or antifungal agents, however, in some cases it may require dermatological consultation.

Symptoms of folliculitis may include:

1. Red and painful lumps or bumps around the hair.
2. Pain or itching of the skin.
3. Itchy blisters around the hair.
4. Alopecia or hair loss at the site of inflammation.
5. Skin ulcers.
6. Purulent lesions or purulent discharges.
7. Fever (in rarer cases).

If you suspect you have folliculitis, consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment. And what can contribute to the formation of folliculitis?

The main causes of folliculitis:

1. Bacteria – the most common cause of folliculitis is a bacterial infection, for example by staphylococci or streptococci.
2. Contamination – contact with dirt, dust or irritants can lead to folliculitis.
3. Injuries – e.g. minor cuts, abrasions or irritation can cause folliculitis.
4. Hair follicle overgrowth – abnormal overgrowth of the follicles can lead to blockage and the development of infection.
5. Follicle contractures – sometimes folliculitis can be caused by follicle contractures, which prevents the hair from getting to the surface of the skin.
6. Environmental factors – e.g. wearing tight clothes, using aggressive cosmetics or frequent shaving can lead to folliculitis.

In the case of folliculitis, appropriate treatment is important, which may involve the use of antibiotics, topical anti-inflammatory preparations or dermatological treatments. In order to prevent folliculitis, it is worth taking care of skin hygiene, avoiding irritants and regularly moisturizing and caring for the skin.

Folliculitis can be treated with a variety of methods, depending on the cause. Here are some ways to treat folliculitis:

1. Using anti-inflammatory ointments or creams – these can help reduce inflammation around the hair follicles and relieve pain and itching.
2. Use of antibiotics – If folliculitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you may need to use oral or topical antibiotics.
3. Use of soothing agents – special shampoos or washes can help to relieve the symptoms of folliculitis and prevent them from coming back.
4. Avoid irritants – It is important to avoid using irritants on the skin, such as harsh chemical cleansers or harsh cosmetics.
5. Treating skin inflammation – if folliculitis is the result of an inflammatory skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema, it may be necessary to treat these skin conditions.

In the case of severe or recurrent cases of folliculitis, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist who will recommend appropriate treatment. In some cases, it may also be necessary to remove infected hair follicles with surgery.