Folliculitis

Folliculitis ( Pseudofolliculitis barbae )is a skin condition resulting to inflamed hair follicles. Folliculitis begins when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then contagioued with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph). The condition may develop anywhere on the skin. Serious cases may cause permanent hair loss and scarring, and even faint folliculitis can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. The exact type of inflammatory cells can vary and may be dependent on the etiology of the folliculitis and/or the stage at which the biopsy specimen was obtained.

Generally there is some itch, sometimes a little soreness. Many people get razor bumps. These are not folliculitis. Razor bumps are most common in African-Americans and people with densely coiled hair. Barber's itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the bearded portion of the face, generally the upper lip. Folliculitis appears like acne pimples or non-healing, crusty sores. In some cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus.

Folliculitis resembles like a small, pus-filled pimple, usually around the base of a hair. Folliculitis may also result to the development of furuncles ( Furunculosis ), commonly called boils, or carbuncles (Carbunculosis). The causes of folliculitis are multiple and involve infection, friction, other causes of follicular trauma, extreme perspiration, and occlusion, but many cases remain idiopathic. The folliculitis frequently occurs after sitting in a hot tub which was not properly cleaned before use.

Symptoms are observed around the body parts that sit in the hot tub -- basically the legs, hips and buttocks and surrounding areas. Bacteria from folliculitis can penetrate the blood stream and travel to other parts of the body. Folliculitis caused by a fungus is most often noticed in people who have difficulty fighting infections because they have an impaired immune system. Superficial folliculitis frequently clears by itself in a few days, but deep or recurring folliculitis may need medical treatment.

Causes of Folliculitis

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

• Folliculitis forms when bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, or a fungus insights the body through a cut, scrape, surgical incision, or other break in the skin near a hair follicle.
• Friction from shaving or tight clothing.
• Suffering from disease such as diabetes or AIDS that reduces your ability to fight infection.
• An drained immune system.
• Excessive perspiration, which can block the follicles.
• Use antibiotics or steroid cream for long periods.

Symptoms of Folliculitis

Some sign and symptoms related to Folliculitis are as follows:

• The symptoms may be pain, erythema and edema.
• A reddened rash.
• The pustules which gorm with deep folliculitis are normally larger, more painful, and longer-lasting than those from mild (superficial) folliculitis.
• Itching at the site of the rash and pimples.
• Bumps developing into dark red tender nodules.
• Some people get razor bumps.

Treatment of Folliculitis

Here is list of the methods for treating Folliculitis:

• Hot moist compresses may stimulate drainage of extensive folliculitis.
• A pill such as tetracycline or minocycline can be given for 4 to 6 weeks.
• If folliculitis ( Tinea barbae ) happens on the scalp or beard area, a shampoo containing selenium sulfide 2.5%, selenium 1%, or 50% propylene glycol can be used.
• Tinea barbae infection can be effectively cured with oral antifungal medications.
• Garlic ( Allium sativum ) and goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis ), both antiseptic agents against staph infections, may be taken.
• For severe cases, oral antibiotics such as Keflex, Erythromycin, or Cipro can be used.

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