Folliculitis - Symptoms & Treatment

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. It is usually caused by bacteria, especially the type called staph. Folliculitis caused by a fungus is most often seen in people who have trouble fighting infections because they have an impaired immune system. Barber's itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. Tinea barbae is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus. This can occur anywhere on the skin or scalp. Usually there is some itch, sometimes a little soreness. Folliculitis looks like acne pimples or non-healing, crusty sores. Chronic or recurring folliculitis is less likely to clear with just antibiotics. Often this is on the legs of women, but it can occur in any areas of shaving, waxing, hair plucking or friction. They can also become blocked or irritated by substances like sweat, machine oils, or makeup. Once the follicles are injured, they are more likely to become infected. Folliculitis can develop on any part of the body, although it is most likely to occur on the scalp, face, and areas where clothing rubs against the body, such as the arms, thighs, and buttocks.

The folliculitis usually occurs after sitting in a hot tub that was not properly cleaned before use. Symptoms are found around the body parts that sit in the hot tub -- typically the legs, hips and buttocks and surrounding areas. Some people are born with a tendency to development folliculitis. When an infection of the follicle goes deeper, it becomes a boil or furuncle. A group of closely packed boils create a larger lesion called a carbuncle. These lesions tend to occur in hairy, sweaty areas of the body. Usually mild folliculitis heals on its own in about 2 weeks. Avoid using oils on your skin. Oils can cause bacteria to get trapped in the pores of your skin. This may cause Folliculitis to recur, particularly in people more prone to it. Keeping skin clean, dry, and free from abrasions or irritation can help prevent folliculitis. Women who have had fungal folliculitis should use depilatory creams instead of razors. Daily shampooing can help prevent folliculitis in the scalp. The spread of infection can be prevented by not sharing towels or washcloths. Warm compresses made with white vinegar or Burow's solution may help relieve itching and aid healing. If the infection does not go away, an antibiotic or antifungal cream will usually clear up the condition. Medicated shampoos are available to treat folliculitis on the scalp or beard.

Causes of Folliculitis

Common causes and risk factor's of Folliculitis:

Staphylococcus aureus.

Living in unsanitary conditions.

Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis.

Heat and humidity.

Exposure to coal tar, pitch or creosote.

Treatment of Folliculitis

Common treatment of Folliculitis:

Topical antiseptic treatment is adequate for most cases.

Some patients may benefit from systemic flucloxacillin.

For deeper, more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal pills.