Folliculitis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed.

The condition may occur anywhere on the skin with the exception of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

They may appear as red dots that come to white tips on the chest, back, arms, legs, and head.

The severity of the condition is classified as either superficial or deep depending upon the amount of hair follicle involved.

Causes Of Folliculitis:

Folliculitis is either caused by an infection of hair follicles, typically from bacteria, or by viruses, fungi or inflammation from ingrown hairs.

Damaged follicles are prone to infections.

Follicle damage can be caused by:

• Friction from shaving or tight clothing
• Heat and sweat, such as that caused by wearing rubber gloves or waders
• Certain skin conditions, such as dermatitis and acne
• Injuries to your skin, such as from scrapes or surgical wounds
• Coverings on your skin, such as plastic dressings or adhesive tape

Risk Factors Of Folliculitis:

The following factors increase likelihood of acquiring Folliculitis:

• Having a medical condition that reduces your resistance to infection, such as diabetes, chronic leukemia and HIV/AIDS
• Having acne or dermatitis
• Past damage to your skin, as from injury or surgery
• Taking some medications, such as steroid creams or long-term antibiotic therapy for acne
• Being overweight
• Regularly wearing clothing that traps heat and sweat, such as rubber gloves or high boots
• Soaking in a hot tub that’s not maintained well
• Shaving

Symptoms Of Folliculitis:

The following signs and symptoms are observed:

• Clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples that develop around hair follicles
• Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Red and inflamed skin
• Itchy or burning skin
• Tenderness or pain
• A large swollen bump or mass

Diagnosis Of Folliculitis:

In order to diagnose Folliculitis, the doctor is likely to look at the infected skin and review the individual’s clinical history. If the infection is not cleared up via the usual treatment, the doctor may take a swab of the infected skin as a sample and send it to the laboratory so as to determine the cause of the infection.

Treatment Of Folliculitis:

Folliculitis can be treated through various methods. They include the following:

• Medications
  • Creams or pills to control infection
  • Creams, shampoos or pills to fight fungal infections.
  • Creams or pills to reduce inflammation.
• Minor surgery to drain the pus
• Light therapy with a medicated cream
• Laser hair removal

By : Natural Health News