Are you having small red itchy bumps and rashes on your skin? You may have been affected by a condition called Folliculitis. Read on and know all about Folliculitis – what is Folliculitis, what causes Folliculitis, what are the symptoms of Folliculitis and more.

Folliculitis Definition

Photo 1 – Folliculitis
Source – skindisordersguide

Folliculitis is a health condition that involves the swelling of one or more follicles of the hair. The disease may strike any part of the skin. It commonly affects areas of the body like scalp, face, cheeks, neck, arms, armpits, chest, back, groin, genital region and legs. One can also have Folliculitis on buttocks. The only areas that remain unaffected by Folliculitis are the palms and soles of the body.

Types of Folliculitis

Depending on the intensity of symptoms, Folliculitis is classified into two types :

Superficial Folliculitis

It affects the external surface of the body. In Superficial Folliculitis, rashes and papules develop on the skin surface in any area of the body except the palms and soles.

Superficial Folliculitis itself can be of different subtypes, such as :

Bacterial Folliculitis

It results from a bacterial infection, mainly of the Staphylococcus bacteria variety. A Staphylococcal Folliculitis arises due to infection from a blunt blade while shaving. An infection by the Pseudomonas bacteria can lead to Pseudomonas Folliculitis, also known as Hot Tub Folliculitis. A person usually gets it from hot wooden tubs and develops red itchy lumps within a day after exposure.

Fungal Folliculitis

It arises when fungus or yeast infects the deeper layers of the hair follicles or the skin. Tinea barbae is a well known Fungal Folliculitis. Tinea Folliculitis Barbae can result in pus-filled, deep red bumps on any part of the body.

Viral Folliculitis

It is caused by a viral infection, mainly by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

Parasitic Folliculitis

This occurs when small, parasitic micro-organisms nest themselves into the hair follicle and lay eggs there.

Deep Folliculitis

In this condition, the infection extends deep into the hair follicle and affects either the entire follicle or a deeper area of the follicle.

Deep Folliculitis can also be subdivided into various subtypes like :

Gram Negative Folliculitis

This happens in people who use antibiotics for a long time for acne treatment. Antibiotics disrupt the normal bacterial balance in the body and result in profusion of harmful organisms.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis

Photo 2 – Eosinophilic Folliculitis Picture
Source – paraorkut

It is generally visible in people who are affected by HIV infection. It is also known as Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis.

Deep Bacterial Folliculitis

This occurs when there is deep infection of the hair follicles by the Staphylococcus bacteria. It leads to boils and carbuncles on various regions of the skin surface.

Folliculitis Symptoms

The main symptoms of Folliculitis are :

Itchiness

People affected with Folliculitis commonly suffer from itchiness in one or more parts of the body. Folliculitis on penis is especially discomforting.

Rashes

Folliculitis sufferers are often seen to suffer from rashes. Rashes may arise on any part of the body covered with skin, except the palms and soles.

Pimples

Small reddish pimples or pustules can arise close to hair follicle in regions like face, neck, groin and genital. Pustular Folliculitis can be very discomforting for affected people.

Swollen Bumps

Inflamed lumps can arise on the skin of Folliculitis patients. These can be hot and painful to touch. In later stages, a head is formed over these boils and can burst to release pus from within.

Folliculitis Causes

Some of the main causes of Folliculitis are :

Damage of Hair Follicles

Folliculitis can arise if one or more hair follicles suffer damage during shaving, due to friction with a piece of clothing or due to obstruction because of a skin trauma or some other reason. If people with curly hairs trim their scalp hair or beard too short, the hair may curve and grow into the skin causing inflammation and Folliculitis.

Bacterial Infection

Infection by the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria or overgrowth of the Gram-negative bacteria can be a major reason behind Folliculitis.

Fungal Infection

An infection by the Malassezia furfur fungus gives rise to Pityrosporum Folliculitis, a kind of Superficial Folliculitis.

Viral Infection

An infection by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can cause Herpetic Folliculitis, a type of Superficial Folliculitis.

Parasitic Infection

Parasite infection is a main cause of Deep Folliculitis. It happens when parasites infect and lay eggs at the hair follicles.

Folliculitis Treatment

Folliculitis usually goes away within a week. However, infectious cases of this condition can be really painful and discomforting for the sufferer. Mild cases can be treated at home with antibacterial mouthwash, soaps, antibiotic ointments and over the counter medicines. For serious cases, oral antibiotic drugs and Laser Hair Removal Method are used for Folliculitis treatment.

Folliculitis Pictures

Confused whether you are suffering from Folliculitis or not? Check out these pictures of Folliculitis. These Folliculitis photos will help you get a visual idea about the disease and find out whether you are having Folliculitis rashes on your skin. Here are also some Pityrosporum Folliculitis pictures that you will find useful.

Image 3 – Folliculitis Picture
Source – healthhype

Image 4 – Folliculitis Photo
Source – uc.edu

What Does Folliculitis Look Like?

Folliculitis rashes are usually red and swollen in appearance. These can arise almost anywhere on the human body. In some cases, the rashes can develop into a boil filled with pus. The boils develop a head which may burst after sometime to discharge pus.

Recurrent Folliculitis

Folliculitis can often come back and cause complications. Recurring Folliculitis occurs in people who have a bacterial infection in their nose. In case of a Recurrent Folliculitis, infection can spread into the deeper areas of the body. Frequent recurrence of Folliculitis can lead to formation of scars on the skin surface. In case of Folliculitis on scalp, it can result in permanent Folliculitis hair loss. Mild Folliculitis does not recur.

Scalp Folliculitis

Picture 5 – Scalp Folliculitis
Source – cdlib

Folliculitis of the scalp usually happens when excess oil obstructs the sebaceous glands and gives rise to itchiness and swollen bumps on the skin of the head. It can also arise due to hair follicle infection by bacteria, mites and yeast. Staphylococcus bacterium and Propionibacterium acnes are the two main bacteria responsible for a Folliculitis scalp.

What is Folliculitis Decalvans?

Picture 6 - Folliculitis Decalvans
Source - dermatology

This is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the scalp and leads to a loss of hair. This can strike any part of the scalp and spread to other parts. It can result in sores and scarring on the scalp and hair loss.

Is Folliculitis Contagious?

Folliculitis in general is not contagious. But certain types of the disease are. Staphylococcal Folliculitis is highly contagious. This condition, caused by bacterial infection, spreads by direct skin- to-skin contact. Sharing towels, razors, clothes or undergarments can also transmit the disease.

What is Malassezia Folliculitis?

It is a kind of Folliculitis resulting from a Malassezia yeast infection. It can give rise to papules and lesions on areas like the upper arms, neck, chest and back. They are rarely seen on the face.

Is Folliculitis Infectious?

Folliculitis can be infectious as well as non-infectious. Infectious Folliculitis is more common than the non- infectious one. Infectious Folliculitis arises from hair damage caused by shaving, friction with clothing, injuries and the like.

If you are suffering from Folliculitis and the symptoms refuse to subside even 3 days after use of home remedies and treatment over the counter drugs, you must call up a doctor. Professional medical care will help you recover from the condition faster and avoid all complications including infection in future.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001826/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folliculitis

http://www.medicinenet.com/folliculitis/article.htm

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1070456-overview

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000823.htm

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/f/folliculitis/intro.htm

Infected Hair Follicle, or Folliculitis, is defined as a condition that causes the swelling of the hair follicles. Read on to know about the various ways by which this ailment can be treated.

There are many treatments for infected hair follicle that can provide relief to a Folliculitis patient. These can effectively diagnose and control the causes as well as symptoms of hair follicle infection. Know about the various treatment procedures used for infected hair follicle as well as the types of infection they are used for.

How to Cure Folliculitis Naturally?

Folliculitis can be naturally cured with the aid of lifestyle changes. Some of the common methods used for natural cure of Folliculitis include:

Shaving with clean razors – Typically, Folliculitis develops on areas such as the groin or the neck. This often results from improper shaving techniques or skin contamination due to use of dirty razors. Use of only sharp, clean razors and shaving in the direction of growth of hair can help in preventing in-growing of hairs and infection of hair follicles.

Wearing loose clothing – Wearing loose garments, made of natural fibers, can encourage circulation of air and reduce friction. This can prevent cases of ingrown hair.

Avoiding moisturizers – According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, moisturizers should be avoided when Folliculitis results from yeast infection. If you are suffering from recurrent infections on use of topical steroids (such as those recommended for eczema), you should immediately consult your doctor. A change in medication may be necessary for you.

Daily exfoliation – Exfoliation, on a daily basis, can help get rid of any bacteria on skin tissues that are responsible for obstructing pores. The infection can be dried up using Tea tree solutions. 100% tea tree essential oil has antibacterial properties that are strong enough to cure hair follicle infections. You may use a diluted and prepared solution or mix your own solutions along with carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil or Grapeseed oil.

Good hygiene – Towels, washcloths and bed linens soiled with fluids discharged from the infected area should be frequently washed in hot water to prevent spreading of the infection. As per the New Zealand Dermatological Society, recurrent cases of Folliculitis that are related with shaving may make it necessary to go for permanent hair removal.

Infected Hair Follicle Home Remedy

Home remedy for Folliculitis is usually effective in the initial stages of the disorder. This is especially true in case of mild Folliculitis. According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, the infected region should be washed with soap and water. Alternatively, moist compresses or an antiseptic solution can also be used to ease inflammation and encourage draining.

Oatmeal baths can help cure itchiness and irritation of the infected skin region.

If lifestyle changes and home treatments fail to improve the infection, use of oral or topical medications may become necessary.

How To Treat Infected Hair Follicle From Bacterial Microbes?

Bacterial infection of hair follicle can be cured by medications as well as certain changes in lifestyle.

Staphylococcal Folliculitis – Cases of Folliculitis resulting from infection caused by this bacterium can be controlled by oral or topical antibiotics. Sufferers should refrain from shaving the infected area unless they are completely cured. If it is necessary to clean the area, a clean razor or an electric razor should be used.

As per the University Of Maryland Medical Center, the bacterium known as “Staphylococcus aureus” is mostly responsible for infection of the hair follicles. In the absence of cure, there may be a spreading of the infection to adjoining tissues. This may result in Cellulitis or other complexities.

Pseudomonas Folliculitis – Popularly known as “Hot Tub Folliculitis”, this condition does not usually require any particular treatment. However, doctors may prescribe medicines to relieve itching symptoms in the affected region. In cases where the infection takes an acute form, oral-antibiotics may be needed for cure.

Gram-negative Folliculitis – This is a type of Folliculitis that results from a Gram-negative bacterial infection. Isotretinoin (Accutane) or antibiotics are usually recommended for treatment of this type of an infection.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae – Commonly referred to as “Barber’s Itch”, this infection requires good self-care standards while shaving the affected skin region. An affected person should try using an electric razor instead of a razor blade. It is better to use a shaving gel rather than a shaving cream. It is important to remember not to shave in a way that is against the direction of hair growth. The infected area should be washed with warm water. An after-shave or a moisturizing cream should be applied over the region.

How to Treat Infected Hair Follicle from Fungal Causes?

Tinea Barbae – Also known as “Ringworm of the beard”, this refers to a type of fungal infection that affects the hair. Normally, oral intake of anti-fungal medications is quite effective in treating hair follicle infection from this type of fungus.

Pityrosporum Folliculi – This infection, which is caused by yeast-like fungus, can generally be treated by topical or oral anti-fungal medicines. The infection tends to recur sometime in future after being treated. Recurrence is usually prevented by use of topical ointments for an indefinite period of time.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis – Usually, general instances of this type of infection can be cured with topical corticosteroids while acute cases can be treated with oral corticosteroids. Other than oral antihistamines, topical steroids may be prescribed for HIV/AIDS patients with this condition.

Virally Infected Hair Follicle Cure

Herpetic Folliculitis – This viral infection of hair is not treated, unless the sufferer happens to be in good health. If however, the patient has a medical history of AIDS/HIV or an outbreak of cold sores, an oral anti-viral medication may be used for cure.

Boils and Carbuncles – In many cases, carbuncles or boils develop over the infected area. A small incision in the surface of the carbuncle or boil can relieve the pain and facilitate a speedier recovery. This can also prevent development of scars on the skin. A strip of sterile gauze should be used to cover the affected area and let the pus keep draining. Antibiotics may also be effective in preventing recurrence of this infection.

Boils or Carbuncles may require incision. Cutting these open can promote pus drainage from the site of infection and help in curing the condition.

How to Cure Folliculitis with Medications?

Some common medicines used for Infected Hair Follicle Cure are:

Antibiotics – Most cases of Folliculitis show a good response to topical antibiotic medications, such as Bacitracin or Mupirocin with Polymyxin B. Severe cases, or suspected cases of Cellulitis involvement, may be cured with oral antibiotics.

Antifungal Medications – Antifungal medications can effectively cure folliculitis caused by a fungal infection.

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – Discomforting symptoms, such as pain and inflammation, can be treated with the aid of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.

Proper skin care and maintaining good hygiene on a daily basis can help you make a quicker recovery from the disease. You may also avoid getting this condition in the first place. This is a contagious condition. You have to take care that you do not share towels or razors with your family members. The hair follicle infection that you are suffering from may pass on to them and they may also need treatment.

References:

http://www.ivillage.com/treating-infected-hair-follicles-folliculitis/4-n-108334

http://howshealth.com/infected-hair-follicle-causes-symptoms-pictures-treatment/

http://www.tonehealth.org/How-to-Treat-Infected-Hair-Follicle.htm

http://www.healthresource4u.com/infected-hair-follicle-causes-symptoms-pictures-treatment.html