FOLLICULITIS

 Basic information

description

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. Follicles are where the roots of body hair grow. Folliculitis can involve the hair on the skin anywhere on the body. It usually affects the face (such as the beard area in men), scalp, legs, armpits, and groin area. Folliculitis can affect all ages.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Small groups of bumps (called papules or pustules) develop, usually with a hair in the middle of each bump. The bumps are small, and yellow-white in color, with a red area around them.
• Itchiness, tenderness, pain, redness, or swelling of the skin may occur.

causes

Most often it is an infection of the hair follicles with Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas bacteria. It may also be caused by a fungal infection or irritation. Folliculitis may be superficial (on the surface of the skin) or deep in the hair follicle.

risk increases with

• Recent illness such as a nasal infection.
• Diabetes.
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
• Excess sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• Eczema or dermatitis.
• Skin injuries, abrasions, surgical wounds, or draining abscess.
• Shaving, waxing, or plucking hairs.
• Tight clothing.
• Poor hygiene.
• Obesity.
• Use of hot tubs or saunas.
• Use of certain skin care products or overuse of topical steroids.
• Long-term antibiotic use.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Wash hands often to prevent spread of any germs.
• Frequent bathing. Keep fingernails short and clean.
• Wash towels and linens often to prevent spread of germs.
• Avoid risk factors where possible.

expected outcomes

Most cases clear up within 2 weeks. Some may take longer.

possible complications

• May progress to other types of skin problems.
• Scarring may occur.
• Folliculitis may recur or become chronic.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Self-care is often all that is needed. See your health care provider if you have concerns about the disorder.
• Your health care provider can diagnose folliculitis by an exam of the affected area. A culture of fluid from the pustule or other tests may be done.
• Treatment involves supportive care of the skin and drug therapy if needed.
• Don't scratch the affected area. The germs can be transferred from under the fingernails to other parts of the body.
• Use warm-water soaks to relieve itching and help healing.
• Clean area with antibacterial soap. Shampoo daily if the scalp is involved.
• Avoid using oils or greasy-type ointments on the skin.
• If you shave, change razor blades daily or use an electric razor.
• If folliculitis recurs or becomes chronic, shaving may need to be discontinued for a period of time.

medications

• If there are only a few bumps, you may use nonprescription, topical antibiotics (such as mupirocin) or anti-itch creams. Apply as directed.
• Oral or topical antibiotics or antifungals may be prescribed.
• A topical antibiotic drug applied into the front of the nose may be prescribed. The nostrils are a source of bacteria that can be spread to other parts of the body.
• Other drugs may be prescribed if a cause other than bacterial or fungal is diagnosed.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet. A weight-loss diet may be recommended for obese patients.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of folliculitis.
• New skin symptoms occur or folliculitis recurs.

Special Notes: