Folliculitis: focus

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that, in severe cases, can leave spots or scars and can result in permanent hair loss.

Description

Even in mild cases, folliculitis can be an irritating and embarrassing problem. Cases can be superficial or deep, with the former tending to resolve by itself without causing further complications. In more severe cases, however, folliculitis can degenerate into furunculosis, whereby a series of furuncles develop on the skin that lead to the formation of scars or dark spots, which may permanently destroy the hair follicle.

Causes

The underlying cause of folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles caused by bacteria, of which the most common is staphylococcus aureus. The infection is caused by damage to the follicle due to friction (e.g. during shaving or due to tight clothing), excessive sweating, inflammatory diseases (e.g. acne) or, damage to the skin (e.g. abrasions or consequences of using band-aids or adhesive tape).

Symptoms

Infection usually causes inflammation around the outlet of the hair follicle, often accompanied by a yellowish pustule. Folliculitis can be painful and the skin of the affected area may redden. In cases of deep folliculitis, the infection begins deeper within the area surrounding the follicle and is more widespread, causing the formation of painful, swollen boils that could rupture, causing pus to leak out.

Diagnosis

A doctor will be able to observe symptoms and make a subsequent diagnosis of folliculitis.

Treatment

Cases of mild folliculitis will often heal on their own, but in more serious cases, the appropriate treatment course will depend on the type and severity of the infection:

• In cases of furunculosis-type folliculitis, oral antibiotics are prescribed.
• Single folliculitis can be treated by applying Astringent Gel, which contains aluminum chloride.
• As a preventative measure in cases of recurrent folliculitis, apply Glicosal Lotion in the evening. Glicosal Lotion is an exfoliant containing glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
• It is important not to squeeze folliculitis pustules as doing so could spread infection and may create a spot or scar.

Prevention

There is no real preventive strategy against folliculitis, but the following can help: avoid wearing tight or rough-textured clothing; shave gently and apply Astringent Gel immediately afterwards and, avoid scratching itchy lesions.