It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores.
Complications That May Occur
Left untreated, folliculitis will continue to spread and worsen. Our immune systems are equipped to deal with infections like these quickly, but if your immunity is overwhelmed or compromised, the infection will take over without intervention.
Folliculitis is not contagious. However, infectious agents, such as bacteria and fungus, can cause folliculitis to spread if people share razors, towels, hairbrushes, and other personal hygiene products. Open your inbox to care tips, research, and treatment updates on skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and more.
Staphylococcus aureus is the most common infectious cause of folliculitis. In most cases, folliculitis will disappear independently. The most common cause of folliculitis is damage to the hair follicle. Improper shaving techniques, tight clothing, skin rubbing, and some medications can all cause follicle damage.
Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days.
In fact, most mild cases of folliculitis improve with home care. There are two home remedies that are best for folliculitis: a soap wash and a warm compress. A soap wash is exactly what it sounds like–a good scrub with soap and water. You should clean affected areas twice a day with warm water and soap.
Folliculitis causes a rash with clusters of red bumps or whiteheads, each with a hair in the middle. These can become itchy or sore, and there may be pus. It can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. If an infection is more severe or deeper under the skin, you may feel feverish or unwell.
Folliculitis can be a mild, short-lived condition or a severe long-term problem that can literally take over your life. Unfortunately, this variation in severity can lead to the notion that it is nothing more than a passing inconvenience. This can be very frustrating if you have the more persistent form.
Tea tree oil, neem oil, geranium oil, grapefruit seed oil are very effective in treating folliculitis. Tea tree oil can be added to your shampoo, lotion or body wash. Rub it gently onto the affected area and let it sit. Before using it do a patch test to make sure there are no adverse reactions.
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. You can take care of yourself at home with: A warm compress. This may ease itching and help healing.
Other organisms on our skin can also cause an infection. Also called pseudo folliculitis or razor bumps, men often see these on the beard area when they shave. You can damage your hair follicles by: Touching or rubbing your skin frequently.
In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like they're white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus (pustules). Folliculitis can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Many people feel the need to scratch when they have folliculitis.
Systemic antibiotics can directly inhibit or kill the pathogenic bacteria causing folliculitis and boils.
Stress also increases the cortisol levels in our bodies, and cortisol levels have a direct correlation with the hair follicle. This causes stressors to trigger scalp issues that can lead to the growth of different fungi and bacteria or a flaky, itchy scalp.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes inflammation throughout the body.
It seems zinc pyrithione—the active dandruff-fighting ingredient in Head & Shoulders—can help clear up pityrosporum folliculitis, sometimes known as Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne, according to Julia Mhlaba, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
To confirm a diagnosis of pityrosporum folliculitis, your provider may gently scrape your skin to gather some skin cells. They examine these cells under a microscope to look for signs of excess Malassezia yeast. If needed, your provider may do a skin biopsy.
These bumps may vary in size and severity from person to person. Bacteria, yeast infection, ingrown hair and other reasons could be the contributing factors for scalp folliculitis. While the condition isn't life-threatening, it can be itchy, painful and embarrassing.
If folliculitis goes untreated it may result in serious or deep infections that may spread or cause permanent scarring, cellulitis, or even enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening.