Bacteria can enter the skin through damaged hair follicles, causing an infection called folliculitis. People can get folliculitis on their scalp from: shaving or plucking hair on the scalp. frequently touching the scalp.
Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph). It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. Sometimes the cause isn't known.
This form of folliculitis is made worse (aggravated) by sweat. Using an antidandruff shampoo every day to wash the affected areas of skin is often helpful.
The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes after the rash is gone, dark marks can be left behind.
Scalp folliculitis usually looks like clusters of small red bumps and can initially be mistaken for an acne breakout. If left untreated, folliculitis can spread to other hair follicles, and the bumps may get more inflamed. You may also get blisters that break open, ooze pus and turn crusty.
You get folliculitis when you damage your hair follicles. Once damaged, it's easy for germs to get inside the follicles and cause an infection. A common source of infection is Staph aureus, which is found on our skin. Other organisms on our skin can also cause an infection.
It is typically not a cause for concern and will remedy independently. However, folliculitis can result in painful skin inflammation, sores, and pimple-like bumps. It is often the result of improper shaving technique, poor hygiene, and wearing tight clothing. Avoiding these practices can help prevent folliculitis.
"Hot tub folliculitis" most often appears about 72 hours after you've been in a hot tub or spa. Many small pimples appear on your stomach and sometimes on your arms and legs. You might have a mild fever and have an upset stomach. Most of the time, this kind of folliculitis goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days.
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.
There isn't a cure for folliculitis decalvans. But treatments can reduce inflammation and prevent scarring and further hair loss. The condition sometimes goes into remission (no symptoms) but can return and cause a flare (active symptoms). Treatment is often an ongoing process.
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.
Folliculitis usually occurs at sites where hair follicles are damaged by friction or shaving, or where there is blockage of the follicle. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) due to overactivity of the sweat glands can be another cause. Sometimes, using a steroid cream on the face can trigger a bout of 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.
Tufted hair folliculitis is an uncommon, progressive condition associated with cicatricial (scarring) alopecia that affects the scalp.
There are many things you can do to prevent folliculitis or keep it from spreading. Bathe or shower daily with a mild soap. Also, bathe or shower after you exercise and after you work around chemicals. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or other personal items.
The itch tends to come in episodes, accompanied by a stinging sensation. Some patients notice the itch is worse after sweat inducing exercise or after a hot shower. When scratched, the spots may display a local hive-like reaction with a surrounding red flare.
There are many things you can do to prevent folliculitis or keep it from spreading. Bathe or shower daily with a mild soap. Also, bathe or shower after you exercise and after you work around chemicals. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or other personal items.
What is the treatment for scalp folliculitis? The scalp affected by folliculitis should be washed with a mild normal shampoo as often as desired. Antidandruff shampoos containing antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or ciclopirox are sometimes helpful.