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.
Prevention Tips For Scalp Folliculitis
Don't scratch the bumps. Avoid shaving too frequently. Avoid tying your hair too tight. Avoid using too much oil as this can clog the follicles and trap bacteria.
Your doctor usually can treat mild folliculitis with an antibiotic cream or ointment. If you have folliculitis on your scalp, you may use a medicated shampoo. Antibiotics you take as pills can treat infections deeper in the skin. Other treatments that may be used include antifungal and antiparasitic medicines.
Severe vitamin A and C deficiency may cause folliculitis. [1] In vitamin A deficiency the skin shows follicular hyperkeratosis, dryness and generalised wrinkling. [11] It requires about 2 months of vitamin C deprivation to produce mucocutaneous signs, including perifollicular petechiae and follicular hyperkeratosis.
Chronic or recurring folliculitis is less likely to clear with just antibiotics. Often this is on the legs of women, but it can occur in any areas of shaving, waxing, hair plucking or friction. These need to be stopped for at least 3 months to allow the hair to grow in healthy.
See a Dermatologist About Professional Treatments
They may prescribe a medicated cleanser and perhaps an oral medication to treat bacteria or yeast if either of these are considered to be the cause. Specific types of folliculitis such as pseudomonas folliculitis may even require oral antibiotics.
If you know that a condition other than folliculitis is triggering your symptoms, treat that condition. For example, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) can cause folliculitis. You can try to prevent this by changing out of sweaty clothing, bathing daily and using antiperspirant.
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 may be due to drugs, particularly corticosteroids (steroid acne), androgens (male hormones), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), lithium, isoniazid (INH), phenytoin and B-complex vitamins.
Because most folliculitis is caused by S. aureus, treatment with topical mupirocin or topical clindamycin is generally effective. Alternatively, benzoyl peroxide 5% wash may be used for 5 to 7 days when showering.
These differ between people but often include stress, diet, and other lifestyle factors. The following factors can increase a person's risk of folliculitis: using an improperly maintained hot tub. shaving, plucking, or waxing.
Some research suggests that avoiding foods made with wheat can ease your symptoms. Give up the grease. Unhealthy fats, low-fiber foods, and processed products can all lead to flare-ups.
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.
In less severe types of folliculitis, like Pseudomonas folliculitis (hot tub rash), your symptoms will typically fade within a few days without treatment. If they don't, reach out to your healthcare provider. When you have a more severe case of folliculitis, oral antibiotics may be needed to treat the condition.
Left untreated, folliculitis will continue to spread and worsen.
Folliculitis refers to inflammation of the hair follicle, aroused by staphylococcus aureus (S.a) or other noninfectious factors. Follicular erythematous papules and follicular pustules on hair-bearing skin are a feature of superficial follicular inflammation.
Diagnosis of Pityrosporum Folliculitis
Your doctor may be able to diagnose fungal acne by its appearance or the failure of medications used to treat acne, or they may be able to see the yeast within your hair follicles upon examination.
Follicles are the openings in the skin where the hair grows (Picture 1). 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.
The best sources are evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil, taken in capsules as dietary supplements. You can increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, freshly ground flax seeds or walnuts. You can also take a fish oil supplement.
Folliculitis is often the diagnosis of affected hair follicles. Using a follicle energizer and nourisher will rejuvenate cellular regeneration and circulation. Can Dead Hair Follicles Grow Back? If a hair follicle is intact, hair can grow back with proper care.