Folliculitis, in simple terms, is inflammation of the skin around the hair follicles. It can be caused by bacterial, fungal or other microbial infections, or it can be caused by skin damage, excessive oil production, or immune system problems.
Who is the "culprit" of folliculitis?
1. Bacterial infections: The most common is infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
2. Fungal infections: such as fungal folliculitis caused by Malassezia.
3. Puncture or shaving causes: After the skin is damaged, bacteria can easily invade and cause infection.
4. Chemical irritation: After using some cosmetics or ointments, it may irritate the hair follicles and cause inflammation.
5. Friction: Friction between clothing and skin can also cause folliculitis.
6. Foreign body ingress: e.g. hair is cut short and then pierced into the skin.
7. Weakened immunity: When the body's resistance is weak, folliculitis is more likely to occur.
8. Chronic diseases: Diabetic patients are also more susceptible to folliculitis due to the reduced skin defense function.
9. Clogging: Oil, sweat, and dead skin cells clog pores and can promote bacterial growth.
When our skin barrier is compromised or there is a problem with the local environment, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and even mites may take advantage of the weakness and disturb the original balance, leading to the occurrence of folliculitis. Common culprits include Staphylococcus aureus and P. acnes.
If you suspect you have folliculitis, the best course of action is to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What symptoms can occur
1. Red or pink papules: Usually the first signs of folliculitis, red spots around a small group of hair follicles can be seen.
2. Pustules: Small blisters containing pus may appear around infected hair follicles.
3. Pain and itching: The affected area may feel uncomfortable or itchy, and in severe cases, it may be painful.
4. Rough skin: The affected area may be rougher to the touch than normal skin.
5. Crusting: Ruptured pustules may crust over.
6. Redness and temperature rise in the skin: Localized skin may become red and feel warmer.
7. Hair loss: In some cases, infected hair follicles can cause hair loss.
8. Changes in skin pigmentation: After the infection and inflammation subside, the skin may become darker or lighter.
9. Recurrent episodes of chronic diseases: Some types of folliculitis may get better and worse periodically.
If folliculitis symptoms persist, or if there is fever, spread of pustules, or rapid enlargement of erythema, you should seek help from your doctor. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to control symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Types of folliculitis
1. Bacterial folliculitis:
Superficial folliculitis: Also known as micropusular folliculitis, it is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Deep folliculitis: If the infection extends further deeper into the hair follicle, boils may form.
2. Fungal folliculitis: If it is caused by Malassezia infection, it is called Malassezia folliculitis.
3. Parasitic folliculitis: such as folliculitis caused by mites (e.g. scabies mites).
4. Hot folliculitis: People who work in hot and humid environments can develop this type of folliculitis because sweat clogs pores.
5. Atopic folliculitis: This is often associated with skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
6. Mosaic folliculitis: Also known as post-shave folliculitis, it is commonly caused by inflammation caused by hair regrowth into the surrounding skin after shaving or waxing.
7. Trochlear folliculitis: Red, scaly papules that usually occur in areas such as the thighs and buttocks.
8. Adolescent folliculitis: Common in adolescents, especially on the back and buttocks.
9. Seborrheic folliculitis: often associated with dandruff and scalp oil overflow.
10. Acneiform folliculitis: A condition similar to acne but affects the body rather than the face.
11. Barbae sores: Mainly occurs in the beard area of the male face, and is a classic form of deep folliculitis.
When treating folliculitis, doctors consider the type and severity of the inflammation, as well as possible causes. Mild cases may only require topical care and cleaning, while more severe or persistent cases may require medications, such as antibiotics, antifungals or other creams.
Treatment of folliculitis
1. Keep your skin clean: Avoid using overly harsh detergents or soaps.
2. Warm compress: Soaking folliculitis in warm water can relieve pain, redness, swelling and itching. Apply a warm compress several times a day for about 15-20 minutes each time.
3. Avoid irritation: Avoid rubbing, squeezing, or scratching the infected area to prevent the infection from spreading or worsening.
4. Use antibiotic creams: If the infection is severe or widespread, your doctor may recommend topical antibiotic creams to control the infection and help reduce inflammation.
5. Antimicrobial lotion or lotion: Using a lotion or lotion that contains antimicrobial ingredients can help kill bacteria and promote healing.
6. Avoid tight clothing: Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritation of the infected area by friction and excessive pressure.
7. Avoid humid environments: Keep the infected area dry and avoid humid and sweaty environments. Use a moisture absorber or antiperspirant to control excessive sweating.
8. Seek medical advice: If folliculitis is severe or recurs frequently, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. They can assess the situation and develop a personalized treatment plan based on the specific situation.
These approaches are general recommendations and treatment options should be tailored to individual circumstances. It is very important to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's advice.
How to prevent folliculitis?
1. Maintain hygiene: shower regularly, use gentle cleansers, and avoid scrubbing.
2. Dress appropriately: Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight for a long time and choose fabrics with good breathability.
3. Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet can help strengthen the skin's protective functions.
4. Avoid high temperatures and humidity: Reduce the time spent in high temperatures and humidity environments, especially the dryness of intimate areas.
5. Moderate exercise: Exercise to promote blood circulation, but avoid soaking the skin with sweat for a long time.
Acute folliculitis is addressed
1. Cold compress to reduce inflammation: Use a cold towel to apply to the affected area to relieve symptoms.
2. Antibiotic treatment: use antibiotics according to the doctor's instructions to overcome pathogenic microorganisms.
3. Don't squeeze: Avoid squeezing the pimple with your hands to avoid worsening or spreading the infection.
Management of chronic folliculitis
1. Adjust your lifestyle habits: Change bad habits that can lead to folliculitis.
2. Professional guidance: Consult with a dermatologist regularly to track changes in your condition.
3. Immune regulation: Some chronic folliculitis is associated with a decrease in the body's immunity, and boosting immunity may help.
Although folliculitis is a skin problem, it can also have an impact on our psyche. Faced with red and swollen pimples in the mirror, we may feel anxious, irritable, and even have low self-esteem. Therefore, for the treatment of folliculitis, we should pay attention not only to skin problems, but also to psychological problems.
As long as we understand its causes, master the correct treatment and prevention methods, and actively adjust our mentality, we can effectively deal with this small skin problem.