Folliculitis
Folliculitis
It is defining as a bacterial and fungal infection of hair follicles of skin. It looks like a small red acne type lesion around the hair follicle. Infection is spread easily by the infected person to the non-infected person. Usually it causes a mild infection and resolves readily without leaving any scar but severe cases cause a permanent hair loss and scarring.
Symptoms
Below mention are the signs and symptoms of folliculitis:
- Large swollen bump
- Pain at affected area
- Itching
- Pus in the blisters
- Tender small mass like lesion
Folliculitis divided into two types superficial and deep:
A- Superficial folliculitis contains following form:
- Razor bumps
- Hot tub folliculitis
- Bacterial folliculitis
- Fungal folliculitis
B- Deep folliculitis contains following forms:
- Furuncles
- Carbuncles
- Eosinophilic folliculitis
- Sycosis barbae
- Folliculitis due to the infection of gram-negative bacteria
Causes
The most common cause of folliculitis is gram positive diplococcus called staphylococcus aureus bacteria. But many fungi and viruses may also cause this condition.
Complications
If left untreated following complications may occur:
- Permanent hair loss
- Furunculosis, boils under the skin
- Recurrent skin infection
- Permanent skin scarring
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is occurred by looking at the lesion and by taking your medical history. If lesion does not cure with topical cream or mild antibiotic then your doctor may recommend you a biopsy of your skin lesion to rule out the other skin condition.
Treatment
Treatment depend upon the severity of the disease mild folliculitis may heal with topical creams but severe folliculitis may require oral antibiotic to treat the infection and prevent the complications. Treatment options include:
- Antibiotic cream to control the infection.
- Shampoos to fight the fungal infection.
- Pills and creams to control the inflammation.
- Laser hair treatment to clear the risk of getting recurrent infection.
- Minor surgery to drain the bump.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Mild cases usually cure with home remedies and does not required any medication which include:
- Soothing lotions to reduce the itching.
- Protect the skin.
- Avoid using fomites of other people.
- Use your personal shaving razor.
- Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap.
- Warm therapy to drain the pus.