Folliculitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Folliculitis Definition

A bacterial infection of one or more hair follicle. Folliculitis causes the formation of a pustule. The infection may be superficial or deep. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin. Hot tub folliculitis is a folliculitis that develops after exposure to certain forms of bacteria that reside in warm, wet environments such as hot tubs. Small, yellowish-white blister-like lumps surrounded by narrow red rings are usually present with both bacterial folliculitis and fungal folliculitis.

Furuncles, commonly known as boils, barber's itch, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and tinea barbae, are another form of deep folliculitis. The prognosis depends on the severity of the infection and the patient's physical condition and ability to resist infection.

Folliculitis Causes

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus. Most folliculitis is caused by the common organism Staphylococcus aureus. Hot tub folliculitis is different in that it is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas survives in hot tubs, especially hot tubs made of wood, unless the pH and chlorine content are strictly controlled. Sometimes stiff hairs in the beard area curl and reenter the skin after shaving, producing irritation without substantial infection. This type of folliculitis is particularly common in black men.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring primarily in men of African extraction. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation. A more extensive folliculitis of the sebaceous gland with some involvement of subcutaneous tissues is termed a furuncle. Some people develop folliculitis after exposure to a poorly chlorinated whirlpool.

Folliculitis Symptoms

The symptoms of the folliculitis may be included:

• pain
• erythema
• edema
• malaise
• genital lesions
• itching skin
• reddened skin area
• pimples located around a hair follicle
• pustules located around a hair follicle

Folliculitis Treatments

Topical antiseptic treatment is adequate for most cases. Some patients may benefit from systemic flucloxacillin.

Furuncles and carbuncles may require an incision and drainage of pus.

Alternative treatments may be eating a balanced diet, including protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

To prevent further damage to the hair follicles and infection, you may avoid shaving the area if possible. If shaving is necessary, use a clean new razor blade or an electric razor each time.

Topical antibiotics (Bactroban), oral antibiotics (dicloxacillin), or antifungal medications may be needed to control the infection.