folliculitis : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment

 What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis could be a common skin condition that’s typically caused by AN infected or inflamed follicle. It will look the same as skin problems and be uncomfortable or fretful. redness typically contains a psychosocial impact attributable to its look. There are many alternative styles of redness — every one distinctive supports the cause, the infectious organism and its impact on the skin. Redness will happen as a result of daily activities like shaving, moving into a tub, and excess sweating from exercise or outside work.

You can have redness anywhere on the body that has hair. Common places embrace your:

• Face.

• Arms.

• Upper back.

• Lower legs.

You have hair nearly everywhere on your body. Some hairs area unit thus fine that you simply might not notice they're there, whereas others area unit terribly outstanding. Your hair incorporates a larger purpose than look — it acts like an associate degree nonconductor, keeping you warm. It’s a part of your body’s protection system. The spot wherever a private hair enters your skin is termed a cyst. The cyst holds the skinny hair in situ and is home to grease glands.

folliculitis

• Redness.

• Irritation.

• Itching.

• Bumps on the skin.

Medical terms

• Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles and is caused by a variety of factors including bacterial or fungal infections, skin irritation, or excessive sweating. It can manifest as small, red bumps or blisters, which may be itchy or tender to the touch. In some cases, the infection may spread to other follicles, resulting in a more severe infection. Folliculitis can be treated with antibiotics, antifungal creams, and other topical treatments.

• Folliculitis is an inflammatory condition of the hair follicles. It is caused by a variety of factors including bacterial infections, fungal infections, and even physical trauma. It can result in red, inflamed bumps on the skin that may itch or hurt and can cause scarring if left untreated. Treatment of folliculitis depends on the underlying cause, and may include topical or oral antibiotics, antifungal medications, and even steroid creams.

• Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed It is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection At first it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each hair grows The infection can spread and cause larger lumps to form on areas of the skin surrounding the affected area usually on the neck and upper chest the condition spreads and becomes an unsightly crusty sore

• The condition is not life-threatening but it can be itchy and embarrassing Severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring

• If you have a mild case of folliculitis it will likely clear in a few days with basic self-care measures For more serious or recurring folliculitis you may need to see a doctor for prescription medicine

Certain types of folliculitis are known as hot tub rash and barber's itch

Symptoms folliculitis 

Folliculitis signs and symptoms include:

• Red bumps white heads and pimples develop around hair follicles

• When blisters break open a yellowish liquid oozes out The blisters crust over and heal

• Itchy, burning skin

• Painful, tender skin

• A large swollen bump or mass

When to see a doctor

If your condition becomes widespread or severe it is a good idea to check with your doctor An antibiotic or antifungal medication may be needed to control the condition

Types of folliculitis

Two main types of folliculitis are superficial and deep

Dermoscopy: a method of examination that uses optical instruments to examine the skin for any signs of infection or inflammation

• Bacterial folliculitis.This common type is marked by itchy white pus-filled bumps When the follicles become infected with bacteria (usually Staphylococcus aureus staph) they cause problems only when they enter your body through a cut or other wound

• A yeast infection of the hair follicle caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas You may develop a rash of red itchy bumps around your genitals one to two days after exposure to the bacteria that causes it Hot tub folliculitis is caused by pseudomonas bacteria which is found in many places including hot tubs and heated pools in which the chlorine and pH levels aren't balanced This bacteria can also be spread by sexual contact with an infected person well-regulated

• Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae).This is a skin irritation caused by ingrown hairs and affects men with curly hair who shave too close It mainly occurs on the face and neck and may lead to dark raised scars (keloids) in the groin area

• Itchiness caused by Pityrosporum It is a fungal infection

Forms of deep folliculitis include:

• Sycosis barbae.This type requires men to shave

• Gram-negative folliculitis.This type of rosacea may develop if you have long-term antibiotic therapy for acne

• Boils (furuncles) and carbuncles.Swollen hair follicles which are often caused by staph bacteria may appear suddenly as a painful red or pink bump A carbuncle is a cluster of boils

• Eosinophilic folliculitis (an allergic reaction in the hair follicle) This type of skin disorder is mostly seen in people who have HIV/AIDS Signs and symptoms include intense itching recurring patches of bumps and pimples that form near hair follicles on the face and upper body which will heal once they’re healed The skin may be darker than it was previously (hyperpigmented) since the lesions heal over unevenly The cause is unknown but it has been reported to have spread among others with AIDS eosinophilic folliculitis is not known

Causes folliculitis 

Follicles are densest on your scalp and they occur everywhere on your body except in the palms soles lips and mucous membranes

Risk factors folliculitis

Anyone can develop folliculitis but certain factors make you more susceptible For example:

• Having a medical condition that reduces your resistance to infection is diabetes chronic leukemia and HIV/AIDS

• Having acne or dermatitis

• Taking some medications such as steroid creams or long-term antibiotic therapy for acne may be necessary to treat acne

• Being a male with curly hair who shaves

• Wearing rubber gloves or high boots will trap heat and sweat

• Soaking in a hot tub that is not maintained well can cause serious problems

• Damage to hair follicles by shaving waxing or wearing tight clothing

Complications folliculitis

Possible complications of folliculitis include:

• Recurrent or spreading infection

• Boils under the skin (furunculosis)

• Permanent skin damage such as scarring or discoloration of the skin

• In the past when people disagreed with each other they took their disagreements to court

Prevention folliculitis 

To prevent folliculitis from returning try these tips:

• Avoid tight clothes.It’s good to reduce friction between your skin and clothing

• Dry out your rubber gloves between uses.If you wear rubber gloves regularly wash them with soap and water after using them and then dry them thoroughly before putting them back on

• Avoid shaving, if possible.For men with razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis) growing a beard may be a good choice if you don’t need to maintain a clean-shaven face

• Shave with care.

• Shaving less frequently

• Washing your skin with warm water and antibacterial soap is recommended before shaving

• Using a washcloth or cleansing pad in a gentle circular motion to remove embedded hairs before shaving

• Before shaving apply a good amount of shaving lotion to the area to be shaved

• Shaving in the direction of hair growth may be more effective than against the grain In some cases however men who shave against the grain have fewer skin bumps It also depends on your personal style and what works best for you

• Shaving with an electric razor or guarded blade and not stretching the skin

• Using a sharp knife and rinsing it with warm water after each stroke

• Applying moisturizing lotion after you shave is easy and comfortable

• Avoid sharing razors towels and washcloths

• Though they, too, may irritate the skin.

• If you have a hot tub or a pool clean it regularly and add chlorine as recommended

• Talk with your doctor. If you have frequent recurrences your doctor may suggest a five-day regimen of antibacterial ointment and using a body wash with chlorhexidine (Hibiclens Hibistat) Further studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of these treatments steps

Which antibiotic for skin infections?

(Amoxil Zithromax or Clindamycin?) Bacterial skin infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus which may be resistant to antibiotics A 2005 study conducted in the U.K. published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," found that 10 percent of staph isolates were resistant to methicillin (an antibiotic commonly used for treating staph infections) even though 99 percent of those strains showed sensitivity to other antibiotics including erythromycin amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin Skin infections caused by MRSA can lead to serious.

What is the most effective antibiotic?

The most effective antibiotics are: Amoxicillin - used to treat strep throat ear infections and pneumonia Aureomycin - also treats chest infections ear problems skin and urinary tract infections Erythromycin - can be used in conjunction with penicillin to prevent rashes Clindamycin - treats stomach ulcers Pepto-Bismol - stops the movement of Helicobacter pylori in the intestines Ciprofloxacin or Noroxin - prescribed for intestinal flu or urinary tract infection.

How to cure an infection on the skin?

Skin infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses While most skin infections are minor and easy to treat at home some may need medical treatment Here are the signs of a skin infection and what you can do about it.

How to recognize a skin infection?

The following are the signs of a skin infection : # Your skin doesn't look or feel normal The color is off there is swelling and it may be very hot to the touch

According to the World Health Organization 80% of all deaths from infectious diseases can be prevented by increasing access to simple interventions like antibiotics vaccines and insecticide-treated bed nets At least 8 million people die each year from pneumonia alone and nearly 1 million children annually suffer from acute respiratory infections that cause pneumonia or other breathing difficulties Antibiotics are the most effective pharmacologic tool in fighting life-threatening infections But we’re running out of the drugs that fight bacterial illnesses This is because their overuse has allowed bacteria around the world to develop resistance to our medication — including some strains so powerful that no known antibiotic is

Skin infections are a common type of bacterial and viral skin problems Bacteria in particular Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria commonly cause skin infections.

Diagnosis folliculitis 

Your doctor is likely to diagnose folliculitis by looking at your skin and reviewing your medical history He or she may use a technique for microscopic examination of the skin (dermoscopy)

1. Skin test

2. Patch test

If your infection is not cleared up by the first round of treatment your doctor may use a swab to take a sample of your infected skin or hair This will be sent to a laboratory to determine what is causing the infection Sometimes however it may be necessary for some doctors to take a tissue sample (skin biopsy) in order to rule out other conditions

Treatment folliculitis 

Treatments for folliculitis depend on the type and severity of the infection Self-care measures include medications such as antibiotics or procedures such as laser hair removal Even if treatment helps it may not prevent the infection from coming back

Medications

• Creams or pills to control infection.Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream or lotion for mild infections This can be used to treat folliculitis Oral antibiotics aren't routinely used for this condition but they are usually prescribed if the condition is severe or recurring

• Creams shampoos or pills are used to fight fungal infectionsAntifungal treatment is for infections caused by yeast rather than bacteria Antivirals aren't used in treating this type of infection

• Creams or pills to reduce inflammation.If you have mild eosinophilic folliculitis your doctor may suggest you try a steroid cream to help ease the itching If you have HIV/AIDS your symptoms may improve after taking antiretroviral medication

Other interventions

• Minor surgery.If you have a large boil or carbuncle your doctor may make a small incision in it to drain the pus This may relieve pain and speed recovery Your doctor may then cover the area with sterile gauze in case pus continues to drain

• Laser hair removal. If other treatments fail laser therapy may clear up the infection This method is expensive and requires several treatments It is permanent and reduces hair density in the treated area Other possible side effects include: burning of the skin redness of the skin swelling at the site of treatment etc discolored scars and blistering

Lifestyle and home remedies

Symptoms of folliculitis often improve with home care: (1) Have your hair cut short wash it thoroughly and apply a mild shampoo; (2) Avoid hot water and harsh soaps If you must use soap choose one that is not drying; (3) Avoid hairspray or products that contain alcohol petroleum-based ingredients or fragrances; and (4) Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area

• Apply a warm moist cloth to the affected areaApply the compress several times daily to relieve discomfort If needed dampen the compress with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of table salt in 2 cups of water

• Apply over-the-counter antibiotics.Try various nonprescription infection-fighting gels creams and washes to find a product that works

• Apply soothing lotions.Try to relieve itchy skin with a soothing lotion or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream

• Clean the affected skin.Wash the infected skin twice a day with antibacterial soap Use a clean washcloth and towel each time and don't share your washcloths; use hot soapy water to wash these items And wash clothing that has touched the affected area

• Protect the skin.It is possible to stop shaving as the majority of cases of barber’s itch clear up after a few weeks

Preparing for your appointment

If you have a skin disorder your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist

What you can do

• List any symptoms that you are experiencing including those you do not think relate to your skin condition

• List key personal information including any major stresses or recent life changes

• List all medications vitamins and supplements you are taking

• List questions to ask your doctor.

For folliculitis some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What are the most likely causes of my symptoms?

• It’s pretty hard to resolve a conflict when everyone assumes that they are right

• Do I need any tests?

• What are the best treatments for my condition?

• I have other health conditions that I need to manage together

• What types of side effects can I expect to occur from treatment?

• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you prescribed?

• Do you have any relevant brochures or printed material I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend?

• It’s pretty hard to resolve a conflict when everyone assumes they are right When you assume you are right it's really hard to resolve a conflict

Do not hesitate to ask any other questions that occur to you during your appointment

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a number of questions Being prepared to answer them might save you time if your doctor has more questions on the spot Your doctor may ask:

• How long have you had this skin infection?

• Do you have a history of dermatitis?

• Does your work or a hobby expose your hands to heat and moisture, such as from wearing rubber gloves?

• Was your skin rash the result of a hot tub or a heated swimming pool?

• How long have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?

• Does your skin itch? Does it hurt to touch?

• Is there anything you are doing that seems to help your symptoms?

• Does anything make your symptoms worse?

What you can do in the meantime

Sometimes folliculitis goes away without medical treatment Self-care measures such as warm compresses and anti-itch creams can help relieve your signs and symptoms

General summary

1. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, which are small cavities in the skin that contain the base of a hair. It is typically caused by a bacterial or fungal infection and is sometimes a complication of certain skin conditions, such as eczema or acne. Symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling of the affected area, as well as the formation of pus-filled bumps. Treatment of folliculitis depends on the underlying cause and may involve antibiotics, antifungal medications, warm compresses, or topical creams and lotions.

2. Folliculitis is a tiny abscess that appears on the skin The infection develops when hair follicles become blocked trapping bacteria in the hair follicle Hair and sweat glands can become infected as well This condition is characterized by very small red bumps or boils on the skin which may have puss at its center Most cases of folliculitis are not serious but sometimes it can be painful and contagious

3. Folliculitis is a skin condition common among people with diabetes people who are obese or those with an obstruction in their sweat glands It causes hair follicles to become inflamed and can produce red bumps on the skin and even painful pustules Folliculitis usually affects the buttocks armpits neck and upper back areas although it can occur anywhere on the body where there is excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).