Folliculitis
November 13th, 2007Alternative Names
Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Tinea barbae; Barber’s itch
Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin.
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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 (staph).
Barber’s itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. Tinea barbae is similar to barber’s itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring primarily in black men. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation.
Most carbuncles and furuncles and other cases of folliculitis develop from Staphylococcus aureus.
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 (staph).
Iron deficiency anemia is sometimes associated with chronic cases
Sycosis barbae or Barber’s itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition.
Tinea barbae is similar to barber’s itch, but the infection is caused by the fungus T._rubrum.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring primarily in men of African descent. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation.
Hot tub folliculitis is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa often found in new hot tubs. The folliculitis usually occurs after sitting in a hot tub that was not properly cleaned before use. Symptoms are found around the body parts that sit in the hot tub — typically the legs, hips and buttocks and surrounding areas. Symptoms are typically amplified around regions that were covered by wet clothing, such as bathing suits.
Common symptoms include a rash, itching, and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle in the neck, groin, or genital area. The pimples may crust over.
typically occur on neck axilla, or groin area
may be present as genital lesions
itching skin
.Exams and Tests:
A diagnosis is primarily based on how the skin looks. Lab tests may show which bacteria or fungus is causing the infection.
Treatment:
Hot moist compresses may promote drainage of extensive folliculitis. Treatment may include antibiotics applied to the skin (mupirocin) or taken by mouth (dicloxacillin), or antifungal medications to control the infection.
- Topical antiseptic treatment is adequate for most cases
- Some patients may benefit from systemic flucloxacillin
- Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment
Prognosis:
Folliculitis usually responds well to treatment, but may recur.
Possible Complications:
- Folliculitis may return
- Infection may spread to other body areas
Alternative medication:-
Is there any alternative treatment for Folliculitis
Signs, symptoms and treatment of folliculitis
Treat Folliculitis alternatively
Click for Homeopathic Treatment……………………………(1).………(2).……..(3)
When to Contact a Medical Professional:
Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if symptoms recur frequently, if they persist longer than 2 or 3 days, or if the infection spreads.
Prevention:
To prevent further damage to the hair follicles and infection:
- Reduce friction from clothing.
- Avoid shaving the area if possible (if shaving is necessary, use a clean new razor blade or an electric razor each time).
- Keep the area clean.
- Avoid contaminated clothing and washcloths.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose
Resources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000823.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folliculitis
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