About this topic
Folliculitis is caused by a germ on the skin that gets into the hair root or follicle. This is a small sac just under the skin where the hair starts to grow. It can happen in any part of the body where hair grows. Folliculitis is small, raised, red spots around the hair. The hair roots swell and fill with pus. They may itch, burn, have drainage, or feel tender. There are two types of folliculitis. ‚
Surface folliculitis is also called superficial folliculitis. It most often goes away on its own in a few days. ‚
- Hair follicles on the face, where the beard is, may get infected. This is called Barbers itch. Folliculitis is often found in any place where you shave often. Shaving can make it worse.
- Hot tub folliculitis is caused by a germ that lives in places like hot tubs when chlorine and pH levels are not what they should be. This type often appears on the parts of the body that are sitting in the tub water like the legs, hips, and bottom.
- Another kind of folliculitis is often found on the back, chest, neck, shoulders, face, or upper arms.
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae happens when curly hairs on a beard are cut too short. Then, they curl into the skin. This causes redness and swelling.
- A carbuncle is a group of hairs, or follicles, that are infected.
Deep folliculitis causes painful pus-filled bumps, called boils, and may need more care. ‚
- Boils are also called furuncles. They happen when hair follicles become infected with bacteria. A large bump builds and fills with pus. The skin near the boil can become sore and swollen. After a few days, the boil will open and drain. A group of boils can cause a more serious infection. They will take longer to heal.
- People with a poor immune system from AIDS or a blood disorder may have pus-filled sores on the face, back, or upper arms. The sores spread and may leave that part of the skin darker when they heal.
- People who are taking certain kinds of drugs to treat pimples can also get a type of deep folliculitis.
What are the causes?
Damage to hair follicles due to: ‚
- Clothes rubbing the skin
- Follicles get blocked
- Repeated shaving
- Sweating
- Pimples or other skin problems like dermatitis
- Skin cuts, scrapes, or picking the skin
- Not keeping your skin clean
- Soaking in water that is not clean
Often, the hair follicle gets infected by bacteria which often live on the skin. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Small red skin bumps or rash
- Skin itches or is sore to touch
- Skin irritation
- Blisters or pimples filled with pus that break open and crust over
- Bumps around individual hairs
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Folliculitis is most often not a serious health problem. Keeping the skin clean by using antibacterial soap twice a day will help. If there is pus in the infected part of the skin, using warm, wet compresses can help the pus drain. The infection is often gone in about 1 week with care. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Apply to the skin over the area
What problems could happen?
- Folliculitis may come back or may spread to other parts on the body.
- Very bad cases can cause lasting hair loss and scarring.
- You could get a more serious infection of the skin and deeper tissue called cellulitis or an abscess.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep your skin clean.
- Use antibacterial soap.
- Keep from getting cuts or breaks in the skin.
- Do not wear tight clothes that rub on your skin.
- Do not shave the infected skin.
- When you do shave, do not share razor blades. Electric shavers may be better because they cause less breaks or cuts in the skin.
- Only swim in hot tubs and pools that are well cared for.
Where can I learn more?
British Association of Dermatologists ‚
http://www.bad.org.uk/site/819/default.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚