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 there are hair roots. Folliculitis is small, raised, red spots around the hair. The hair roots swell and can 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. Deep folliculitis causes painful pus filled bumps called boils or furuncles and may need more care. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Keep the skin clean by using antibacterial soap twice a day.
- Apply warm, wet compresses with a clean washcloth. This will help drain any pus from the infected area.
- Take any drugs as ordered by your doctor.
The infection should be gone in about 1 week with care. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
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 abscesses.
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.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, and chills.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the wound; wound opens up.
- You see larger, red, painful lumps that do not drain
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my skin.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
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. ‚