Folliculitis

General description of the disease

It is an infectious disease of the skin, which can be of viral, bacterial or fungal origin. In the middle parts of the hair follicles, pustules with purulent contents are formed, after a few days they open up, small ulcers appear in their place, which scar during healing^[3].

This pathology refers to purulent skin diseases – pyodermawhich are quite common. In southern countries, folliculitis is more common, since there the climatic conditions themselves are conducive to the development of purulent skin pathologies. The risk group includes disadvantaged segments of the population, patients with immunodeficiency states and workers in hot shops.

Folliculitis causes

As a rule, the development of folliculitis is provoked by staphylococcus bacteria, which penetrate the follicles through abrasions, scratches and other minor damage to the skin. People with excessive sweating and itchy skin diseases are prone to this type of pyoderma.

Also, the reasons that contribute to the development of folliculitis include:

1. 1 immunodeficiency;
2. 2 diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by itchy skin;
3. 3 constant exposure to the skin of engine oil, kerosene. Therefore, locksmiths, tractor drivers, service station workers are often susceptible to folliculitis;
4. 4 untreated gonorrhea or syphilis;
5. 5 scabies mite;
6. 6 the use of hormonal ointments;
7. 7 shingles^[4];
8. 8 chronic pathologies that reduce immunity;
9. 9 long-term antibiotic therapy;
10. 10 thyroid disease;
11. 11 lack of vitamins in the body;
12. 12 overheating and significant hypothermia;
13. 13 not good enough care for the skin of a newborn;
14. 14 non-observance of the advice of a beautician after shugaring and epilation.
15. 15 hormonal pathologies (polycystic ovary).

Symptoms and types of folliculitis

The first sign of the disease is pink staining of the skin and slight swelling in the follicle area. Then a dense cone with purulent contents is formed around the hair in the follicle. After a while, the abscess opens, the contents come out, a small ulcer forms at the site of the exit of pus, which is covered with a crust. If the follicle was deep, then a scar or hyperpigmentation may remain at the site of the wound.

Folliculitis elements are often localized on the head, in the groin, on the face in men, in the armpits, in women on the legs after depilation.

Depending on the etiology, folliculitis is classified into:

• gonorrheal – localized in the perineal region and is a side effect of untreated gonorrhea;
• staphylococcal – more often affects the stronger sex who shave their face, are located on the chin and around the mouth;
• syphilitic – affects the scalp and is a consequence of secondary syphilis;
• tick-borne – occurs after a tick bite;
• professional – develops in workers who are constantly in contact with chemical toxic substances and in professional athletes^[5];
• herpetic – localized in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle and subglot;
• surface – causes Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can be either single or multiple. It usually manifests itself in the form of small pustules, which pass quickly and without a trace. As a rule, it is localized in the neck, face, legs and thighs;
• dickey – bacteria penetrate deep into the follicle. With inadequate therapy, the infection affects the nearby layers of the skin, causing necrosis. Localized on the back, neck and head;
• chronic – occurs on the body with constant friction against clothing. Therefore, among workers, it is located in the neck, on the forearms and on the legs. In elderly people suffering from chronic atherosclerosis, accompanied by itching, folliculitis is localized in the area of ​​hair growth on the head.

Folliculitis complications

As a rule, this skin pathology proceeds without complications. However, in some cases, with non-observance of hygiene standards, weakened immunity or with untimely therapy, this infection can transform into:

1. 1 abscess;
2. 2 carbuncle or boil;
3. 3 follicular scars;
4. 4 meningitis;
5. 5 lymphadenitis;
6. 6 dermatophytosis;
7. 7 hydradenitis;
8. 8 nephritis.

Folliculitis prevention

In order to prevent the development of folliculitis, one should refuse to wear tight clothes, observe hygiene standards, prevent injury to the skin, take care of hair and skin of the face and body. At work, when in contact with chemicals, use protective gloves and protective clothing.

It is also necessary to support the immune system, prevent it from failing. To do this, you need to eat right, give up bad habits, do not forget about moderate physical activity.

Folliculitis treatment in mainstream medicine

If you suspect folliculitis, you should see your doctor. The dermatologist will send the hair follicle for analysis in order to determine the source of the infection. It is also necessary to examine the patient to determine concomitant diseases that may contribute to the development of pathology. During the examination, the doctor visually examines the rash and performs a dermatoscopy procedure in order to determine how deeply the follicle is affected. If necessary, the patient is prescribed a blood test for blood glucose and an immunogram.

Treatment of the disease should be consistent with the etiology of folliculitis. If the pathology is caused by bacteria, then the dermatologist prescribes ointments and gels with antibiotics, if fungi are the cause of the disease, then the doctor prescribes antifungal agents, in the treatment of folliculitis of herpetic origin, drugs based on acyclovir are used.

At the initial stages of the disease, local treatment is sufficient in the form of treating pustules with brilliant green or fucarcinum. In order to prevent the infection from spreading to nearby healthy areas of the skin, they are treated with boric alcohol. Good results at the initial stage of the disease are given by ultraviolet irradiation and laser exposure.

If folliculitis is caused by staphylococcus, then antibiotics are prescribed orally or intramuscularly. In the treatment of candidiasis, antifungal agents are used.

During therapy, the patient should be provided with individual bedding and a towel. Bed linen should be washed at high temperatures using disinfectants. It is forbidden to swim in open water bodies and pools, as well as to visit the bathhouse and sauna.

Attention!

The administration is not responsible for any attempt to use the information provided, and does not guarantee that it will not harm you personally. The materials cannot be used to prescribe treatment and make a diagnosis. Always consult your specialist doctor!