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Folliculitis is a common form of staphylococcal infection. Lumps or pimples around the hairs on your arms or chest may be a symptom of this. Folliculitis is a superficial or deep infection by bacteria that penetrate from the outside through the orifices of the sebaceous glands or the hair follicle itself. The areas of the body where the skin rubs against clothing, such as the neck or back, are especially predisposed to this type of inflammation.
Folliculitis – what is it
Folliculitis is some form of staphylococcal infection. The symptoms are lumps and spots on the hands or chest (e.g. after shaving). Skin rashes that often appear after shaving should not be ignored, as if left untreated it can lead to sycosis or boils. Folliculitis can be a superficial or deep infection caused by bacteria. Inflammation occurs most often in places where the skin intensively rubs against the clothes (back, neck).
- Make an appointment with a dermatologist today! Get free advice
Hair follicles – definition
What exactly are hair follicles? These are the tubes / channels from which hair grows. They are located on the surface of the skin and protect it against damage (lipid coat). At the time of damage to the bellows (due to cosmetics or depilation), the microorganisms enter the follicles and multiply there. The body begins to defend itself against bacteria, and this is how inflammation arises.
Folliculitis – causes
Folliculitis occurs in the form of:
- non-infectious: a form of acne mainly caused by preparations. People who use corticosteroid and corticotropin ointment are at risk of developing an inflamed skin rash. Non-infectious folliculitis can also include radiation inflammation, which causes exposure to the sun.
- infectious: caused by bacteria (purulent streptococcus and golden staph), it is often found on mucous membranes or skin. Another cause of infectious folliculitis can also be the blue oil stick, we become infected with it, e.g. due to contaminated water (swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi). Also: bleaches, herpes virus, parasites and dermatophytes cause infectious inflammation. When we have low immunity, these microorganisms attack our body, so it is worth strengthening it, for example with a dietary supplement with acerola to support the immune system.
There are factors that increase the risk of folliculitis. The disease is influenced by:
- depilation / shaving;
- rubbing clothing with skin, especially around the neck and back;
- cosmetics used: especially those with a high content of fragrances and dyes. 100% natural Aloesove cosmetics will be good substitutes.
Folliculitis – symptoms
Folliculitis occurs as a superficial pimple or inflammatory lump surrounding the hair. Infected hair is easy to remove: lesions can, however, recur quickly. In areas where the hair follicles are deep in the skin, such as the skin of the chin, inflammation can be chronic (so-called chin fig).
If the lesion diameter exceeds the size of a cherry, it is called a boil. It has the form of a sharply delineated, tender inflammatory nodule. It is most often found on the neck, chest, face and buttocks. Over time, it turns into a pustule, 5-30 mm in diameter, with a characteristic center of necrosis. This focus then separates from the rest of the lesion in the form of a pus. The boil may be recurrent (furunculosis).
An important element of a visit to a dermatologist is dermatoscopy, i.e. the assessment of skin moles. This test allows you to detect dangerous changes on the skin at an early stage. Take advantage of the dermatology package of Arkmedic private medical institutions today.
We define boils that form clusters czyrakami gromadnymi. They spread in the subcutaneous tissue, which causes suppuration of deeper tissues leaving a large scar. Classical boils occur mostly in men, mainly around the nape of the neck. Their presence may be accompanied by fever and extreme exhaustion. They are also more common in people with diabetes, debilitating and elderly people.
If you are struggling with the problem of folliculitis, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Folliculitis – treatment
In the treatment of folliculitis, antibiotics are used (topically – in the ointment, or systemically – orally). In addition, the skin around the boil and above the boil itself should be frequently disinfected and applied with intermittent moist warming compresses, which facilitate spontaneous emptying of the lesion. However, you should not cut or squeeze the boil, as this may further spread the infection.
Book a dermatological visit conveniently without leaving your home via the halodoctor.pl portal. The doctor will collect your medical history and issue the necessary referrals.
Folliculitis – prevention
The rules of personal hygiene above all! People who wash themselves and regularly change their underwear rarely suffer from furunculosis. In the prophylaxis of folliculitis, it is also advisable to use soaps containing disinfectants, as well as creams or gels with urea, which have a moisturizing effect. Cosmetics should be properly selected for the type of skin, it is important that they do not contain preservatives. In order to avoid folliculitis, remember to disinfect depilatories and razors before each depilation or shaving (e.g. hydrogen peroxide can be used for this purpose). After epilation, it is advisable to apply a treatment, such as Sylveco Soothing Body Lotion or Jojoba Oil for inflammatory skin conditions.