Posts Tagged ‘folliculitis’

Folliculitis

Anyone can develop Folliculitis wherever hair follicles are present on the body. The lesions in Folliculitis most often affect the chest, back, and legs. Other common locations include the face, neck, thighs and buttocks. Although not impossible, it is rare to have it widespread all over the body. It does not affect the eyes, mouth, palms, or soles, where there are no hair follicles. Folliculitis is estimated to affect more 10%-20% of people at some point in their lives.

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that appears as numerous small red or pink little bumps at hair follicles. It can cause a “chicken skin” appearance on the skin. Folliculitis can affect any part of the skin, including the chest, back, arms, legs, buttocks, and cheeks.

Folliculitis usually looks like red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. The pimples may have pus in them, and they often itch or burn.  Folliculitis often appears as very small, slightly smooth bumps are scattered in a body area like the back. Some of the bumps may be slightly red or have an accompanying light-red halo indicating inflammation. Sometimes, scratching off the top reveals a small trapped or coiled hair within.

Razor-burn Folliculitis is very common on women’s legs and is caused by shaving. It may also be seen on the faces and necks of men.  Some people are simply more prone to developing Folliculitis because of their overall health, possible altered immune status, exposure history, and other predisposing skin conditions like eczema or severely dry skin. You are more likely to get Folliculitis if you use a hot tub, whirlpool, or swimming pool that is not properly treated with chlorine. Wearing tight clothes, using antibiotics or steroid cream for long periods and if you use or work with substances that can irritate or block the follicles you are more prone to develop this condition. Also if you have an infected cut, scrape, or surgical incision the bacteria or fungi can spread to nearby hair follicles. Having a disease such as diabetes or HIV that lowers your ability to fight infection could also put you at risk.

Overall, Folliculitis is often not a pretty sight but is medically harmless. Many cases of Folliculitis may resolve on its own without any treatment. Folliculitis frequently affects otherwise healthy people. Treatment may typically include one or a combination of antibacterial washes, antibiotic creams or lotions, and antibiotic pills.