A Simple Guide to Folliculitis

A Simple Guide to Folliculitis
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What is Folliculitis?
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Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles.

What are the causes of Folliculitis?
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Folliculitis may occur after:
1. abrasions or wounds on the skin

2.friction due to tight clothing

3.eczema or dermatitis

4.diabetes or leukemia patients are more susceptible to infection

The bacteria causing the folliculitis is usually staphylococcus aureus.

What are the symptoms and signs of Folliculitis?
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There is usually a superficial pustule or inflammatory nodule surrounding the base of a hair.

They may occur all around the same area or scattered on the body.

Chronic Folliculitis may occur around the beard area.(sycosis barbae)

What are the complications of Folliculitis?
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The inflammatory nodule of Folliculitis may develop into a pustule with cental necrosis and discharge of pus and sometimes blood stained material.
This is a furuncle or boil.

A group of furuncles can merge and become a larger entity called a carbuncle which is deep and wide .

What is the treatment of Folliculitis?
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Most mild Folliculitis may disappear by itself without treatment after a few days.

The severe cases requires topical antibiotic creams like bactroban or systemic antibiotics to clear the infections.

Carbuncles may need surgical treatment.