Folliculitis

Overview

Folliculitis is a condition that involves redness and inflammation of hair follicles. Folliculitis is characterized by inflammation, redness, and itching around the follicles. The most common type of folliculitis is superficial folliculitis, which occurs when bacteria, fungi, or other debris get trapped in the hair follicles. Other types of folliculitis include deep folliculitis and eosinophilic folliculitis. Folliculitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including oily/greasy skin care products, topical steroids, medications, hot tubs, and shaving. Symptoms vary depending on the type of folliculitis you have, but may include itching, burning, redness, and swelling. Diagnosis is typically based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Treatment depends on the type and severity of folliculitis and may include over-the-counter topical medications, antibiotics, antifungals, or laser therapy. In most cases, folliculitis will resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, some cases may require more aggressive treatment. Complications from folliculitis are rare but can include permanent hair loss, scarring, and infection. Folliculitis is a common condition that can affect anyone at any age. With proper treatment, folliculitis can be resolved quickly and without complications.

Causes

There are many different types of folliculitis, each with its own set of causes. The most common type of folliculitis is superficial folliculitis, which occurs when bacteria or other debris become trapped in the hair follicles. This can happen due to a number of factors, including:

-Oily or greasy skin care products

-Topical steroids

-Medications (such as EGFR inhibitors, a type of chemotherapy)

-Hot tubs (specifically pseudomonal folliculitis)

-Shaving (resulting in pseudofolliculitis barbae)

Other types of folliculitis include eosinophilic folliculitis and deep folliculitis. Eosinophilic folliculitis is a rare form of folliculitis that is most frequently seen in patients with HIV. Deep folliculitis is a more serious form of folliculitis that occurs when the hair follicles are damaged and infected. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including:

-Injury to the skin

-Burns

-Surgery

-Radiation therapy

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type of folliculitis you have. The most common symptom of folliculitis is itchiness. Other symptoms may include:

-Burning sensation

-Redness

-Swelling

-Pus-filled bumps

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order a biopsy to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of folliculitis you have. In most cases, folliculitis will resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, some cases may require more aggressive treatment. Treatment options for folliculitis include:

-Topical medications such as OTC benzyl peroxide

-Antibiotics including topical antibiotics like clindamycin solution or oral antibiotics such as keflex or doxycycline

-Antifungals (both topical and oral)

-Laser therapy such as laser hair removal to limit recurrence

Prevention

There are many things you can do to prevent folliculitis, including:

-Avoiding hot tubs and pools (or cleansing with soap immediately after)

-Avoiding tight clothing that causes rubbing/friction

-Showering immediately after exercise

-Using an antibacterial soap

-Keeping the skin clean and dry

-Avoiding shaving or waxing

-Avoiding topical steroids

-Using a clean razor

Complications & Prognosis

Complications from folliculitis are rare but can include permanent hair loss, scarring, and infection.

If you think you may have folliculitis, it is important to see your doctor so that you can get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Folliculitis is a common condition that can affect anyone at any age. With proper treatment, folliculitis can be resolved quickly and without complications.