Folliculitis is one of the skin problems that occurs for many people and in most cases it heals on its own, but in some cases it is better to see a doctor for examination and consultation. In the continuation of this article, we will explain about folliculitis, its symptoms and treatment.
What is folliculitis?
What are the symptoms of folliculitis?
What causes folliculitis?
What are the types of folliculitis?
How to diagnose folliculitis?
How is folliculitis treated?
Home treatment for folliculitis?
What is folliculitis or inflammation of the hair follicles?
Located in the dermis layer of the skin. Simply put, follicles are a series of cavities that surround the hair follicles. Wherever there is hair on the body and consequently follicles, it is prone to folliculitis. Folliculitis is more common in the thighs, buttocks, neck, and armpits. Usually in places where there is a lot of friction or for example under the armpits when you shave the armpit hair with a razor or sometimes even after using a hot tub. Folliculitis appears as small bumps on the skin in the form of pimples. This inflammation of the skin follicles can be chronic or acute and last for a short time, for example two weeks. Folliculitis is generally common and people who are overweight are more likely to experience folliculitis.
Photo of folliculitis
What are the symptoms of folliculitis?
If we want to diagnose fungalitis and seek treatment for it, we must first know it. The following are the symptoms of folliculitis:
Folliculitis causes bumps on the surface of the skin. The color of these lesions can be red, white or yellow and may be accompanied by pain, itching, swelling and pus.
It can be similar to whiteheads or small inflamed redheads.
Sometimes it can even look like pus when accompanied by pus.
What causes folliculitis?
Staph bacteria (a type of germ that is usually found on the skin of healthy people and in most cases does not even cause a problem) and fungi are the causes of folliculitis. These bacteria and fungi are either normally present on your healthy skin or become infected through the body through contact with an infected person or personal items such as soap and personal towels and other items.
Other factors that increase the risk of developing these folliculitis:
Wear tight clothing that irritates the skin.
Injuries and pressures to the skin, such as shaving
Lack of hygiene such as not taking a shower after exercise and sweating
Photo of folliculitis
What are the types of folliculitis?
Bacterial folliculitis: The most common form of folliculitis is an itchy white bump full of pus.
Hot water folliculitis: You can see red, dusty, itchy bumps when you swim in the pool, use the hot tub, or even take a hot tub or shower.
Post-shave folliculitis: In cases where the skin is sensitive or the skin surface is not completely clean before shaving, these lesions may occur.
How to diagnose folliculitis?
We must first answer these three questions:
How long have these lesions been on the skin?
What other symptoms are associated with it?
Is there a history of folliculitis?
By asking these three questions and examining (and sometimes sampling) your doctor can diagnose folliculitis and recommend appropriate treatment for it.
How to prevent folliculitis?
The best treatment is prevention, and the best way to prevent folliculitis is to avoid the things that cause folliculitis:
Only trim the hair in the direction in which it grows
Use lotions and moisturizers that are light and do not clog pores.
Do not share towels, clothes and cosmetics with your friends.
To reduce skin irritation, it is best to use hot or cold water compresses, depending on the condition.
Photo of folliculitis
What is the treatment for folliculitis?
In most cases, the follicles disappear spontaneously after the inflammation subsides (inflammation due to friction or shaving or laser or ...). In some cases, these inflammations become painful or require the intervention of a doctor. The treating physician may use topical antibiotics or analgesics such as gelofen or acetaminophen. Another thing that should be considered in the treatment of folliculitis is to let your hair grow during the treatment and avoid plucking or shaving it. Again, it is better to mention that in most cases, these follicles heal on their own, and moisturizing them and using anti-allergy creams is the best treatment that can be used for them.
Home treatment of folliculitis:
Wash the inflamed area of the follicles regularly with soap and water daily.
It is better to use antibacterial soaps and dry the area with a clean towel after washing.
Using a combination of water and salt: Dip a cotton ball or soft cloth in water and salt (salt for antibacterial properties) and gently rub on the area where the hair follicles are inflamed. Be careful not to damage the skin and you can repeat this twice a week.
Aloe: Try to use either the aloe vera plant directly or the ingredients contained in this plant to treat folliculitis.
If you have a weak anti-itch ointment or hydrocortisone ointment at home, it is better to use it on your skin to reduce the inflammation of folliculitis.
As a last resort it is best to know in reputable laser sources