Definition:
Infection of the hair follicles is called folliculitis. It is characterized by the appearance of the small, white headed pimples around one or more hair follicles which are superficial in most cases of infections.
Diagnosis:
Physician can simply diagnose a patient with folliculitis by looking at the infected skin. Other test is culturing and biopsy of an active lesion.
Treatment:
Relieving symptoms such as warm compress and anti itch cream helps. But usually without medical treatment it goes away after a few days. Recurring cases require treatment and will depend on type and severity of infection.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms vary on the type of infection. Superficial folliculitis or the upper part of the hair follicle can present clusters of small red bumps around the hair follicles, itchiness or tenderness and pus filled blisters that break open and crust over.
While the deep folliculitis affects the entire follicle by starting in the deeper surrounding skin which can present symptoms like swollen bump or mass, pain, scars on the cleared infection.
Causes:
Follicles that are damaged can be invaded by the viruses, bacteria, fungi which can lead to infections of the follicles (folliculitis).
Most common cause are friction from shaving or tight clothing, dermatitis or acne, trauma like abrasions or surgical wounds, excessive perspiration and common among construction or oil workers are exposure to coal tar and creosote.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
