Folliculitis - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the condition which results in hair loss.  Chronic folliculitis is uncommon except in acne vulgaris, where constituents of the normal flora (e.g., Propionibacterium acnes) may play a role. This type of condition may occur wherever on the skin. Typically Folliculitis appears as an eruption of skin that surrounds a hair or hair pore.

Folliculitis is of two forms, i.e. one is superficial and the other is termed as deep Folliculitis. It is very much possible that one person manage to get both the afflictions since very often superficial develops into the deep Folliculitis. Diffuse folliculitis occurs in two settings. "Hot-tub folliculitis" is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in waters that are insufficiently chlorinated and maintained at temperatures between 37 and 40°C.

Folliculitis Causes

Hair follicles serve as a portal for a number of bacteria, though S. aureus is the most common cause of localized folliculitis. Folliculitis begins when hair follicles are damaged by rubbing from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. In most the cases of Folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria staphylococcus. Those who are sickly, just recovered from jaundice, and so on are more vulnerable to get this disease than any other person. Free-swimming schistosomal cercariae readily penetrate human hair follicles or pores but quickly die and elicit a brisk allergic reaction causing intense itching and erythema.

Types of Folliculitis

• Pseudofolliculitis barbae
• Acne keloidalis nuchae
• Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
• Eosinophilic folliculitis
• Pityrosporum eosinophilic folliculitis

Folliculitis Treatment

There are some prevention to avoid further damages to the hair follicles and infection, such as rubbing of the clothes should be minimized, Use new blade when shaving and keep the area clean. Use medicated powder in the area on a daily basis. This helps keep the area dry and reduces frictional pressures. This type of infection can be controlled by Mupirocin, (anti-biotic), Dicloxacillin (oral antibiotics)