Healthy, blemish-free skin is the wish of many of us. Sometimes, however, we can experience skin problems that affect both the appearance of our complexion and our level of comfort. One of these is folliculitis. In the following, we invite you to learn more about folliculitis, what causes it, how to prevent it and the most effective treatment methods available today. Here's what you should know!
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a skin condition in which the hair follicles, the tiny sacs where hairs grow, become inflamed. This dermatologic problem is quite common and can be superficial, affecting only the outer layers of the skin, or deep, if it extends below the surface of the skin into the follicle. Although folliculitis is not a serious condition, it can be unsightly and cause discomfort. Its symptoms vary in intensity and can include:
- small, red, acne-like pustules - these are the most common symptoms and occur around the affected follicles;
- itching - can be mild or intense, leading to scratching, which can aggravate inflammation;
- pain or tenderness - In some cases, the affected area may become painful or tender to the touch;
- hyperpigmentation spots or hypopigmentation - recurrent inflammation can cause darker or lighter colored areas, usually temporary [1].
Folliculitis can occur anywhere there is hair, but is more common where the skin is irritated by rubbing or sweating. The most common areas include:
- face - In men, the cheeks and chin are the areas prone to folliculitis from shaving;
- back and shoulders - Excessive sweating and rubbing with clothes can promote folliculitis in these areas;
- chest and buttocks - Folliculitis can also occur on the chest and buttocks, especially in people who wear tight-fitting or synthetic clothing. In addition to buttock folliculitis, groin folliculitis is also quite common;
- legs - Razor shaving and waxing or epilating with an epilator can increase the risk of folliculitis on the legs [2].
Causes of folliculitis
Inflamed hair follicles can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that can enter the skin through wounds, cuts or other injuries and infect hair follicles, causing inflammation and irritation.
Another common cause of this condition is skin irritation caused by rubbing clothes, shaving improperly, epilation or other micro-trauma. These can make it easier for bacteria or other micro-organisms to enter the follicle, causing inflammation. Follicle blockage is also a common cause of the condition. Some oils, lotions and creams can cause sebum and dead skin cells to build up in the follicle, creating an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. So, in prone areas, an inflamed under-skin hair may develop, causing discomfort.
Last but not least, certain pre-existing health conditions can increase the risk of developing folliculitis. These include diabetes, or conditions that weaken the immune system. In some cases, no clear cause can be identified [1].
Types of folliculitis
Depending on the underlying cause, several types of folliculitis can be distinguished:
- bacterial folliculitis - It is caused by infection with a bacterium and is manifested by small red bumps or pus pus pustuules, often accompanied by itching and a slight pain on touch [1];
- fungal folliculitis - occurs due to fungal infection, the most common being Candida albicans, a fungus that is part of the normal skin flora. Overgrowth of this fungus can lead to inflammation of the hair follicle. In contrast to bacterial folliculitis, fungal folliculitis manifests as red papules or small pustules, sometimes accompanied by flaking and itching [2];
- Jacuzzi foliculite - also known as pseudomonas folliculitis, is a specific form associated with the use of unsanitized whirlpools or swimming pools. The pathogen involved is the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in warm, moist environments with insufficient chlorine concentrations. Within a few hours of exposure to contaminated water, small itchy red bumps may appear on the skin [1];
- viral folliculitis - is caused by viruses such as herpes simplex virus. It manifests as painful lesions that develop around the hair follicles and may be accompanied by fever and malaise [3];
- eosinophilic folliculitis - is a rare form characterized by red, itchy papules. The exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, but it is thought to be associated with allergic reactions or parasitic infections;
- folliculitis after epilation - Often called pseudofolliculitis, this occurs after traditional hair removal. The hairs that then grow under the skin cause irritation and inflammation. As a result, red papules, small pustules or painful bumps appear [1].
How can you prevent folliculitis?
There are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of folliculitis. After bathing or showering, dry yourself thoroughly all over your body, paying particular attention to areas with folds, such as underarms and groin. Choose the right hair removal method for your skin. If you opt for a razor, make sure it is sharp and apply a shaving gel or lotion beforehand. Shave in the direction of hair growth and avoid running the blade too many times over the same area to avoid irritating the skin.
If you want to prevent long-term irritation, opt for permanent laser hair removal [2] At Cronos Med, you have access to state-of-the-art Primelase Excellence technology, which uses a combination of four types of lasers to effectively remove hairs, regardless of your skin phototype. The procedure is quick and offers increased comfort thanks to the Crystal Freeze cooling system. In addition, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or tanned skin. The Primelase Excellence laser features advanced technology that ensures optimal results and removes even residual hairs. This way, you will successfully prevent folliculitis and enjoy smooth and healthy skin for the long term!
In addition to removing unwanted hair, you can also take some lifestyle measures. Opt for lightweight clothing made from natural, breathable materials such as cotton. Limit exposure to high temperatures and humid environments. You can use body powder or antiperspirants to keep your skin dry. Avoid using other people's personal items, such as towels or razors. If you notice signs of severe irritation or infection, consult a medical specialist to get a correct diagnosis and proper treatment!
Main treatment methods for folliculitis
Topical medications are often the first line of treatment for folliculitis. The main remedies for folliculitis include creams, lotions or gels containing antibiotics or antifungal drugs. In severe or persistent cases of folliculitis, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or oral antifungal drugs. These may be used in combination with topical products to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Treatment is determined solely by the doctor and individualized according to the symptoms and severity of the condition.
In situations where folliculitis does not respond to conventional treatments or if you want a permanent solution, body therapiesLaser hair removal is an effective option. This helps reduce inflammation by permanently destroying hair follicles [2].
So, folliculitis is a common condition, but it can become bothersome. If you are experiencing symptoms, consult a specialist for assessment and personalized recommendations. The doctors on the Cronos Med team are always ready to offer you the right solutions so you can enjoy the healthy skin you want! Contact us with confidence!
Sources of information:
[1] "Folliculitis-Folliculitis - Symptoms & Causes - Mayo Clinic." Mayo Clinic, 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634. Accessed on April 23, 2024.
[2] "How to Treat and Prevent Folliculitis." WebMDWebMD, Sept. 14 2016, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-is-folliculitis. Accessed on April 23, 2024.
[3] Cao, Zhiqiang, et al. "Facial Herpetic Folliculitis Should Be Concerned in the Clinic: A Retrospective Case Series." Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, vol. Volume 15, 1 Nov. 2022, pp. 2487-2494, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9675989/, https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s388588. Accessed on April 23, 2024.
