Folliculitis most often occurs after shaving and epilation. These types of changes should not be taken lightly, because if left untreated, they can lead to the development of serious skin diseases: boils or figs. What are the causes of folliculitis? How do you recognize the symptoms of inflammation? What is the treatment of this skin disease?

Folliculitismost often occurs after shaving and epilation. Characteristic skin eruptions appear in the hairline area after using a razor or after waxing. These types of changes should not be taken lightly. Chronic folliculitis can lead to the development of a boil or sycosis.

Boils appear as painful lumps. In the course of the disease, inflammation attacks the deeper layers of the skin and also attacks the tissue around the follicles. On the other hand, sycosis is a chronic purulent inflammation of the follicles on the upper lip and on the chin, which can lead to swelling and pain in the skin.

Folliculitis - what are hair follicles?

A hair follicle is a narrow channel in the skin from which hair grows. The sebaceous gland ducts that produce tallow leave the hair follicles. It flows to the surface of the skin, creating the so-called a lipid coat that protects it from irritation (e.g. it neutralizes harmful substances and prevents them from contacting the skin and penetrating into its deeper layers).

As a result of damage to the estuary, through the "wear" of the so-called of the lipid coat through irritating cosmetics or through mechanical micro-injuries, e.g. during shaving, the microorganisms penetrate the hair follicles and multiply there. Then the body starts to defend itself and starts inflammation.

Folliculitis - Causes

Folliculitis is divided into infectious and non-infectious. In the first group, the most common infections are bacteria, the dominant of which are purulent streptococcus and golden staphylococcus, which occurs temporarily on the skin and mucous membranes, e.g. in the nasal cavity, and attacks the body in times of impaired immune system.

The cause of infectious folliculitis may also be Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or blue pus. This means that the infection occurs incontaminated water, e.g. in the swimming pool, SPA, jacuzzi, especially with poor water quality and its inappropriate chlorination.

Other causes of infectious folliculitis include:

  • dermatophytes (fungi causing the so-called dermatophytosis - mycoses of the skin and its appendages: hair and nails)
  • bleaching - yeast
  • viruses (e.g. herpes virus)
  • parasites (most often Demodex)

In turn, non-infectious folliculitis is acne-related lesions often caused by medications. Topical corticosteroids and corticotropin may lead to skin eruptions consisting of inflamed pustules. This group also includes radiation-induced folliculitis, which is the result of exposure to the sun.

Folliculitis - risk factors

Infectious folliculitis often occurs during shaving or epilation. The number of unsightly pimples then increases with each shave as the infection spreads from one hair follicle to another.

Infection can also occur in places that are exposed to frequent rubbing and contact with clothes (neck and back). The types of cosmetics used for daily care are also important.

Those high in artificial colors and fragrances can dry out your skin and make it more prone to infection.

Folliculitis - symptoms

Folliculitis manifests as skin eruptions, often filled with serous fluid or pus, around the hair follicle. These eruptions often coalesce to form clusters of painless lumps and pimples pierced by the hair, which can be itchy and even painful.

These types of lesions can be located all over the body, but are most commonly seen on the face, scalp, armpits, buttocks, and pubic area. They can also appear on the arms, thighs or calves.

Purulent lumps should not be squeezed out. During juicing, it is not only possible for bacteria to spread over the skin. When pressing, some of the pus will be squeezed even deeper, worsening inflammation.

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Folliculitis - treatment

Antibiotic therapy is used to treat bacterial folliculitis. In addition, the doctor prescribes ointments that have an antibacterial effect.

These types of preparations are usedtopically to the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day for the time specified by the doctor. Importantly, you should refrain from any type of hair removal during this time.

Folliculitis - how to prevent it?

After the treatment is over, you should remember about prophylaxis. For this purpose, all creams, gels and lotions containing urea, which, thanks to their moisturizing properties, effectively improve the condition of the skin will be effective.

Cosmetics should be selected for the type of skin. Those with preservatives should be avoided. It's better to choose neutral, fragrance-free cosmetics without the addition of artificial colors.

Also remember to disinfect razors and epilators after each use. Just use salicylic alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

Category:

Dermatology