The skin provides effective protection against microorganisms. However, the hair roots (Follicles) where the hairs are located are the sensitive points of the skin where it is vulnerable to microorganisms. These parts are a gateway for bacteria. Hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis), one of the common lesions on the skin, is of bacterial origin. Folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicle, can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. Folliculitis, which usually heals spontaneously, can be easily controlled with simple precautions and treatment.
What is Hair Root Inflammation (Folliculitis)?
Hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis), which occurs with hair follicle inflammation It is a common skin condition. It is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body except the palms, soles, lips, and mucous membranes. It is mostly seen on the scalp. Folliculitis, which looks like 2-5 mm, red small bumps or pimples with a white pustule and papule in the middle, are not life-threatening. However, itching and pain can be extremely uncomfortable. Uncontrollable, recurrent and spreading infections can turn into wounds.
What are the Types of Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is divided into two main types as superficial and deep folliculitis. Superficial type folliculitis involves part of the follicle, is easily treated and is less severe. Deep type folliculitis covers the entire follicle and requires long-term treatment. Superficial folliculitis types can be listed as follows:
- Bacterial Folliculitis: It is the most common type of folliculitis. It is characterized by itching, redness, pus. It usually occurs when hair follicles are infected with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Red round itching and swelling are seen 2-3 days after exposure to bacteria.
- Razor Strikes (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae): It is a type of folliculitis that occurs due to ingrown hairs. It is usually seen in men with curly hair. Significant itching and redness occur. This kind f Dark scars (Keloids) may occur in oliculitis. Inflammation of hair follicles in the genital area, inflammation of hair follicles in the vagina, inflammation of hair follicles in the armpits, inflammation of hair follicles in the legs, hair follicles in the groin usually occur due to razor bumps.
- Pityrosporum Folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is usually caused by a yeast infection. . It is more common in men than women. Red itchy pustules are observed on the back, chest, shoulders, neck and arms.
- Sycosis Barbae: This type of folliculitis affects men who start shaving. Facial hair follicle inflammation and beard hair follicle inflammation usually occur due to this type.
- Gram Negative Folliculitis (GNF): It is a type of folliculitis that is usually seen in people who are treated with long-term antibiotics for acne.
- Froncles and Carbuncles: It occurs when hair follicles are deeply infected with Staph bacteria. A painful, painful pink lump is observed in the lesion area.
- Eosinophilic Folliculitis (Ofuji Disease): This type of folliculitis occurs in people with diseases that weaken the immune system, such as cancer and AIDS. An itchy and swollen appearance occurs in the upper part of the face and body.
What are the Symptoms of Hair Root Inflammation?
Hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis), such as scalp It can be seen anywhere on the body where there is hair. An inflamed red lump appears in the hair follicles. Folliculitis, which appears as a small pink or red rash on the skin, can also cause acne. Although rare, some microorganisms may enter the blood. In this case, fever and weakness are seen.
What Causes Hair Root Inflammation?
Hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis) is a bacterial infection. Folliculitis is mostly caused by microorganisms called Staphylococcus bacteria. In addition, various yeasts, fungi and parasites can also cause folliculitis. Some of the causes of hair follicle inflammation that cause folliculitis are:
- Long-term use of cortisone medication or cream,
- Chemical or physical products that are preferred for epilation, waxing and cause irritation,
- Excessive sweating,
- Tight, rough and skin irritating Clothes made from fabrics that absorb
- Some cosmetics,
- Skin care products,
- Chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis,
- Immunity Some diseases that weaken the system (such as diabetes, cancer, AIDS),
- Exposure to sunlight for a long time,
- Hair loss,
- Surgery incisions or various skin injuries,
- Use of unclean pool and jacuzzi.
Folliculitis can spread to other parts of the body. scratching the irritated area and then touching another part of the body; Using a towel or razor that touches the affected area can transmit folliculitis.
Can folliculitis be transmitted from person to person? But since it is a bacterial infection, it can be transmitted in some cases. Situations that may cause contamination are as follows:
- Sharing public whirlpools, pools or thermal waters,
- Shaving razors or towels,
- Too close skin contact.
Skin examination is usually sufficient for the diagnosis of hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis). In order to detect the microorganism that causes folliculitis and to determine the effective drugs in the treatment, the physician may request that a culture be taken and an examination called an antibiogram be performed when deemed necessary.
Treatment of Hair Root Inflammation (Folliculitis)
Inflammation of the hair follicle (folliculitis) ) is an infection that can be seen in almost everyone. It usually heals on its own when the causative factor is removed. But sometimes the microorganisms that cause folliculitis can damage deeper tissues. In this case, rapidly spreading microorganisms can cause the formation of furuncles and carbuncles (boils). If there is skin irritation accompanied by fever, spreading redness, pus-filled and foul-smelling swellings, medical help must be sought.
The physician plans folliculitis treatment according to the severity of the folliculitis. Oral antibiotics or antifungal drugs may be prescribed to eliminate the infection, and antihistamines may be prescribed to reduce pain and itching in folliculitis of lesser severity but slow healing. Prescribed medications 7-10 days earlier, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
In addition to oral treatment, topical treatment is very important in folliculitis, as in many skin diseases. Direct application of medication on the formed lesion provides fast and effective results. In topical treatment, first of all, the area where the lesion occurs should be cleaned with simple methods. For the effectiveness of the drug, if there is hard, dried skin on the lesion, it should be softened with aqueous dressings or oils. Since hairs are the source of bacteria and allow the spread of folliculitis, drug application should be carried out 2-3 cm beyond the lesioned area. Topical treatment is applied 2-3 times a day. Treatment takes about 14 days. In long-lasting or recurrent folliculitis, the treatment period can be from 6 months to 1 year. If there is a large boil or carbuncle, the physician may make a small incision to drain the pus, relieve pain and accelerate healing. Laser epilation is an effective treatment method for chronic folliculitis that does not respond to drug treatment. it could be. The treatment of hair follicle inflammation can be explained in this way.
How Does Hair Root Inflammation Treat?
Hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis) usually goes away without medical treatment. Self-care measures such as warm compresses and anti-itch creams can help relieve signs and symptoms. The following methods can be used for hair follicle inflammation:
- Hot Compress: Apply a compress with a warm, damp cloth several times a day to relieve discomfort and help the lesion drain. Moisten the cotton or cloth you are compressing with a saline solution (1 teaspoon of table salt, 2 glasses of water).
- Soothing Lotions: Itching can be prevented with soothing lotions or hydrocortisone creams.
- Cleaning: Keep the area where the lesion is seen clean. Wash at least twice a day with antibacterial soaps. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not share your towel with anyone. Also, always change the gloves you use during the treatment.
- Irritation: Avoid scratching or irritating the affected area.
What is Good for Hair Root Inflammation?
Some of the methods that are good for hair follicle inflammation are:
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