An infection of hair follicles, or folliculitis, can develop anywhere on the skin or scalp, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Folliculitis may be uncomfortable and unsightly, but it usually clears up in a few days. If your infection is persistent or severe, your doctor can prescribe medications to eliminate it.
Types
Folliculitis can be a superficial or deep infection. Superficial folliculitis only involves the upper part of the hair follicle. It is the most common type, and it may clear up without treatment. Deep folliculitis can affect the entire hair follicle and surrounding skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. This type of infected hair follicule will require medication.
Symptoms
Folliculitis may look like small red bumps around hair follicles surrounded by red, swollen skin. Blisters may form and crust over. Deep folliculitis may cause large bumps, and scarring is possible after the infection clears up. You may also experience pain, itching or tenderness in the affected area.
Causes
Hair follicles become susceptible to infection when they are damaged by friction from clothing or shaving, perspiration, skin conditions like acne, skin injuries or blockages from tape or dressings, according to the Mayo Clinic. When damaged hair follicles are exposed to fungus or bacteria, folliculitis can develop. Most case of folliculitis are caused by staph bacteria, according to the National Institutes of Health. You can also get folliculitis from pseudomonas bacteria, which can thrive in places like hot tubs, or pityrosporum, a yeast-like fungus. If you shave over a cold sore, the herpes simplex virus can spread to nearby follicles and cause infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Men can develop folliculitis in the beard area due to fungus or short hairs curling back into the skin.
Treatment
Mild cases of folliculitis may not need any specific treatment, but you can take steps at home to ease your discomfort. Warm, moist compresses may help, and oatmeal lotion or hydrocortisone cream can relieve itching, according to the Mayo Clinic. Use clean wash cloths to wash your skin twice a day, and wash them with hot water and soap afterward to avoid spreading the infection to others. If possible, try to avoid shaving, tight clothing and other sources of friction. If your infection is severe, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed. If the infection is severe and resists other treatments, a few laser hair removal sessions may be helpful, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Warning
If your skin becomes red, swollen, hot and tender, you may have cellulitis, a bacterial infection that could spread to your bloodstream if not treated. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice severe signs of infection.
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