FOLLICULITIS

A common skin condition that appears as numerous small red or pink little bumps at hair follicles.

Can cause a “ chicken skin” appearance on the skin.

Can affect any part of the skin: chest, back., arms, legs, buttocks and cheeks.

May resolve spontaneously without any treatment.

What causes folliculitis?

Bumps arise from the inflammation at the small hair follicles caused by simple irritation, infections, like bacteria (such as Staphylococcus or Pseudomonas) and yeasts.

The upper layers may have some dilation of the small superficial blood vessels, thereby giving the skin a red or flushed appearance.

Mode of transmission:

Person-to-person skin contact (close contact)

Shared razors (RAZOR BURN FOLLICULITIS) – very common on women’s legs caused by shaving, seen also at neck and faces of men.

Through hot tubs or jacuzzi (Hot tub or Jacuzzi folliculitis)- inflammation of the hair follicles on the trunk. It is seen a few days to weeks after someone has been soaking in a hot tub or jacuzzi.

How is folliculitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is generally based on the appearance of the skin.

A small skin biopsy A skin bacterial culture may be take

by a cotton-tip applicator A microscopic skin tests and fungal

tests using potassium hydroxide.

Prone to develop folliculitis:

DIABETES HIV/AIDS HEPATITIS CHRONIC

ILLNESSES

CANCER SYSTEMIC

CHEMOTHERAPY

IMMUNE SUPPRESSING DRUGS

Possible complications:

Rarely, the infected bumps may enlarge, causing an abscess (furuncles and carbuncles) or painful cysts requiring minor surgical drainage.

Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation

Post-infalmmatory hyperpigmentation

Cellulitis (rare complication)

Permanent scarring

PROGNOSIS:

Prognosis is very good. Overall, folliculitis tends to be

an easily treated and curable skin condition.

Typically, it is a noncontagious, self-limited condition.

TREATMENT

OTC antibacterial wash like benzoyl peroxide (Clearisil, Proactiv), Phisoderm twice a day.

Holistic treatment include soaking the affected area in a tub of diluted white vinegar or soaking with very diluted Clorox bleach (1/4 cup of Clorox bleach in a bathtub full of water).

Topical antibiotic such as metronidazole lotion or clindamycin lotion.

Treatment cont.

A five-to-30 day course of oral antibiotic like cephalexin, doxycycline, tetracycline. May be used for folliculitis that is more resistant.

Triamcinolone – once or twice a day for inflamed and itchy areas. An emollient-based topical steroid cream for a seven-to 10 day course of a medium potency.

How to prevent folliculitis?

Good skin hygiene Avoiding unsanitary hot tubs and

pools Do not share razors Avoiding shaving too closely Changing out razors regularly Keeping the skin moist and well

hydrated