What is folliculitis?
If folliculitis goes untreated it may result in serious or deep infections that may spread or cause permanent scarring, cellulitis, or even enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening.
Folliculitis is a pervasive, benign skin disorder that appears as pinpoint red bumps, each one involving a hair follicle, occasionally with a small dot of pus at the top. It affects people of all ages, from babies to seniors.
What is razor burn folliculitis?
Razor-burn folliculitis is very common on the male neck and women's legs and is caused by shaving. Repeated passes by the razor produce tiny cuts that allow bacteria to enter the skin and invade the deeper hair follicles. Additionally, excessively close shaving may cause the trapping of small hairs beneath the skin surface (ingrown hairs), causing more inflammation. Occasionally waxing (which utilizes warm paraffin that once solidified is then ripped away removing encased hairs) can produce folliculitis.
Treatment involves stopping shaving with a razor for a few days to a few weeks and using antibacterial washes and topical antibiotics. Frequently, shaving less vigorously and leaving a small bit of stubble is advisable in the case of ingrown hairs.
What is hot tub folliculitis or Jacuzzi folliculitis?
Hot tub folliculitis is most often caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterial infection is likely to occur from bathing in poorly maintained hot tubs. It is most common on the back and causes scattered pinpoint, small red to purple bumps all over the torso. These may be very itchy or have no symptoms at all. Typically, there is a history of sitting in a hot tub a day before the bumps start. It is good practice to rinse off the skin in a shower after this sort of bathing.
The hot tub should be tested and possibly treated by trained pool and spa personnel for bacterial overgrowth. Affected patients may be more prone to recurrences in the future and should be cautious about hot tub use. Although this condition often resolves without treatment, it may be useful to rinse the skin with dilute vinegar.
What is pseudofolliculitis barbae?
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a very common ingrown hair condition, often referred to as "razor bumps," and is most likely to occur with the use of blade razors. Typically, there are groups of small red bumps on the beard area that may flare with repeat shaving. This condition may occur on the beard area (lower face and neck) of men but may affect any shaved area, including armpits, limbs, and pubic areas. Pseudofolliculitis tends to be worse with very curly or kinky hair. It can be quite debilitating especially if one's employment requires a closely shaven appearance. Cutting the hair close to or below the follicular orifice results in hairs that penetrate the follicular wall as they twist and grow. These trapped hairs cause irritation and inflammation in the hair follicles. Alternatively, the hairs may grow into the skin nearby. Bacterial infection may also set in.
Treatment goals include avoiding shaving altogether, corrections to shaving technique, or a trial of using a "bump-free razor." Correct shaving technique reduces ingrown hairs and includes shaving in the direction of hair growth whenever possible and not stretching the skin taught while shaving to avoid too close a shave. Blade razors should be replaced often to ensure sharpness. Regular exfoliation helps to loosen and free trapped hairs. Moisturizers or toners containing antibacterial exfoliating agents such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid can also help. If infection is suspected, topical or systemic antibiotics may be prescribed.
Hair removal options that do not cause pseudofolliculitis barbae include professional laser hair removal, electrolysis, electric razors, or a prescription drug called eflornithine (Vaniqa).
FAQs
At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores. Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care.
What makes bacterial folliculitis worse? ›
Sometimes, when Malassezia gets into the hair follicles, it can cause an itchy condition that looks like an acne breakout. It usually occurs on the upper chest and back. This form of folliculitis is made worse (aggravated) by sweat.
Why won't my folliculitis go away? ›
But sometimes, folliculitis can be more stubborn. It could take longer to clear up if you're not sure what's causing it. It might not respond right away to a certain type of medicine, or it might go away and come back. In some cases, it may take a few months before your skin is back to normal.
What is the root cause of folliculitis? ›
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with staphylococci (staph) bacteria.
What kills folliculitis naturally? ›
Essential Oils
Tea tree oil, neem oil, geranium oil, grapefruit seed oil are very effective in treating folliculitis. Tea tree oil can be added to your shampoo, lotion or body wash. Rub it gently onto the affected area and let it sit. Before using it do a patch test to make sure there are no adverse reactions.
How to tell if folliculitis is fungal or bacterial? ›
Diagnosis of folliculitis
They may take a swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus is the cause of the folliculitis. In rare cases, a healthcare professional may order a skin biopsy to exclude the possibility of other causes.
What not to put on folliculitis? ›
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on areas of healthy skin — you don't want to kill “good” bacteria on the skin. Some bacteria help get rid of germs that cause infections like folliculitis.
What antibiotic kills folliculitis? ›
Folliculitis looks like acne pimples or non-healing, crusty sores. An acute eruption or one present for only a short time is usually due to Staph bacteria (impetigo of Bockhart). This is treated with oral cephalexin, dicloxacillin or similar oral antibiotic. Topical antibiotics creams or lotions can also be used.
What soap is good for folliculitis? ›
Antibacterial soap: Use antibacterial bar soaps such as Dial® or Cetaphil®. Use skin washes that contain benzoyl peroxide. If these bumps are bothersome or painful.
What cream is best for folliculitis? ›
Treatment for most cases of bacterial folliculitis is with topical mupirocin or clindamycin.
Severe vitamin A and C deficiency may cause folliculitis. [1] In vitamin A deficiency the skin shows follicular hyperkeratosis, dryness and generalised wrinkling. [11] It requires about 2 months of vitamin C deprivation to produce mucocutaneous signs, including perifollicular petechiae and follicular hyperkeratosis.
How do you treat deep folliculitis? ›
First line treatment is indomethacin (50 mg/day). Other therapies include UVB phototherapy, minocycline, or dapsone. Pityrosporum folliculitis initially responds to topical antifungals such as ketoconazole cream or shampoo but is often associated with relapses. For relapses, systemic antifungals should be tried.
What shampoo is good for folliculitis? ›
The scalp affected by folliculitis should be washed with a mild normal shampoo as often as desired. Antidandruff shampoos containing antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or ciclopirox are sometimes helpful. Conditioner can be used if desired.
Can you get rid of bacterial folliculitis? ›
Without treatment, bacterial folliculitis may resolve in seven to 10 days or may progress to boils; for some cases of folliculitis, especially those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a course of oral antibiotics may be administered over seven to 10 days (Laureano 2014).
How long does bacterial folliculitis last? ›
The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes after the rash is gone, dark marks can be left behind.
What does a bacterial skin infection look like? ›
MRSA may look like a bump on the skin that may be red, swollen, warm to the touch, painful, filled with pus, or draining. The pus or drainage contains the infectious bacteria that can be spread to others.
