WHAT IS FOLLICULITIS
Folliculitis is a common skin problem that happens when you get bacteria or a blockage in a tiny pocket in your skin called a hair follicle. A follicle is a small hair cavity from which hair grows. Every single hair on the human body grows from its own follicle. Folliculitis is the name given to a group of skin conditions in which there are inflamed hair follicles. The result is a tender red spot, often with a surface pustule. You can have folliculitis on any part of your body that has hair but it is most common on the beard area, back, arms, buttocks, and legs.
The condition isn’t life-threatening but it can be itchy, sore, and embarrassing. Severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
WHAT CAUSES FOLLICULITIS
You may get folliculitis if you have damaged hair follicles. Shaving or wearing clothes that rub the skin can imitate the follicles, which can lead to folliculitis. They also can become blocked or irritated by sweat, machine oils, or makeup. When the follicles are injured, they are more likely to become infected.
You are more likely to get folliculitis if you
• Use a hot tub, whirlpool, or swimming pool that is not properly treated with chlorine
• Wear tight clothes
• Use or work with substances that can imitate or block the follicles. Examples include makeup, cocoa butter, motor oil, tar, and creosote.
• Have an infected cut, scrape, or surgical wound. The bacteria or fungi can spread to nearby hair follicles.
• Have a disease such as diabetes or HIV that lowers your ability to fight infection.
SYMPTOMS OF FOLLICULITIS
Folliculitis signs and symptoms include:
• Clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples that develop around hair follicles
• Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itchy, burning skin
• Painful, tender skin
• A large swollen bump or mass
Some serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition:
Folliculitis is not a serious condition but left untreated, a staph infection (an infection caused by staphylococcal bacteria) can sometimes enter the bloodstream and spread, resulting in a systemic infection called bacteremia or sepsis that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting.
Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
Severe difficulty breathing, which may be accompanied by pale or blue lips, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and anxiety.
RISK FACTORS
Anyone can develop folliculitis. But certain factors make you more susceptible to the condition, including
Having a medical condition that reduces your resistance to infection, such as diabetes, chronic leukemia, and HIV AIDS
Having acne or dermatitis
Taking some medications, such as steroid creams or long-term antibiotic therapy for acne
Causing damage to hair follicles by shaving, waxing, or wearing tight clothing
Any medical condition that increases your risk of infection
- Exposure to hot water, especially in hot tubs or heated swimming pools
- Long-term antibiotic skin treatments
Obesity
