How To Get Rid Of Folliculitis

How To Get Rid Of Folliculitis

How To Get Rid Of Folliculitis

Our skin is composed of thousands of hair follicles. They are responsible for giving your body hair that may or may not make you look attractive to the opposite sex. The sebaceous gland is attached to each follicle. Its primary function is to produce sebum. The thicker your hair density, the more sebaceous glands there are . Normally, the follicles carry out their function of skin and hair lubrication without any problems. When they're damaged, however, they may become infected, leading to what is called folliculitis.

Folliculitis Causes Folliculitis usually manifests itself as small, white-headed bumps around one or more hair follicles. It occurs in all parts of your body, except in palms, soles, lips, and any other places where there aren't any hair follicles. Most times, folliculitis are just superficial that lead to an itch. They can be painful though. The more severe ones can often lead to the formation of unsightly pus-filled blisters and carbuncles.Damage to your hair follicles is the main cause of folliculitis. In most cases, it is worsened by the onset of the Staphylococcus bacteria. Damage is commonly caused by:

• Friction from shaving or wearing tight clothing;
• Perspiration;
• Abrasions or cuts on the skin;
• Inflammatory skin conditions like acne or dermatitis;
• Covering your skin with adhesive tape or dressing;
• Exposure to irritants such as coal and tar.

Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of folliculitis depend on what type of folliculitis infection you have. There are generally two main types of folliculitis: superficial and deep. Each, in turn, have their own kinds. Superficial Folliculitis

• Staphylococcal folliculitis is characterized by white, pus-filled bumps that can occur anywhere on your body. It is usually itchy and is the result of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infecting the hair follicles. If it is located in the beard area of men, it is called barber's itch.
• Pseudomonas folliculitis is also called hot tub folliculitis. It is characterized by red bumps that are itchy, developing into pus-filled pustules. It is caused by the Pseudomonas bactera.
• Tinae barbae usually develops in the beard area of men and is caused by a fungus rather than a bacteria. It results to itchy, white bumps. There may also be a reddening on the surrounding skin. In more serious cases, there may be pus-filled nodules that will eventually crust, accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes.
• Pesudofolliculitis barbae is also an inflammation in the beard area of men, although it only affects men with curly beards. It is not caused by any bacteria or fungi, but rather by shaved hairs that curve back into the skin. There is usually inflammation and in rare cases, keloid scars.
• Pityrosporum folliculitis is especially common in young and middle-aged adults. It produces red, itchy pustules on the back and chest. It is caused by a yeast-like fungus.
• Herpetic folliculitis is caused by the same virus that causes herpes simplex.

Deep Folliculitis

• Gram-negative folliculitis is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the nose, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria called gram-negative bacteria. The result is the production of new acne lesions that can sometimes be severe.
• Boils and carbuncles occur when the follicles become severely infected by the staph bacteria. Boils appear as a painful red bump, about ½ inch in diameter. In a short time, the bump fills with pus, becoming larger in the next seven or so days, before it finally develops a yellow-white tip that ruptures and drains. Carbuncles are a cluster of boils.
• Eosinophilic folliculitis is characterized by patches of inflamed pus-filled sores that recur. There is no exact cause of this type of folliculitis, although the same yeast-like fungus responsible for pityrospurum folliculitis may be involved.

Getting Rid of Folliculitis Usually, mild cases of folliculitis respond well to simple home care. Here are a couple of things you can do to get rid of your folliculitis:

• Take antibacterial treatment. Most cases of folliculitis are caused by bacteria. Your doctor may prescribe antibacterial medication in either topical (cream) or oral (tablets, pills) form; however, be sure to take these under your doctor's prescription. You may be allergic to certain antibacterial drugs and your doctor will be able to provide you with the right one to use.
• Use warm compress on the affected area. A warm compress applied to the affected area can help relieve itchiness. Apply it several times a day.
• Use antibacterial soaps. For folliculitis caused by bacteria, you can also try antibacterial soaps aside from topical treatments. Wash the affected area thoroughly. Doing so may prevent other bacteria from gaining entry to the skin and worsening the situation.
• Avoid shaving the affected area. While the condition is still going on, avoid shaving it. Doing so may only cause more irritation. Most folliculitis are also accompanied by pus-filled blisters. Shaving may cause them to break, spreading the bacteria further.
• Avoid sharing wash clothes and towels. There is a risk of contamination of bacteria if you share your towels and personal wash clothes with others. Wash them immediately after using.

The most severe cases of folliculitis may cause permanent hair loss on the affected area of the skin, and even ugly scarring. Treat it as soon as you can and you will be assured of smooth and clear skin for years to come.Click here for more information on how to get rid of folliculitis.