Folliculitis
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Folliculitis is a crop of infected hair follicles. It is not usually serious, and mild cases will usually clear on their own. Antibiotics are sometimes needed if it is more severe or extensive. |
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an inflammation of a number of hair follicles of the skin. (Most of the skin is covered with tiny hairs which grow out of hair follicles.) Most cases of folliculitis are due to an infection with a bacterium (germ) called Staphylococcus aureus. The affected hair follicles swell into small pus-filled pimples.
Each individual pimple looks like a small, rounded, yellow-red spot. They occur in crops, usually at sites where hair follicles are damaged by friction or shaving, or where there is blockage of the follicle. Sometimes using a steroid cream on the face can trigger a bout of folliculitis.
The most common site affected is the beard area of men. Other common sites for folliculitis are the arms, legs, armpits and buttocks.
The difference between folliculitis and boils is that: boils tend to be larger and single. Folliculitis is a crop or small infected spots. (See separate leaflet on boils.) Also, acne can look similar to folliculitis. The difference is that acne is not just a straight-forward infection of the hair follicle. (See separate leaflet on acne.)
What is the treatment for folliculitis?
Mild cases do not need treatment. They tend to clear within 7-10 days. An antiseptic cleanser may help. If it is more severe or widespread then antibiotic tablets may be needed.
Can folliculitis be prevented?
Many men find that shaving causes repeat bouts of folliculitis. Some men resort to growing a beard to cure the problem.
If you have folliculitis, do not share towels or razors. Also, use an antiseptic soap to help prevent the infection spreading to other parts of your skin, and to others.
© EMIS and PIP 2004 Updated: December 2003 CHIQ Accredited PRODIGY Validated