Folliculitis (Hair Follicle Inflammation)

Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle. It is seen as a painful, sometimes pus-filled swelling surrounding the hair. It occurs more easily in folds of the skin, such as the neck and groin, and in areas subject to friction, such as the beard area or genitals. In some cases, the risk of developing folliculitis increases. These; heat and sweating, excess weight, tight clothing, shaving (especially frequent and irritating shaving), the presence of some diseases that reduce body resistance (such as diabetes, leukemia, AIDS), the presence of a skin disease such as acne or eczema, conditions in which skin integrity is impaired. (such as abrasions, surgical site incisions), long-term use of some medications and hot baths in an unclean bathtub.

In mild cases, spontaneous recovery may occur within a few days with warm compresses applied to that area. The skin area with folliculitis should be kept clean with cleansers. Antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics should be used in the treatment of more severe and increased number of folliculitis. In very advanced cases, a minor surgical procedure such as making an incision on the folliculitis may be required to drain the accumulated pus.

In patients, it first begins as a pimple. Then there is itching in this area. Itching is followed by skin rashes. If this occurs in the hair and beard area, purulent discharge may occur. These discharges may be followed by crusting. This condition is most commonly seen in the neck, groin and genital area.

What Happens If It Is Not Treated?

Folliculitis is generally not a situation to be afraid of. But if left untreated, the infection can spread. This condition can be seen in people who have diabetes, use cortisone, or undergo chemotherapy. If the infection spreads, microorganisms enter the bloodstream. A condition called sepsis develops, which is rare. But it is a very serious situation. It can be fatal. It requires urgent intensive care treatment. In these patients, consciousness begins to become clouded. The patient does not respond to stimuli. Loss of consciousness may occur. Patients have high fever. The lips are purple. The patient is in need of oxygen. Heart beats fast. The patient has severe pain.

Folliculitis is a condition caused by skin irritation in various ways. Woolen, tight clothing and various equipment worn on the head cause deterioration of the skin and lead to infection at the base of the folliculitis. The biggest cause of folliculitis in men is beard. If the beard grows upside down and re-enters the skin, or if the skin is cut or irritated while shaving, it causes folliculitis.

Folliculitis is initially corrected by taking the above precautions and necessary medical treatment. If an infection occurs in cases that do not improve, the necessary medications should be used according to the type of infection.

With this medical treatment, if the case relapses frequently and the patient is obese, he/she should be weakened. In case of facial folliculitis, the person should shave with an electric razor if possible. If this is not possible, the razor should be changed at least after each shave. People with folliculitis should use soaps and shampoos in consultation with a specialist. Especially people who do sports should be more careful about personal hygiene. He must take a shower every day. Finally, these people should avoid tight clothing and wear loose-fitting clothing as much as possible.