 |
|
|
 Folliculitis
Pictures
|
Facts about Folliculitis
General Info
Folliculitis (also called Barber's Itch,
Beard Rash or Bikini Rash) is an
infection or inflammation of the hair follicles, the small sacs
beneath the skin from which hair develops and grows. You can
develop the condition virtually anywhere on your body, although
the most common locations are on the scalp, face, and areas
where clothing rubs against the body, such as the arms, thighs,
buttocks and crotch.
The evolution of folliculitis includes:
-
A red, tender area at or near the base of one or more strands of
hair
-
A small raised area of skin that contains pus (pustule)
-
Often accompanied by itching or burning
-
When pustules break open, they may include blood and/or pus
What Causes Folliculitis?
Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial infection, is the most common cause
of folliculitis. People who take antibiotics for a long time are
also more susceptible to folliculitis caused by
the Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Proteus
bacteria. Folliculitis can also be caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
bacteria usually found in hot tubs or spas.
Sometimes fungi can cause folliculitis, most often Candida
albicans. Fungal folliculitis is more often seen in people
who have impaired immune systems.
Some substances—such as motor oil, tar, grease, and on rare
occasions, medications or viruses—can also cause folliculitis.
Additional risk factors for contracting folliculitis include:
- Hot tubs, spas and other warm, moist environments that
encourage bacteria and fungi to multiply.
- Poor personal hygiene.
- Tight-fitting clothes.
- Use of antibiotics or steroid cream for long periods,
which can destroy protective bacteria, leaving the skin unable
to fight bacteria or fungi.
- Use of cosmetics or dry skin, which can cause clogged
pores.
- Infection at an open wound, such as a cut, scrape, or
surgical incision. This can cause bacteria or fungi to spread
to nearby hair follicles.
- Diseases such as diabetes and acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) that decrease your ability to fight infection
normally.
back
to top
Links to Information on
Folliculitis:
Additional
Resources
 back
to top
|
|
