The Different Types Of Folliculitis, And How To Treat It
Folliculitis is a common skin infection that primarily affects the hair follicles. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including exposure to the elements, dry skin, poor hygiene, and contact with other people’s hair. Fortunately, there are many different treatments available to help treat, and it’s usually easy to identify which one is appropriate for your specific case.
What is Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. There are three main types: bacterial, fungal, and viral. Each type has its own symptoms and treatment plan.
Bacterial is the most common type, and it’s caused by bacteria. Signs and symptoms of bacteria include redness, itching, and pain in the hair follicle. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill off the bacteria. If left untreated, bacteria can lead to permanent hair loss.
Fungal is less common than bacterial or viral, but it’s also more serious. Signs and symptoms of fungi include whiteheads and blackheads (clusters of dead skin cells), tenderness around the hair follicle, and a decreased amount of hair in the affected area. Treatment typically involves antifungal medication to fight the fungus. If left untreated, fungal can lead to permanent hair loss.
Viral folliculitis is the least common type, but it’s also the most dangerous. Signs and symptoms of viral include fever, sore throat, headache, swollen lymph nodes near the hair shafts, and a decrease in the number or size of hair cells in the affected area. Treatment typically involves antiviral medication to fight the virus.
Types of Folliculitis
There are a few types, each with its own symptoms and treatment. Here’s a look at the most common types:
Acne Folliculitis: This type is caused by an overproduction of sebum (oil) in the hair follicles. The sebum blocks the skin’s pores, causing inflammation and acne. Treatment usually involves topical treatments such as antibiotics or antiseptics, evening primrose oil, and sunscreens to reduce inflammation and clear up acne.
Contact Dermatitis: This type is caused by an allergic response to something in the environment, like cosmetics or pollens. The immune system reacts to the allergen by producing antibodies that attack the hair follicle cells. Symptoms include redness, itching, scaling, and discharge. Contact dermatitis can be treated with topical ointments or medications.
Lichen Planus Folliculitis: This type is caused by a reaction to drugs or other substances that irritate the skin. The hair follicle becomes inflamed and filled with pus. Lichen planus can be very itchy and cause discoloration on the skin around the hair shafts. It can be treated with topical medications or surgery to remove the inflamed area of the skin.
Treatment for Folliculitis
There are many different types, and each requires a different treatment. If you have mild to moderate, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or cream. Infection is more severe, your doctor may recommend antibiotics or surgery.
If you have severe folliculitis, you may need to take antibiotics for several weeks or even months. You may also need surgery to remove the infected area.
Symptoms of these diseases
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. There are three main types of folliculitis:
1) Acne Folliculitis: This is the most common type of folliculitis, and it’s usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria on the hair follicle. Acne-related folliculitis can be mild or severe, and it may cause redness, pus, and a small rash. Treatment typically includes antibiotics and topical cream or lotion.
2) Seborrheic Folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is caused by an overgrowth of sebum (oil) in the hair follicle. The sebum blocks the hair shafts from getting enough oxygen, which leads to inflammation and swelling. Treatment typically includes antibiotics, topical cream or lotion, and sometimes cortisone injections.
3) Pityrosporum Folliculitis: This type of folliculitis is caused by a fungus infection. It’s usually more severe than other types of folliculitis and may cause permanent damage to the hair shafts. Treatment typically includes antifungal medication and/or surgical removal of the affected hair follicles.
Prevention of Folliculitis
There are many types of folliculitis, but all can be treated with the right approach. Here are five types of folliculitis and their treatments:
1) Acne Folliculitis: This is the most common type, and it can be caused by a combination of factors, including tight clothing, oily skin, and hair products. Acne sufferers are at a higher risk for developing this type of folliculitis because their skin is already sensitive.
Treatment typically involves using a topical cream or lotion to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. If acne is severe, medication may also be prescribed.
2) Seborrheic Folliculitis: This type is caused by an overproduction of sebum (a natural oil found on the skin). Seborrheic follicular literally means “sebum-producing gland” in Greek, and it affects the scalp and eyebrows most commonly.
The primary symptom is redness and swelling around the hairline or eyebrows, which can lead to thinning hair. Treatment typically involves using a topical cream or lotion that helps reduce inflammation and clears up the underlying cause (e.g., steroids if the person has an overactive sebaceous gland). In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess sebum from the area.
Causes of Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the hair follicles. There are a few different types, and each has its own cause. Here are some of the more common causes:
Microbial infection: This is the most common type of and it’s caused by bacteria or viruses. Most people get microbial from contact with infected sweat, saliva, or other secretions.
This is the most common type, and it’s caused by bacteria or viruses. Most people get microbial from contact with infected sweat, saliva, or other secretions. allergic reaction: Folliculitis can also be caused by an allergic reaction to something you’re wearing (like a wool sweater) or touching (like a pet).
Folliculitis can also be caused by an allergic reaction to something you’re wearing (like a wool sweater) or touching (like a pet). chemical irritant: Certain chemicals can also cause. These include products used in beauty care like shampoo and conditioner, as well as household cleaners.
Certain chemicals can also cause. These include products used in beauty care like shampoo and conditioner, as well as household cleaners. autoimmune disease: Follicular lymphoma is one type of autoimmune disease that can lead to inflammation of the hair follicles.
Conclusion
Folliculitis can be an embarrassing condition, but it doesn’t have to be. By following our tips on how to treat you can get relief and improve your quality of life. If you think you may have, don’t wait to see a doctor; take action right away and start treating the condition with our tips.