Folliculitis - Causes, Signs & Symptoms, Complications & Treatment

Summary

Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by a bacterial infection. There are two main types - superficial, which is restricted to the upper follicle, and deep, which extends into the surrounding skin. Symptoms include small red bumps and pustules, sometimes with drainage, pain and itching. While folliculitis is usually not serious, recurrent deep infections can lead to scarring, abscesses or permanent hair loss. Treatment depends on severity, ranging from proper hygiene to topical antimicrobials to oral antibiotics for more stubborn cases.

Takeaways

• 😀 Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by bacterial infection
• 🧐 Can involve superficial folliculitis (infundibulum only) or deep folliculitis (dermis involved)
• 🤔 Common locations are face, scalp, thighs, axilla, buttocks and groin
• 😟 Can cause discomfort, pain, pus, drainage, scarring and permanent hair loss
• 😣 Persistent deep infection can lead to serious complications like cellulitis or sinus tracts
• 🤨 Superficial folliculitis causes small papules and pustules around hairs
• 😱 Deep folliculitis causes larger, fluctuant, inflamed nodules
• 💊 Treatment options range from hygiene and topicals to oral antibiotics
• 😅 Most cases are uncomplicated and resolve with simple measures
• 😃 Recurrent or severe cases may require more aggressive treatment

Q & A

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is simply the inflammation of hair follicles, which is associated with itching and sometimes pain and discomfort.

What commonly causes folliculitis?

Folliculitis is commonly caused by a bacterial infection in the hair follicles, usually by a bacterium. However, other pathogens like viruses, fungi, and parasites can also cause folliculitis.

What are the two main types of folliculitis?

The two main types of folliculitis are: 1) Superficial folliculitis, which is restricted to the upper part of the follicle. 2) Deep folliculitis, which involves both the upper part of the follicle and the surrounding dermis.

Where on the body is folliculitis most common?

Folliculitis most commonly affects hairy regions of the body including the face, scalp, thighs, axilla, buttocks and groin area.

What are some symptoms of superficial folliculitis?

Symptoms of superficial folliculitis include multiple small papules and pustules on an erythematous (reddened) base. There may also be itching and discomfort.

What are some symptoms of deep folliculitis?

Symptoms of deep folliculitis include reddened, swollen nodules that may drain pus. There is often pain and sometimes suppuration.

How can folliculitis be treated?

Uncomplicated folliculitis can be treated with good hygiene, washing with antibacterial soap, and warm compresses. More severe cases may require topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics.

What complications can occur with persistent folliculitis?

Complications from persistent, deep folliculitis infection can include scarring, cellulitis, sinus tract formation, and permanent hair loss.

Is folliculitis serious?

Although folliculitis does not usually cause serious health complications, persistent deep infection can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.

What prevents folliculitis?

Proper hygiene, like washing regularly with antibacterial soap and avoiding skin trauma, can help prevent bacterial infection that causes folliculitis.