Why are hair follicles inflamed? Inflammation of the hair follicle or folliculitis

A deep lesion of the hair follicle with a purulent vesicle located around the hair and sebaceous gland is folliculitis or folliculosis. The causative agents of the disease can be fungal microorganisms, pathogenic bacteria or viruses. The disease manifests itself in the form of bright red rashes on the skin, very painful to touch. Folliculitis symptoms most often occur on the scalp.

The reasons for the development of folliculitis

folliculitis in the photo

The disease is most common in countries with hot climates, as well as among people living in unfavorable unsanitary living conditions. Sometimes the disease is of a professional nature and develops in people who have constant contact with chemicals.

Many people try to cope with folliculitis symptoms on their own and self-medicate. This is fundamentally wrong, since neglect of medical care is fraught with some health consequences.

There are several main factors that can provoke the development of the disease:

• permanent residence in conditions of heat and humidity, since it is such an environment that is favorable for the reproduction of pathogenic flora;
• wearing very tight clothes made of low-quality synthetic materials that prevent the normal flow of air to the skin;
• gross violations of the basic rules of personal hygiene;
• insect bites;
• increased sweating;
• the presence in the body of such a serious ailment as diabetes mellitus or anemia;
• frequent trauma and microdamage to the epidermis, through which bacteria and fungi can enter the body;
• uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs.

Folliculosis very often occurs as a concomitant disease in the presence of other serious damage to the body. For example, oily seborrhea can trigger inflammation in the hair follicle. With a significant weakening of the immune system, pathogens become the most active and accelerate the development of folliculitis.

Disease symptoms

ostiofolliculitis in the photo

Rashes with folliculitis usually concentrate on the patient's head, on the inner part of the epidermis of the elbow and knee joints, on the pubis, in the armpits, less often on the face and neck. The following signs should be considered:

• a small inflammatory formation on the skin of pink color;
• an increase in the number and size of elements of the rash;
• the formation of small abscesses with characteristic contents and hair in the middle;
• the appearance of a crust at the site of an opened abscess;
• in some cases, an increase in temperature and a deterioration in well-being;
• pain and itching in the affected area.

In some patients with this disease, hair falls out on infected areas of the epidermis.

In medicine, there is such a concept as ostiofolliculitis, which differs from the ailment under consideration in that inflammation in it affects only the superficial part of the hair follicle. With a deeper lesion of the hair follicle (if timely treatment is not carried out), folliculitis occurs. If the inflammatory process occurs in the entire cavity of the hair follicle, then this is deep folliculitis, another name for which. The deeper the infection penetrates, the more likely it is to develop complications.

The disease in question has no age restrictions, so its symptoms often occur in children for a number of reasons. Most often, children suffer with various dermatitis, as well as diseases that contribute to the weakening of immunity.

Disease types

There are several types of the disease, which differ due to its development and by the type of pathogen:

Localization of inflammation

Folliculosis symptoms can occur on different parts of a person's body, but they are most likely to occur where hair is growing. These are areas such as:

• scalp;
• pubis;
• limbs;
• axillary region.

The hairy part of the head is exposed to the disease in question due to the use of other people's personal accessories, for example, combs, towels, hats, etc. After the appearance of characteristic signs (rash, small sores), timely medical treatment is required.

Inflammation of hair follicles in the pubis, groin affects both women and men. The symptomatology of the disease is exactly the same as with the defeat of other areas with hair. But if the disease is started, then scars or scars may form at the site of healing of abscesses. Complete hair loss is often observed in this area of \u200b\u200bthe body.

In addition to poor-quality hygiene, the causes of folliculosis in the groin are staphylococcal and herpesvirus infections on the skin, wearing low-quality synthetic underwear, and the presence of microdamages.

On the legs, in the armpits, folliculitis most often develops due to inaccurate epilation or depilation.

Other reasons are allergic reactions of the body, insect bites, excessive sweating, wearing tight clothing made of non-breathing artificial materials.

You should not open up the formed pustules on your own, since the spread of purulent infection is possible, fraught with aggravation of the disease and serious complications.

Diagnostics

It is very important to see a doctor on time and undergo the necessary diagnostic procedures. The following activities are carried out:

• identification of the causative agent of the disease;
• establishing the presence of other pathologies in the body that can provoke inflammation in the hair follicles;
• finding out the depth of the damage to the hair follicle, or dermatoscopy;
• immunogram, etc.

During diagnostic procedures, the doctor excludes the presence of other dermatological lesions, for example, furunculosis, frinoderma, etc.

Complications

In most cases, this disease does not cause serious consequences for human life and health. But if there is no correct treatment, then the infection penetrates deeply and the ailment becomes complicated. The situation is aggravated if the patient neglects the rules of hygiene, as well as if he has a significant weakening of the immune system.

Complications of the disease include the following:

• and carbuncles;
• dermatophytosis;
• the formation of scar tissue;
• decay of tissues.

Scars and scars form due to attempts to squeeze pus out of the inflammatory elements.

Treatment methods

Folliculosis and ostiofolliculitis are treated at home, but only after consultation with a competent specialist. Drugs are usually prescribed in accordance with what exactly caused the disease:

If necessary, on an outpatient basis, an opening and thorough treatment of abscesses is carried out. It is unacceptable to independently carry out these actions in order to exclude the formation of deep scars and the entry of a secondary infection.

Some patients are indicated for physiotherapy.

Alternative medicine methods are very effective for the treatment of folliculitis. Decoctions and infusions made from leaves, roots, fruits and flowers of the following medicinal plants are used:

• chamomile;
• rosehip;
• calendula;
• viburnum;
• nettle;
• dandelion;
• woodruff;
• burdock;
• yarrow;
• thistle;
• bloodroot.

Infusions are used for lotions and rinsing, and some of them for oral administration. You can treat pustules and ulcers with essential oils and alcoholic tinctures.

Prevention

The meaning of preventive measures to prevent the development of the inflammatory process in the hair follicle, first of all, lies in the careful observance of hygiene standards. It is better not to use other people's personal belongings, to wear clothes that are close to the body, especially in summer, to disinfect bathrooms and toilets. In the event of symptoms characteristic of the disease, it is very important to seek medical help in time.

Skin rashes cause discomfort and discomfort. Dealing with the problem is easy. It is worse when inflammation of the hair follicle develops - a progressive purulent process. The disease requires immediate treatment, otherwise there is a high risk of developing severe complications.

What

Folliculitis is an infectious skin lesion.The inflammatory process develops in the hair follicle. After the abscess is opened, a crust forms in its place.

Folliculitis affects the scalp, arms and legs at the folds.

Patients of the following groups are most susceptible to infection with folliculitis:

• living in unsanitary conditions;
• patients diagnosed with hyperhidrosis;
• specialists of harmful professions who are constantly in contact with chemical, poisonous preparations.

The reasons

Inflammation of the hair follicle develops as a result of infection with various kinds of bacteria, fungi and the herpes virus.

The inflammatory process is activated under the influence of the following factors:

• long stay in conditions of high humidity and air temperature;
• the presence of dirt, microcracks and other damage to the skin;
• violation of the technology of applying occlusive dressings;
• prolonged hypothermia;
• wearing tight synthetic fabrics.

The following concomitant diseases also affect the development of the inflammation process: diabetes mellitus, liver disease, iron deficiency anemia, oral diseases (caries, gingivitis), pharyngitis and tonsillitis in a chronic form, obesity.

Note!The uncontrolled intake of drugs of the group of immunosuppressants, as well as a lack of nutrients in the body, can provoke the process of inflammation of the follicles.

Types, forms and stages

The classification of folliculitis depends on the grounds for which the types of disease are distinguished.

By the degree of skin lesions:

• superficial folliculitis - small pustules form on the skin, which are covered with a crust within two days;
• deep inflammation of the follicles - very painful pustules form on the skin, which are covered with a crust within five days.

By the presence of complications of the development of the inflammatory process:

• complicated;
• uncomplicated.

Symptoms and Signs

Alert about the development of the inflammatory process of the hair follicle can the following symptoms:

• redness around the hair with further formation of an abscess;
• infiltration and pus in the pustule;
• spherical or cone-shaped inflammation over the skin;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• itching and redness of the skin that persists after opening the abscess.

At the first sign of inflammation, you should consult a dermatologist. Only a timely medical consultation and a well-chosen treatment guarantee a complete recovery.

Be careful! Ignoring the problem can cause the development of severe complications of folliculitis: boils, abscesses, follicular scars.

Diagnostics

The preliminary diagnosis - folliculitis - is made by a dermatologist on the basis of a visual examination. The localization of inflammation (around the hair) and the red rim characteristic of pathology can push to such a conclusion.

You can confirm the diagnosis based on the results of the examinations:

• gram smear;
• skin biopsy analysis;
• sowing the contents of the pustules;
• blood sugar test.

Treatment methods

Folliculitis treatment is complex, involves the use of the following techniques:

1. Physiotherapy procedures.It is possible to activate the process of repairing damaged tissues, to prevent the development of inflammation in healthy areas of the skin, using the method of UV irradiation.
2. Traditional methods of treatment.It is good to treat the affected skin areas with fresh plantain juice or a decoction of chamomile. Inside take a decoction of dandelion. For 50 g of dry material, you need to take 200 ml of boiling water. Dry leaves are steamed, insisted and taken during the day for a tablespoon.
3. Medication therapy. Depending on the microorganism that caused the inflammatory process, the patient is shown taking the following medications:

• Erythromycin, Methicillin - with staphylococcal folliculitis;
• Terbinafine or Itrakanazole - for fungal infections;
• Acyclovir - for inflammation of the herpetic type.

Simultaneously with taking the tablets, the affected area is treated with antibiotic ointments. Supportive drug therapy - taking vitamin complexes, immunostimulating drugs.

Preventive measures

Adhering to the elementary rules of prevention, you can not only speed up the healing process, but also prevent the development of the inflammatory process in the future:

• carefully observe body hygiene;
• do not wear clothing that is thinning the skin;
• follow the rules of protected sex;
• strengthen immunity (healthy eating, giving up bad habits);
• monitor your health and, if necessary, consult a doctor in a timely manner;
• as much as possible, limit contact with chemical poisons.

The prognosis for the complete elimination of folliculitis is favorable. But only on condition of timely access to a doctor, competent treatment and adherence to the rules of prevention.

Useful videos

Candidal folliculitis: symptoms and diagnosis of the disease, features of treatment and prevention.

What is folliculitis of the scalp of both the head and body.

Inflammation of the hair follicle is a disease that is hard to miss. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle with the formation of a purulent capsule, which gradually grows and increases in size. In case of untimely treatment, the disease affects the neighboring hair follicles.

A hair follicle is a hair root that has a high regenerative capacity. There can be several reasons for the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the follicle.

These are processes that are caused by the penetration of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and other pathogens deep into the follicle. Of the pathogens, staphylococcal bacteria, herpes virus, and ticks can be isolated.

Poor hygiene

Frequent shaving of facial, armpit, or pubic hair. Shaving against hair growth tends to increase the appearance of ingrown hairs. These hairs become inflamed and provoke the development of folliculitis.

Wearing tight and synthetic underwear. Tight underwear also makes it difficult for hair to grow normally, causing ingrown hairs. Synthetics, in turn, irritate and negatively affect the skin.

Pathologies and damage to the skin:

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• Injuries (scratches, bruises, abrasions).
• Allergic reactions.
• Corticosteroid abuse.
• Decreased immunity.
• Diabetes.

External influence of chemically aggressive substances (acids, alkalis, oils, gasoline, kerosene, etc.).

Infectious diseases

HIV

From the above list it follows that the disease can provoke the slightest scratch on the face, head or groin area. It is very important to determine the first symptoms of the onset of the disease.

Symptoms of the disease

In most cases, the disease is manifested by local redness of the skin. Further, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe hair follicle, a bubble with pus is formed. After a certain period of time, the bubble opens, and a small ulcer appears in its place. The ulcer becomes crusted, pigmented and scarred. The entire cycle of maturation and scarring of the abscess takes 6-7 days.

Inflammation of hair follicles is usually observed in the face, on the head, in the groin, and in the armpits. It so happens that purulent inflammation in women can be observed in the thighs and on the lower legs. Inflammatory processes are accompanied by pain, itching and the formation of red spots on the skin.

In advanced stages, the disease turns into furunculosis with acute purulent tissue inflammation. If inflammatory processes occur in the groin, then it is difficult to get rid of them. Treatment is complicated by constant rubbing of the tissues while walking.

Medicine distinguishes the following types of folliculitis:

• staphylococcal folliculitis (observed on the head, in the face, in the groin);
• syphilitic folliculitis (accompanied by hair loss in the groin, head, beard and mustache);
• candidal folliculitis (occurs with prolonged dressing);
• pseudomonas folliculitis (appears after antibiotic therapy and taking a hot bath with chlorinated water);
• dermatophytic folliculitis (affects the hair follicle and the hair shaft itself);
• herpetic folliculitis (the skin becomes inflamed on the chin and in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nasolabial triangle);
• superficial pyoderma (occurs with the formation of pustules).

If you find the first symptoms of the disease, you should immediately contact a specialist who will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Inflammation of the hair follicle - the fight against the disease

Treatment of the disease is prescribed by the attending physician after a complete examination and passing all the necessary tests. Therapy should be aimed at suppressing the infection that provoked the inflammatory process.

With a bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Treatment is carried out using antibiotic ointments. The ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin in the armpits, on the face, head, groin. With staphylococcal infection, Erythromycin, Dicloxacillin, Cefalexin are prescribed.

Treatment of fungal foci is performed using antifungal drugs (Terbizil, Clotrimazole, Exoderil). The drug Acyclovir is used to combat herpetic folliculitis.

Local treatment is effective in the early stages of the disease. To prevent the further spread of the infection, the skin is treated with Fukortsin, brilliant green, salicylic, boric or camphor alcohol.

With the manifestation of candidal folliculitis, treatment with Itraconazole is performed.

Dermatophytic inflammation is removed with Terbinafin. Additionally, immunomodulators, physiotherapy and ultraviolet radiation are used.

Follicular inflammation is not a critical threat. However, in more advanced stages, it threatens with serious pathologies and complications.

The appearance of small pustules on the skin suggests that you may be developing folliculitis - inflammation of the hair follicle on the head, face, legs, groin, or in any other place with active hair growth. What is it all the same, why it appears, we will also talk about the treatment and prevention of the disease in this article.

Folliculitis on the scalp

What is folliculitis

The causative agent of the disease is staphylococci - snow-white or golden - which enter the hair follicles through various microtraumas of the skin.

The main prerequisites for inflammation

The most obvious, but not the only, prerequisite is poor personal hygiene. In order for the infection to occur, the skin must be damaged - wounds or cracks. They can appear as a result of trauma, even the most insignificant one, formed by rubbing tight clothes against the skin or as a result of shaving (also learn how to get rid of nits in your hair).

In the first case, in most cases, the hair follicles on the legs and groin become inflamed, especially if you wear clothes made of rough or synthetic fabric. Microtraumas arising from shaving, especially if it is not done with sterile equipment, also become a gateway for infection. Accordingly, in guys, the localization of inflammation in the area of \u200b\u200bthe mustache and beard is more common, and in women - in the groin, armpits and on the legs.

Schematic representation of healthy and infected follicles

But folliculitis often occurs on the scalp, arms and other parts of the body, which, in principle, are not subject to shaving or friction.

The following reasons may be a prerequisite:

• Visiting a pool with poorly disinfected water;
• Use of other people's hygiene products - towels, combs, etc.;
• Hypothermia of the body;
• Acquired liver diseases, anemia, diabetes mellitus;
• Unbalanced poor nutrition;
• Long-term use of hormonal drugs;
• Continuous contact with lubricants.

Folliculitis forms

Inflammation of the hair follicle can be single or multiple, superficial or deepest, acute or acquired.

A tick bite is very unsafe

• Gram-negative - A form of inflammation caused by the intake of hormones prescribed to heal acne.

Fundamentally! When treating with hormones, the product dose annotation indicated by the doctor or in the product instructions must be strictly observed.

Symptoms

The disease is manifested by the appearance of small pustules at the site of the hair follicle up to 5 mm in diameter. This is a superficial folliculitis, which, if the rules of healing and hygiene are observed, does not cause painful feelings and passes rather quickly: the abscess dries up, transforming into a black crust, which disappears without the help of others.

Enlarged photo - an abscess in the ripening phase

If the inflammation develops into a deep form, the abscesses can grow up to 100 mm in diameter with noticeable redness around them, and become very painful. They ripen evenly and open with pus.

Attention! Under no circumstances should such abscesses be opened with your own hands, so as not to infect other follicles!

How to cure and prevent disease

It is perfectly clear that it is easier to prevent any disease than to cure. If this failed, then healing should be started as early as possible.

Prevention

To never face this nasty disease, it is enough to follow the usual rules:

• Do not use someone else's cosmetics, hygiene products, bath accessories, do not wear someone else's clothes;
• Do not wear very tight underwear and clothes, especially if they are made of synthetic or rough fabric;

The bottom line of wearing skinny jeans

• For personal care, use only spotless tools and personal hygiene items;
• Beware of damage to the skin;
• Do not visit the sauna or swimming pool if you are not convinced of their compliance with sanitary standards for water disinfection;
• After visiting the pool, take a shower using a bactericidal gel or soap;
• In hot weather, try to rinse off dirt and sweat frequently by taking a shower or bath.

Following these simple tips will protect you from meeting a dermatologist and the inconvenience associated with the disease and its healing.

Healing

If folliculitis can not be avoided, the healing of the inflammation of the hair follicle must be started immediately. At an early stage, an abscess can be carefully opened, having previously washed and disinfected your hands, and then removed the pus with a sterile cotton swab.

After that, the wound is treated with a disinfectant: fucorcin, methylene blue, salicylic alcohol or brilliant green. They possess not only antiseptic, but also drying properties. The cost of these drugs is low, so early healing will not be expensive.

All mixtures other than salicylic alcohol have a catchy color - keep this in mind when treating open skin

If time is missed and folliculitis has run into a deep stage, a compress with ichthyol ointment is applied to the inflamed skin area, which is changed two to three times a day until the abscesses open.

With a complex and protracted course of the disease, the doctor can prescribe medication and non-drug treatment - irradiation of the affected areas with an ultraviolet lamp.

The healing of inflammation of the hair follicles on the legs, head and other hairy parts of the body, associated with a decrease in immunity or a violation of carbohydrate metabolism, is additionally accompanied by immunotherapy and adherence to a balanced diet.

Conclusion

You can get inflammation of the hair follicle even when testing samples in cosmetics stores. For example, mascara that someone has tested before you can become a source of infection for your ciliary follicles. It is more difficult and more painful to cure them, so you should not expose yourself to such a risk (find out here how to wake up sleeping hair follicles).

The video in this article will teach you the rules of personal hygiene and help you avoid the problems associated with non-compliance.

How does folliculitis manifest?

You can understand that you have folliculitis by how pustules (small purulent formations) begin to appear in the places of hair growth. After a while, the pustule opens up and ulcers appear in its place (they can be both large enough and small). When the ulcers begin to heal, a scar forms in their place.

To determine if a patient has folliculitis or not, it will be necessary to undergo a procedure called dermatoscopy. Also, a dermatologist may refer you to microspy smears from inflamed hair follicles and to study the microbiology of one or more pustules.

Folliculitis treatment is long-term. The treatment of the inflammatory process includes the use of antiseptic solutions for the treatment of hair follicles; antibiotic treatment (more details in the article).

Purulent skin disease - folliculitis

Folliculitis in dermatology is classified as one of the severe purulent skin diseases called. Among the population, this disease occurs quite often - according to statistics, in 40 people out of 100. The most common disease in countries with hot climates, where conditions contribute to the development of pathogens on the skin, their reproduction, and infection. In particular, if a person lives in unsanitary conditions and does not follow hygiene, then inflammatory processes on the skin are a natural phenomenon.

Initially, folliculitis begins to progress with a pathology such as ostiofolliculitis. This is a disease in which only the hair follicle becomes inflamed, or rather, its mouth. If a person does not notice a small inflammatory purulent process on the skin, then the infection spreads throughout the hair. In this case, the disease immediately passes from ostiofolliculitis to folliculitis.

Why folliculitis occurs?

Folliculitis occurs on human skin under the influence of bacteria, viruses and infectious processes. The most harmless bacterium that provokes the occurrence of folliculitis is staphylococcus aureus. But, it is possible that bacteria of gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, ureaplasma can become the cause of the formation of the inflammatory process.

Skin lesions by bacteria of the genus Candida are also quite common (it is because of these bacteria that women develop). Other causes of the inflammatory process can be:

• A tick that provokes the disease of demodicosis;
• Herpes and;
• Infectious processes that penetrate the skin through minor lesions in the form of wounds on the skin, scratches, abrasions, etc.;
• Inflammation most often occurs on the skin already affected by dermatoses in the form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis. A characteristic sign will be that the person is constantly combing his skin.
• Persons with oily skin characterized by increased sweating.

Factors that provoke the inflammatory process

The factors that provoke the inflammatory process on human skin can be:

• Decreased immunity as a result of diseases, chronic processes in the body;
• Diabetes;
• HIV infection, AIDS;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Treatment of a number of diseases with glucocorticosteroids, which lower human immunity;
• Unfavorable professional conditions of the patient - frequent skin contact with chemicals, toxins, gases, greases, oils, gasoline, etc. It is not surprising that such a phenomenon as professional folliculitis often occurs in workers in the heavy chemical industry, tractor drivers, locksmiths, as well as employees of gas stations.

Symptoms of the inflammatory process

Folliculitis symptoms are quite pronounced already, starting from day 1 of the disease. If you look closely at the inflamed hair, then the skin near it will be reddish; around the hair there is a pustule with purulent contents. When the pustule is opened, then pus flows out of it and an ulcerative lesion forms in this place. After a while, the ulcer becomes covered with a dense dark crust.

If a patient has a hair follicle along its entire length, then a scar will appear on this place or a pigment spot will appear. If the damage to the follicle is shallow, then in this case, the likelihood of scar formation is quite small.

The duration of the inflammatory process of the hair follicle takes approximately 1 week - from the moment of inflammation, redness of the skin, the formation of an abscess, its opening and covering with a sore.

Folliculitis in women

Why does folliculitis most often occur in women? The reason for this is quite simple - it is the fair sex who depilate the perineum, armpits, legs, thighs, arms. As a result of careless shaving, the use of low-quality razors, as well as the lack of disinfection after hair removal, an inflammatory process develops. In this case, with further hair growth, ingrowth of the hair follicle, pain, itching and burning in this area is observed.

The consequences in the absence of treatment for the inflammatory process of the hair follicle are the transition of the disease from folliculitis to carbuncle, abscess,.

Folliculitis treatment

If the inflammation of the hair follicle occurs due to damage by bacteria, then the treatment takes place with antibiotics. In case of herpes lesion, hairs are treated with Acyclovir.

At the first stage of the disease, treatment with brilliant green, iodine, fucarcinum or alcohol (salicylic, boric) is allowed. Inside take - Dicloxacillin, Erythromycin, Fluconazole, Terbinafine