Folliculitis

From £29.00

Suffering from Folliculitis? Let us help you

What is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a skin disorder where the hair follicles become infected, which results in tender, red spots called pustules on the skin’s surface. Folliculitis is the result of ingrowing hairs; the grown hair curls back on itself and the follicles becomes infected. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism that causes folliculitis (S. aureus). A fungus or other foreign bodies detected on the skin can sometimes cause it as well. While folliculitis is generally not serious, it can be uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to more severe infections or complications like scarring.

£29.00

What are the different types of Folliculitis?

The following are the different types:

Superficial Folliculitis:

Description: Affects only the upper part of the hair follicle.
Symptoms: Small, red or white pus-filled bumps around hair follicles; itching or mild pain.
Common Causes: Bacterial infections, fungal infections, irritation, and ingrown hairs.

Deep Folliculitis:

Description: Involves the entire hair follicle, penetrating deeper into the skin.
Symptoms: Larger, more painful lumps or boils; may cause scarring or hair loss if severe.
Common Causes: Severe bacterial infections, such as furuncles (boils) and carbuncles, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae:

Description: A type of folliculitis that occurs when hair curls back into the skin after shaving, common in men who shave.
Symptoms: Red, inflamed bumps that resemble pimples, often on the face and neck.

Hot Tub Folliculitis:

Description: Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which thrives in hot tubs or pools with inadequate chlorine levels.
Symptoms: Red, itchy, and sometimes tender bumps that appear within hours to a few days after exposure.

Pityrosporum Folliculitis:

Description: Caused by yeast from the Malassezia species, which normally lives on the skin.
Symptoms: Persistent, itchy, red, or flesh-colored pustules, often on the back, chest, and shoulders.

What are the causes of Folliculitis?

The following are typical causes:

Bacterial Infection:

The most common cause of folliculitis is Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. When this bacteria enters the skin through a cut, scrape, or other opening, it can infect the hair follicles.

Fungal Infection:

Yeasts and fungi, such as Malassezia or Candida species, can also infect hair follicles, leading to folliculitis.

Viral Infections:

Certain viral infections, like herpes simplex, can also cause folliculitis.

Physical Irritation:

Friction from tight clothing, shaving, or excessive sweating can irritate hair follicles, leading to inflammation and folliculitis.

Occlusion:

Using heavy skin creams, oils, or cosmetics that block hair follicles can also cause folliculitis.

Hot Tubs:

A specific type of folliculitis, known as “hot tub folliculitis,” is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium thrives in poorly maintained hot tubs and pools.

Ingrown Hairs:

Shaving or waxing can cause hairs to grow back into the skin, leading to folliculitis, particularly in areas prone to ingrown hairs.

What are the symptoms of Folliculitis?

The following are typical signs and symptoms:

Hair follicles are surrounded by little red lumps

These lumps can later turn into pus-filled white-headed pimples, similar to those on the face

It’s possible that the pimples will pop and a crust will form

Skin that is itchy, burning, uncomfortable, or inflamed.

Is there treatment available for Folliculitis?

To treat and prevent ingrowing hairs:

When shaving, use warm water and shaving gel

Apply a cool, wet flannel to your skin after shaving to reduce irritation

Use an exfoliating scrub to help release ingrown hairs

Try a long-term way of removing hair, such as laser treatment.

Our Clinicians can diagnose folliculitis and recommend the right antibiotic treatment for you (even if you are not sure about diagnosis, still complete the consultation form). It is important to attach pictures (non-intimate areas) if you choose the telephone consultation option. Pictures are not required for video consultation and we recommend this method if intimate areas are affected.