Know the facts about Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles. It starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle or shaving. In most cases, damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria — Staphylococcus. It may also occur due to fungal infections, scabies, pediculosis (body lice) and irritant chemicals. The condition develops rapidly and involves more and more hair follicles. It usually affects adult males, but females only occasionally and spares children. It causes burning and itching, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles. Usually there is no pain and the lesions persist with chronicity. The affected area looks congested, swollen and infiltrated. Most cases of folliculitis are superficial which affect the upper part of the hair follicle. Superficial folliculitis often clears by itself in a few days, but deep or recurring folliculitis may need medical treatment. Mild cases of folliculitis will likely go away on their own. Persistent or recurring cases are likely to require treatment. The lesions may be cleaned with soap and water or with potassium permanganate. The cases are treated with appropriate antibiotic recommended by a physician. Resistant cases may be treated with fractional x-ray therapy.
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