Folliculitis is defined as the inflammation of the hair follicle, which can be caused by various factors (infectious, immunological, or those causing blockage).
The inflammation that develops in the hair follicle can be caused by various factors such as:
- Infectious (the most common microorganism responsible for the development of folliculitis, when it is of infectious origin, is Staphylococcus aureus),
- Immunological (eosinophilic folliculitis),
- Irritative (actinic folliculitis),
- Obstructive (such as in common acne).
The inflammation that develops in the hair follicle can be caused by various factors such as:
- Infectious (the most common microorganism responsible for the development of folliculitis, when it is of infectious etiology, is Staphylococcus aureus),
- Immunological (eosinophilic folliculitis),
- Irritative (actinic folliculitis),
- Obstructive (as seen in common acne).
Folliculitis is characterized by the presence of perifollicular pustules with an erythematous base. These may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or itching. In addition to superficial lesions, there may also be deeper lesions that appear as erythematous nodules.
Superficial forms of folliculitis can potentially progress to deeper infections or be complicated by the development of cellulitis or boils (furuncles). Common areas where folliculitis occurs include the head and neck (particularly the beard area and scalp), the upper torso, buttocks, thighs, armpits, and groin folds. Additionally, conditions that favor the development of folliculitis include heat, humidity, and the presence of terminal hairs in the affected area.
Folliculitis is diagnosed based on the patient's medical history and clinical presentation. The conditions that should be included in the differential diagnosis are: – Acne vulgaris – Rosacea – Acneiform drug eruption – Pseudofolliculitis barbae – Gram-negative folliculitis – Tinea barbae – Cutaneous candidiasis – Pityrosporum folliculitis – Hidradenitis suppurativa – Subcorneal pustular dermatosis and others.
Depending on the extent of the folliculitis, either topical antibiotic preparations (for limited disease) or systemic antibiotics (for more widespread disease) may be used. It is also important to address predisposing factors that may contribute to the development of folliculitis. The use of loose-fitting clothing, weight reduction, and blood sugar control in cases of coexisting diabetes are recommended. Additionally, antiseptic soaps can be used for body cleansing.
Yes, unfortunately, folliculitis can relapse after the completion of treatment, especially if the factors responsible for its appearance are not addressed.
Yes, laser hair removal can lead to improvement, especially in cases of localized or mild folliculitis, as it eliminates the need for shaving, which is a triggering factor for folliculitis.