Hair Follicle Inflammation

Skin infections are common conditions that can occur at any stage of life. While some infectious conditions tend to resolve on their own, others may require medical intervention. Bacterial hair follicle inflammations are typically referred to by specific names, commonly known as abscesses or boils among the general public. You can continue reading for more information about hair follicle inflammation.

What is Hair Follicle Inflammation?

Known medically as folliculitis, hair follicle inflammation occurs when one or more hair follicles on the skin become infected. Hair follicles are small pockets in which hair roots reside. This inflammation can develop on any part of the body with hair, but it commonly appears in areas prone to irritation, such as the thighs, buttocks, neck, and armpits. The initial signs of folliculitis often present as small, red bumps.

Appearing similar to pimples or skin rashes, hair follicle inflammation may affect just one isolated follicle or spread to involve multiple nearby follicles. Folliculitis can be an acute, sudden infection, or it may occur as a chronic condition over an extended period.

Hair follicle inflammation is a frequently encountered health issue. Individuals with obesity are at a higher risk and should take extra precautions to prevent this condition.

What are the Symptoms of Hair Follicle Inflammation?

Inflammatory changes in hair follicles occur when the follicles within the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer, become infected. The epidermis is the layer where hair growth takes place. Hair follicles are present in all areas of the body except for regions like the lips, palms, and soles.

In its early stages, infected follicles appear as a rash or a red bump with a white tip. It can cause redness or a pinkish discoloration around the affected area of the skin. In individuals with darker skin tones, the area surrounding the inflamed hair follicle may appear red or purple.

Folliculitis that starts in one follicle can eventually spread to adjacent follicles. This condition, which resembles a large pimple, should be distinguished from acne and treated accordingly. In addition to the above, other potential symptoms of hair follicle inflammation may include:

Itching or sensitivity over the raised area
Development of a pus-filled sore
Formation of a crusted sore
Signs of inflammation on the skin
Pain in the affected area

Hair follicle inflammation can impact a single follicle or multiple follicles at once. If the condition becomes chronic, there may be an increase in symptom severity, so it’s advised to remain aware and seek appropriate care.

Types of Hair Follicle Inflammation

Hair follicle inflammation, known as folliculitis, is generally examined under two subcategories: superficial and deep folliculitis. In superficial folliculitis, infection is detected in part of the follicle, while in deep folliculitis, the entire follicle is under the influence of infection and tends to follow a more severe course. In addition to this basic classification, the most commonly identified types of hair follicle inflammation are as follows:

Bacterial Folliculitis: This common type of bacterial folliculitis appears as itchy, inflamed lesions on the skin. Typically caused by staphylococcus bacteria, this hair follicle inflammation occurs when these bacteria penetrate the subcutaneous tissue due to various cuts.
Hot Tub Rash (Pseudomonas Folliculitis): Hair follicle inflammation can also occur after using hot tubs or other communal water sources. In this case, the source of infection is the pseudomonas bacteria. To prevent folliculitis developing within 1-2 days after using these communal areas, it is recommended to avoid pools with improper acidity levels or that lack chlorine.
Post-Shaving Bumps (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae): Known as ingrown hairs, this condition can occur in men who shave very closely or in women after waxing the bikini area.
Pityrosporum Folliculitis: This type of hair follicle inflammation develops following a fungal infection, primarily occurring on the back and chest.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis: In folliculitis that develops around the mouth and nose, the causative agents are generally gram-negative bacteria. A predisposition to these bacteria can be identified in individuals undergoing prolonged antibiotic treatment due to skin infections like acne.
Eosinophilic Folliculitis: Eosinophilic folliculitis is identified in individuals with compromised immune systems due to various reasons, including AIDS.
Furuncles and Carbuncles: If the infection of the staphylococcus bacteria penetrates deeper, painful large lumps can occur. If the folliculitis deepens and continues to progress while causing similar inflammation in the surrounding areas, it is referred to as carbuncle.

What Causes Hair Follicle Inflammation?

Hair follicle inflammation typically develops due to infection of damaged hair follicles for various reasons. Staphylococcus bacteria, yeast fungi, and some viruses are considered responsible agents for the development of hair follicle inflammation. In addition to these infectious agents, various conditions that may lead to the development of hair follicle inflammation can be summarized as follows:

Skin irritation
Blockage of the follicle for various reasons
Application of steroid-containing products to the skin
Various dermatological problems like acne or dermatitis
Use of certain medications
Exposure to irritating chemicals
Treatments that suppress the immune system

How Does Hair Follicle Inflammation Resolve?

Mild to moderate hair follicle inflammation can resolve spontaneously with proper hygienic approaches and appropriate wound care. In cases where folliculitis has progressed and furuncles or carbuncles have developed, the use of various antibiotic agents may be necessary. If significant changes such as large, pus-filled swellings or hard lumps develop in the area where hair follicle inflammation has spread, surgical drainage of these infectious areas and facilitating healing from inside out may be required.

Treatment of Hair Follicle Inflammation

The treatment of hair follicle inflammation can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, as well as the treatment methods the individual has pursued. It is essential to seek support from healthcare facilities for ongoing hair follicle inflammation despite the use of over-the-counter products. Especially, dermatologists can accurately evaluate existing hair follicle inflammation and plan the most suitable treatment. Aside from support from specialists, individuals should be cautious, as personal interventions in cases of severe inflammation can trigger the development of wounds and scars.

Approaches like the prescription of lotions, gels, and antibiotics are used in the treatment of bacterial hair follicle inflammation. In cases of yeast fungus-related folliculitis, creams, shampoos, and antifungal medications may be utilized. In instances of furuncles and carbuncles, physicians may perform a small incision on the inflamed area of the skin to drain the pus and clean the infectious area with appropriate antiseptic solutions. It should be noted that hair follicle inflammation may have a recurrent course in some individuals despite all these methods. Particularly, in cases of localized recurrent hair follicle inflammation, approaches like laser hair removal may provide benefit under the guidance and recommendation of physicians.

You can make an appointment now to get information and examination regarding hair follicle inflammation and other dermatological issues. Wishing you healthy days.

Last Updated Date: 12 September 2023

Publication Date: 12 September 2023

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