Folliculitis is basically the inflammation of the hair follicles. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of the problem are – itching, redness of the affected area and rise in the body temperature. If this infection is not treated timely then the inflammatory process can go deeper into the structure, which can result in scars. Folliculitis is an infection of skin and therefore, can appear on any area of the body. However, the areas which commonly get affected are legs, arms, chest, buttocks and cheeks. In this article you’ll find relevant information about different types of folliculitis and the medications available.
1. Malassezia folliculitis
This falls into the category of fungal folliculitis, in which you go through intense itching followed by color change of the affected areas of skin that becomes pale yellow or white. This is basically caused by a special type of fungal group known as Malassezia furfur. As far as the treatment is concerned, application of topical anti-fungal agents like ketoconazole and miconazole on the affected area may bring relief. But this must be applied after cleaning the affected area with chlorhexidine solution. However, if the condition gets stubborn, you can opt for systematic antifungal drugs like itraconazole and terbenafine.
2. Tinea barbae
The areas of the body most vulnerable to this infection are the groin and underarms. The rate of growth of this infection gets manifold in hot and humid conditions. Young male farmers are the ones who mostly get affected by this type of infection. Formation of pustules is very common in case of tinea barbae. It is a refractory case of infection so you are not going to get rid of it only by cleaning the affected area, you need to take additional measures. Systematic antifungal agents like terbenafine and itraconazole are perhaps the best cure for this condition.
3. Staphylococcus aureus
This bacterium and folliculitis are almost synonymous to each other, as it is the agent behind most of the folluculitis cases. Once these bacteria are able to penetrate the infundibulum of the hair follicle, they start multiplying and affect the follicle, which thereafter turns to itching and redness of the skin. Formation of pus is also observed in many cases when this infection is not treated timely. Also, the infection gets worse if the patient is already suffering from diseases like diabetes mellitus, cancer and tuberculosis. Fexofenadine can be very effective in case of intense itching. Doctors usually prescribe systematic antibiotics like cloxacilline, flucloxacilline, amoxicilline and dicloxacilline for around 5 to 7 days.
4. Herpetic folliculitis
The chicken pox virus is responsible for this type of folliculitis. These viruses have the capability of remaining dormant in the nerve endings for several years. Once the condition becomes favorable for them, these viruses start flaring up in the hair follicles. This is perhaps one of the most painful follicle infection, and the situation becomes worse by the accompanying fever and body ache. In case of herpetic folliculitis, topical acyclovir creams along with systematic antiviral agents, are found to be very effective.
5. Tufted folliculitis
This infection is often misunderstood for the infective lesions and dandruff as it also affects the hair of the scalp; but it is completely different. This type of infection can easily be identified by inspecting the scalp. If several hairs are seen originating from a single follicle, the infection has gained ground. However, after a certain period of time localized baldness is observed, as these hairs fall off. To get rid of this condition, you can take the help of topical steroid preparations.
6. Razor folliculitis
This is also a type of fungal folliculitis and has got its name from the fact that it mostly affects those men who are in the habit of shaving their skin. The fungus gets an opportunity to penetrate through the skin because of frequent shaving, later it infects the hair follicles that results in swelling. The treatment basically focuses on precautionary measures such as – the affected person is advised not to shave until the infection is controlled. Along with these measures, a combination of topical anti-fungal steroid is also given to the affected person. However, in many cases, it has been observed that the problem recurs as soon as shaving is resumed. In that case, you can consider having electrolysis or laser ablation of unwanted hair follicles.
7. Oil folliculitis
This condition is popularly known as the allergic folliculitis because it comes into play when the person is exposed to certain chemicals like allergic toiletries’ preparations. Oil folliculitis is mostly observed in those females who have a very sensitive skin, refinery and dye factory workers and shepherds. The best way to get rid of the oil folliculitis is to maintain a distance from allergic chemicals as prolonged exposure to them makes the condition worse.
8. Pseudomonas folliculitis
This is one of the most severe forms of folliculitis and is also known as Jacuzzi folliculitis or swimming pool folliculitis because of the fact that it appears 6 to 36 hours after exposure to contaminated water in a swimming pool or jacuzzi. The affected person also suffers from body ache, sore throat and fever. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa which is a gram negative bacillus, is responsible for this kind of infection. But you don’t have to worry much about the treatment as this condition is usually self limiting and wanes off after one or two weeks. However, that doesn’t imply that you don’t need any medication as the fever and other associated symptoms are quite annoying and these can be neutralized with medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen. If the affected person complaints of painful itching, then systematic antibiotic can be started with cefpodoxime and cefixime, which will provide relief.
9. Gram-negative folliculitis
A person who is going through long term antibiotic therapy for other systematic conditions is most vulnerable towards this infection as his/her hair follicle can get infected by several gram-negative bacteria like enterobacter, serratia and klebsiella. The most common sign of this infection is the presence of small red colored pustules in the chin, cheek, and neck region. To get relief from such condition, you can take the help of oral antibacterial agents like roxithromycin, cefpodoxime, erythromycin and cefixime.