Hair Follicle Inflammation
Skin infections are common conditions that can occur at any time in life. While some infective conditions follow a self-limiting course and regress, some infections may require medical intervention. Bacterial hair follicle infections are often defined by unique names. Among the public, these names are known as abscess or boil. You can follow the rest of the article for other topics you are curious about about hair follicle infections.
What is Hair Follicle Inflammation?
Hair follicle inflammation, defined as folliculitis, refers to the infection of one or more hair follicles in the skin. Hair follicle follicles are small spaces where hair follicles are located. Hair follicle inflammation, which can develop in any part of the body with hair, usually occurs in areas that are prone to irritation, such as the thighs, hips, neck and armpits. The first hair follicle inflammation usually occurs as a small red bump.
Hair follicle inflammation, such as acne or skin rash, may occur isolated in a single hair follicle, or it may occur by affecting the surrounding hair follicles and affecting many follicles. Hair follicle infections can be infections that develop suddenly (acute), or in some cases, they can occur as a result of long-term (chronic) events.
Hair follicle inflammation is a very common health problem. Particularly obese individuals are at risk of developing hair follicle inflammation and it is recommended that they be more careful about this condition.
What are the symptoms of hair follicle inflammation?
Inflammatory changes that occur in the hair follicle occur when the spaces of these roots in the epidermis layer of the skin become infected. The epidermis is the layer where hair normally continues to grow. Hair follicles are present in every body part except body parts such as lips, palms and soles of the feet.
In the initial stages of hair follicle inflammation, the infected root manifests itself as a skin rash or a red bump with a white tip. It may cause redness or pink discoloration in the skin area where it occurs. In individuals with darker skin tones, the area around the area where hair follicle inflammation develops may have red or purple tones.
Hair follicle inflammation that starts in a single root can progress to the surrounding hair follicles over time. This condition, which looks like a large pimple, should be treated separately from skin conditions such as acne. Apart from these cases, various symptoms that may occur in the individual if hair follicle inflammation develops can be summarized as follows:
- Itching or tenderness over the bump
- Inflamed wound development
- Development of a dry wound
- Inflammation findings on the skin
- Pain in the skin area where it develops
Hair follicle inflammation is a condition that can affect a single follicle or many hair follicles at the same time. It is recommended to be aware as there may be an increase in the severity of the complaints if this disease follows a chronic course.
What are the Types of Hair Follicle Inflammation?
Hair follicle inflammation, called folliculitis, is generally examined under two subheadings: superficial and deep folliculitis. In superficial type hair follicle inflammation, infection is detected in a part of the follicle, while in deep type hair follicle inflammation, the entire follicle is under the influence of infection and generally tends to follow a more serious course. In addition to this basic classification, the most commonly detected types of hair follicle inflammation are as follows:
- Bacterial folliculitis: Common bacterial folliculitis manifests itself as an itchy, pus-filled rash on the skin. This hair follicle inflammation, usually caused by staphylococcus bacteria, occurs when this bacteria on the skin passes into the subcutaneous tissue due to various incisions.
- Hot Tub Rash (Pseudomonas Folliculitis): Hair follicle inflammation may also occur after using a jacuzzi or other public water areas. In this case, the source of infection is the pseudomonas bacterium. In order to protect against hair follicle inflammation that develops within 1-2 days following the use of these common areas, it is recommended to avoid the use of common water areas that are unchlorinated or have the wrong acidity level.
- Post-Shave Fluff (Pseudo-Folliculitis of the Beard): This condition, known as ingrown hair, may occur in men who shave too hard or in women after waxing the bikini area.
- Pityrosporum Folliculitis: This hair follicle inflammation, which develops after a fungal infection, occurs especially in the back and chest area.
- Gram Negative Folliculitis: The causative agent in folliculitis that develops around the mouth and nose is usually gram-negative bacteria. Susceptibility to these bacteria can be detected especially in people with long-term antibiotic treatment due to skin infections such as acne.
- Eosinolic Folliculitis: Eosinophilic hair follicle inflammation is an inflammation of the hair follicle detected in people whose immune systems are affected by various reasons, especially AIDS.
- Furuncle and Carbuncle: If the infection with Staphylococcus bacteria progresses deeper, painful large lumps may occur. If the furuncle, which is formed by the deepening of the hair follicle inflammation, continues to progress and causes similar inflammation around it, it is called carbuncle.
What Causes Hair Follicle Inflammation?
Hair follicle inflammation usually develops when hair follicles damaged for various reasons become infected. Particularly staphylococcus bacteria, yeast fungi and some viruses are considered to be the agents responsible for the development of hair follicle inflammation. Apart from these infectious factors, various conditions that may result in the development of hair follicle inflammation can be summarized as follows:
- Skin irritation
- Blockage of the follicle for various reasons
- Steroid-containing products applied to the skin
- Various dermatological problems such as acne or dermatitis
- Use of certain medications
- Exposure to irritating chemicals
- Receiving treatment that can suppress the immune system
How to Cure Hair Follicle Inflammation?
Mild and moderate minor hair follicle inflammations can spontaneously regress with the correct hygienic approach and appropriate wound care. In cases of hair follicle inflammation that has progressed and developed a furuncle or carbuncle, the use of various antibiotic agents may be necessary. If changes such as a dense pus-filled swelling or a hard lump develop in the area where the hair follicle infection has spread, it may be necessary to surgically evacuate these infective areas and allow the wound area to heal from the inside to the outside.
Hair Follicle Inflammation Treatment
Treatment of hair follicle inflammation may vary depending on the type and severity of the existing condition and which treatment methods the person uses for this condition. It is very important to seek support from health institutions in cases of hair follicle inflammation that persists despite the use of various non-prescribed products. Especially with the guidance of dermatology physicians, existing hair follicle inflammation is evaluated correctly and the most appropriate treatment planning is carried out. Apart from support from specialist physicians, individuals should be careful as individual interventions against intense inflammation may trigger the development of wounds and scars.
Approaches such as prescribing lotions, gels and antibiotic drugs are used in the treatment of bacterial hair follicle infections. In case of hair follicle inflammation caused by yeast fungus, creams, shampoos and antifungal medications can be used. In case of furuncle and carbuncle development, physicians make a small incision on the skin to the inflamed area, drain the pus, and clean the infective area with appropriate antiseptic solutions. Despite all these methods, it should not be forgotten that hair follicle inflammation may follow a recurrent course in some individuals. Approaches such as laser epilation can also be beneficial, especially in cases of recurring hair follicle inflammation localized in one area, in line with the knowledge and recommendations of physicians.
You can make an appointment immediately to get information about hair follicle inflammation and other dermatological problems and to be examined. We wish you healthy days.
