Inflammation of hair follicles is known as folliculitis. Infection can cause such skin condition forming small raised red colored bumps around the hair follicles. It can form anywhere in the skin and folliculitis can occur on all age groups ranging from children to elderly people. There are tiny pockets at the point where the hair grow and when these pockets are clogged with debris it can cause swelling of skin. Often it happens due to bacterial or fungal infection.
Folliculitis is not any serious skin problem and it does not cause any harm to the affected person. It can cause sores on the skin which can be itchy and embarrassing. Largely, folliculitis occurs on the face, chest, scalp, and buttocks. Often no treatment is required for folliculitis and it is enough if you follow basic hygiene of your body and skin. In severe cases antibacterial ointments can be applied to treat the sores and itchy bumps.
Folliculitis Symptoms
Hair follicles on the skin get clogged with pus like substance leading to inflammation of the skin. Folliculitis can cause red raised bumps or pimples on the skin. It can be itchy and sometimes cause burning sensation. For some people the bumps can be painful. In rare cases sores get grouped together forming large swollen mass on the skin.
Folliculitis Types
Basically there are 2 types of folliculitis.
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Superficial
Superficial folliculitis is one that affects the upper layer of the skin. It can occur due to bacterial infection that causes itchy white or red bumps. Often painful sores forming on the beard area is this type of folliculitis which is also known as barber’s itch. It can be caused by Staph bacteria which can enter the body through a small cut or wound on the skin.
Pseudomonas bacteria can also cause folliculitis and this often occurs when you are using public pools. Hot tubs and pools in public places are not maintained properly and sometimes the pH level of chlorine is not balanced. When a person bathes in this water he may get red itchy bumps on the skin. For some people pseudofolliculitis occur due to in-grown hairs on the skin. Black men are at increased risk for this kind of folliculitis and is more visible on their face and neck region. Yeast infection like pityrosporum can also cause red itchy bumps on the chest and back region.
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Deep Folliculitis
In contrast to superficial type, this kind of folliculitis affects the entire hair follicle. Teens and young adults who have just begun shaving can develop deep folliculitis. Small red colored lesions can be seen above the upper lip region and on the chin. This can get severe as they continue to shave this area leading to scarring of skin.