What part of the body is most affected by folliculitis?

It mainly affects people with curly hair who shave too close and is most noticeable on the face and neck. People who get bikini waxes may get razor bumps in the groin area. Pityrosporum (pit-ih-ROS-puh-rum) folliculitis. This type is a rash of itchy, pus-filled bumps, most often on the back and chest.

Can folliculitis affect the whole body?

Once you have folliculitis, it can spread to other parts of your body. Folliculitis can occur anywhere there's hair. Common areas affected by folliculitis include the: scalp.

What body system does folliculitis affect?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that usually involves infection of the hair follicle.

Can you get folliculitis anywhere on the body?

This is a common skin infection that develops in the hair follicles. Folliculitis can appear anywhere on the skin, except for our palms and soles.

What triggers folliculitis?

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with staphylococci (staph) bacteria.

Folliculitis | Causes (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral), Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What clears up folliculitis?

Clean the affected skin.

Gently wash the infected skin at least twice a day with an antibacterial soap or cleanser, such as benzoyl peroxide. Use a clean washcloth and towel each time and don't share your towels or washcloths. Use hot, soapy water to wash these items.

What can be mistaken for folliculitis?

People may sometimes mistake psoriasis and folliculitis for other skin conditions, including: fungal skin infections. eczema or dermatitis. pityriasis rosea.

Why wont my folliculitis go away?

Chronic folliculitis can be more difficult to treat. Antibiotics and other medications may not clear up chronic cases. If other treatment options fail, your doctor may recommend laser hair removal. During treatment, you should refrain from removing hair by plucking, waxing, or shaving.

Can folliculitis get into your bloodstream?

If folliculitis goes untreated it may result in serious or deep infections that may spread or cause permanent scarring, cellulitis, or even enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

How long does folliculitis usually last?

The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days.

Can you feel sick with folliculitis?

Folliculitis causes a rash with clusters of red bumps or whiteheads, each with a hair in the middle. These can become itchy or sore, and there may be pus. It can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. If an infection is more severe or deeper under the skin, you may feel feverish or unwell.

Is folliculitis caused by poor hygiene?

Folliculitis usually occurs in areas where the hair follicles have been damaged by friction or shaving or where there is obstruction of the follicle. Factors that trigger it are poor hygiene, humidity and tight clothes. If you have mild symptoms, they will probably go away in a few days with basic self-care measures.

What does a severe case of folliculitis look like?

Folliculitis signs and symptoms include: Clusters of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles. Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over. Itchy, burning skin.

What kills folliculitis bacterial?

In many cases of bacterial folliculitis, an over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial wash, such as chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or benzoyl peroxide, can provide relief. Avoid using Hibiclens above the neck. If you suspect yeast is causing your folliculitis, try an OTC antifungal cream.

Does folliculitis continue to spread?

Complications That May Occur. Left untreated, folliculitis will continue to spread and worsen. Our immune systems are equipped to deal with infections like these quickly, but if your immunity is overwhelmed or compromised, the infection will take over without intervention.

When should I go to the ER for folliculitis?

“If there is fever, rapidly spreading redness, rapid heart rate, or extraordinary pain that is disproportionate to the wound or injury, that is when you tell the patient to visit the hospital,” he said.

Can you get sepsis from folliculitis?

Folliculitis is not a serious condition, but left untreated, a staph infection (an infection caused by staphylococcal bacteria) can sometimes enter the bloodstream and spread, resulting in a systemic infection called bacteremia or sepsis that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting.

What kind of soap is good for folliculitis?

Use a Decongesting Cleanser

Zalka recommends using a cleanser that prevents pores from becoming clogged or inflamed. This Neutrogena body wash comes highly recommended by Dr. Zalka, who says it may help prevent oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria from infiltrating your pores.

Is Neosporin good for folliculitis?

Topical antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin or generic neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin b triple antibiotic ointment, may help scalp folliculitis heal up faster. Apply the ointment to the affected area a few times daily.

What is the best antibiotic to treat folliculitis?

First line treatment is indomethacin (50 mg/day). Other therapies include UVB phototherapy, minocycline, or dapsone. Pityrosporum folliculitis initially responds to topical antifungals such as ketoconazole cream or shampoo but is often associated with relapses. For relapses, systemic antifungals should be tried.

What can make folliculitis worse?

Sometimes, when Malassezia gets into the hair follicles, it can cause an itchy condition that looks like an acne breakout. It usually occurs on the upper chest and back. This form of folliculitis is made worse (aggravated) by sweat.

How can you tell if folliculitis is bacterial or fungal?

Diagnosis of folliculitis

They may take a swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus is the cause of the folliculitis. In rare cases, a doctor may order a skin biopsy to exclude the possibility of other causes.

What does a mild case of folliculitis look like?

These pus-filled bumps may be pierced by an ingrown hair, can vary in size from 2–5 mm, and are often surrounded by a rim of pink to red, inflamed skin. Occasionally, a folliculitis lesion can erupt to form a scab on the surface of the skin. Mild and moderate cases of folliculitis are often tender or itchy.

Can hydrogen peroxide clear folliculitis?

Hydrogen Peroxide

It works just as well for folliculitis. The chemical mix will immediately kill off bacteria and fungus, and the excess can be wiped off with disposable towels. You can repeat applications of hydrogen peroxide.

Is folliculitis an STD?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. The individual usually acquires it by shaving or plucking body hair, having hot tub baths, wearing tight clothes, etc. It is not a sexually transmitted disease but may look similar to herpes.