Dr. A. Malhotra

Folliculitis is an ordinary dermatological condition which causes inflammation of hair follicles of the skin. This condition, which occurs due to both bacterial and fungal infections, causes small red or white pimples to form around the hair follicles. The infection, if left untreated, can spread and turn into rough, coarse sores which may take a long time to heal.

The Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is responsible for causing the infection, which leads to this commonly occurring condition. In some cases, folliculitis can be also caused by viruses and fungi which had perhaps penetrated the ingrown hairs causing subsequent inflammation. This condition is categorized and diagnosed as a superficial or deep infection depending on the amount of hair follicles involved.

Causes:

• Friction caused by shaving or tight - fitting clothes
• Heat and sweat, due to prolonged exposure to the sun
• Skin conditions like acne
• Tightly wrapped bandages or dressings on the skin

Symptoms:

• Clusters of tiny red or white bumps in and around the hair follicles
• Reddened and inflamed skin
• Itchy skin and rashes
• Pus-filled blisters that may crust and later break
• Swelling on the skin

Risk Factors:

Anyone, whether young or old, may develop folliculitis. But, there are certain factors that increase the risks of the condition. The following are some of them:

• Conditions like HIV or AIDS that reduces the immunity in your body
• A pre-existing condition of acne or dermatitis
• Being obese
• Medications and ointments with side effects
• Improper shaving

Many a times, people ignore this condition, presuming that it will heal with time. But if left untreated, complications such as large itchy patches of skin, increased swelling and heightened inflammation of hair follicles may occur.