Dermatology & Folliculitis
Folliculitis, an irritating and painful infection of the skin, can often prove to be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, proper treatment from a dermatologist is usually effective in eliminating the disease.
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Definition
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Folliculitis is defined as inflammation and infection within the hair follicles. The infection causes pus to form inside the pores of the affected area. This condition may present itself on any part of the body, including the face and scalp, and often displays an appearance similar to acne. In fact, many times folliculitis is the culprit in severe acne outbreaks.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of folliculitis include the characteristic acne-type sores, along with redness, pain in the affected area and general discomfort. While folliculitis sometimes prevents hair growth, the pustules commonly have a single hair growing out of each infected pore. Patients may experience oozing depending on the severity of the infection. Although folliculitis does not usually cause complications, severe cases may result in scarring and inability for hair to grow back.
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Causes
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Folliculitis can be caused by bacteria, yeasts or fungi. While this condition may appear without an obvious cause, it is often brought on by one of a variety of environmental causes. For example, folliculitis is commonly contracted from hot tubs that are not treated with the proper chemicals. It may also result from irritation caused by shaving, plucking, waxing or other hair treatments. Babies sometimes develop folliculitis from wearing a diaper.
Population
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While no one is immune to folliculitis, the condition is most common among patients with immune systems that are already compromised. Individuals who are overweight or live in hot, humid areas are also more likely to contract the condition. Occasionally, patients who are undergoing long-term treatment with antibiotics may also develop folliculitis.
Treatment
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Most cases of folliculitis require diagnosis and treatment from a dermatologist. The doctor is likely to swab the infected area to determine how the condition was caused and what the best treatment will be. If the outbreak is caused by bacteria, oral antibiotics are usually prescribed. If it is fungus-related, the doctor will prescribe a topical cream to stop the fungus. When the infection has produced boils under the skin, it may be necessary for the dermatologist to make an incision and drain the sores. In all forms of folliculitis, patients should be careful not to shave, wax or pluck hair in the infected area until the symptoms are gone.
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