Follicular Acne
As far as skin disorders go, acne conditions affect as many as 60 million Americans a year, according to Wounds1.com, a medical reference site. Follicular acne is a less prevalent form, though it often appears as a chronic condition. When left untreated, hair loss is possible. Treatment approaches can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
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Identification
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Follicular acne involves the inflammation of the hair follicle itself, as opposed to inflamed glands or bacterial growths underneath the skin, according to EMedicine. Also known as acne keloidalis nuchae, follicular acne is most prevalent among African-American males and often appears as a chronic skin condition. Areas of the body most affected include the back of the neck and scalp. Follicular acne is characterized by inflamed bumps that can develop into scars or keloids as the condition persists.
Function
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Unlike other forms of acne, where bacteria and hormonal secretions play a role in their development, the exact physical cause of follicular acne remains unknown, according to EMedicine. A common feature within most cases is the appearance of short, coarse curly hairs that tend to grow inward, or back into the skin. The resulting papules, or bumps, can appear in clusters on a recurring basis. In some cases, bacterial infection may further aggravate the condition; however, bacteria only plays a secondary role as far as how long a particular condition lasts.
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Features
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Over time, follicular acne can appear as an inflamed patch or area of skin along the neck or scalp, according to EMedicine. The result is a condition known as alopecia that involves increasing hair loss across the affected areas. Developing bumps are typically round and itchy, and range around 2 to 4 mm in size. Pustules, or pus-forming bumps, may also be apparent. When left untreated, clusters of bumps can begin to coalesce into a single inflamed plaque or lesion atop the skin.
Effects
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The actual cause of follicular acne is unknown, though there are physical factors that can further aggravate the condition, according to EMedicine. As ingrown hairs cause much of the inflammation that occurs, close shaving practices can make an outbreak even worse. Close shaving makes remaining stubble hairs even sharper than before. When these hairs begin to grow, curl and re-enter the skin, acute inflammation can develop. Tight shirt collars can further irritate existing bumps and also have a sharpening effect on stubble hairs.
Prevention/Solution
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Follicular acne can get progressively worse with time, so treating affected areas when they first appear may prevent a chronic condition from developing, according to EMedicine. Eliminating close or short hair cuts and shaves and wearing loose-fitting collars can also reduce the amount of inflammation that develops. Topical steroid creams can be applied as treatment for mild conditions where clusters of bumps appear. In cases where pustules and seepage are present, a topical antibiotic cream may help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit shaving image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
