Infection of Hair Follicles
Infection of the hair follicles, also known as folliculitis, is an extremely common condition that is caused by a bacterial or fungal overgrowth in the hair follicle. You might notice hair follicle infection as a hard red lump or pustule surrounding the base of a hair, or numerous small red bumps over an area of skin. Most hair follicle infections are merely annoying, but in some cases they can lead to more serious illness.
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Symptoms
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Itching and tenderness are common symptoms of hair follicle infection, according to MayoClinic.com. Sometimes folliculitis can occur deeper underneath the skin. Deep folliculitis is characterized by a pus-filled blister or boil that forms under the skin. Boils tend to develop rapidly and break open and can be quite painful.
Types
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According to the University of Maryland's online Dermatology Health Guide, infected hair follicles come in three levels of increasing intensity. Folliculitis is characterized by irritated and red hair follicles that may have pus in them. A boil, also called a furuncle, is a pillow-like blister that contains pus and blood. Carbuncles occur when several boils cluster together. An individual with carbuncles might experience fever and fatigue.
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Risk Factors
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Bathing in an inadequately chlorinated hot tub or whirlpool can cause folliculitis, according to The Merck Manual's online guide to the condition. Look for areas of raised red bumps, especially where your bathing suit covers you. Shaving is a common cause of hair follicle infection, especially in men. Any area of your body where your clothing rubs against the skin is more vulnerable to folliculitis. MayoClinic.com notes that people who are on long-term antibiotics for acne can develop deep folliculitis infections. HIV-positive people are vulnerable to a specific form of folliculitis that affects the face, back and upper arms. Excessive perspiration, skin injury and pre-existing skin conditions are also risk factors.
Treatments
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The Merck Manual online notes that most forms of folliculitis go away without treatment. Medline Plus, the National Institutes of Health's online database, notes that in order for boils to heal, they must first drain. A wet compress of warm water or white vinegar might help encourage the boil to drain. Most boils burst on their own, but if you have a boil that has lasted for more than two weeks, recurs, or is on your spine or the middle of your face, you should consult a doctor. Also see your doctor if you develop a fever. If the boil is serious or develops into a carbuncle, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Prevention
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MayoClinic.com recommends that men with chronic facial hair follicle infection shave with an electric razor. Looser clothing may help with some forms of folliculitis, as will changing your clothes and bathing after exercise. The fluid in boils is full of bacteria, so don't share washcloths or bath towels with someone who is recovering from a boil. Wash sheets, towels and clothing in hot water to avoid further spread of the bacteria.
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References
Resources
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