Folliculitis is a common yet often misunderstood skin condition that can cause significant discomfort. This inflammation of the hair follicles can result in red, itchy, and sometimes painful bumps on the skin.
While folliculitis can affect anyone, it’s more common in individuals who frequently shave or use hot tubs. By understanding the causes and symptoms of folliculitis, you can take control of your health and effectively prevent and treat this condition.
In this article, we will explore the various types of folliculitis, their causes, and the best treatment options available. We will also discuss how QuickMD, a trusted online healthcare platform, can assist you with convenient online care, including providing online prescriptions for necessary medications and facilitating video visits with our experienced physicians.
What Is Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an inflammation caused by an infection of one or more hair follicles. Follicles, which are the spaces from which hair emerges from the skin, are small, tube-like structures in the skin that produce hair. When these follicles become infected, they can cause the symptoms of folliculitis.
What Causes Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is usually caused by bacterial or, less commonly, fungal infections. Bacterial folliculitis is typically caused by the overgrowth of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which normally lives on the skin of healthy people. This can lead to small white bumps that can itch, and while they usually heal spontaneously, extensive cases may require antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics.
Fungal Folliculitis
On the other hand, fungal folliculitis, which is less common, is caused by a yeast infection and manifests as chronic red, itchy pustules, typically on the chest and back or on the neck, face, shoulders, and upper arms.
‘Hot Tub Folliculitis’
Pseudomonas bacteria, found in hot tubs and heated swimming pools, can cause a specific variant of folliculitis known as ‘hot tub folliculitis.’ This condition is characterized by the appearance of red, round, itchy bumps a day or two after exposure to the bacteria, and it can be prevented by avoiding hot tubs or ensuring proper maintenance of these facilities.
‘Barber’s Itch’
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as ‘razor bumps’ or ‘barber’s itch,’ is caused by ingrown hairs due to shaving or waxing curly hairs. This can produce scars or keloids. Pityrosporum folliculitis, caused by a yeast infection, manifests as chronic red, itchy pustules, typically on the chest and back or on the neck, face, shoulders, and upper arms.
Folliculitis Treatment
Mild cases usually heal spontaneously in about two weeks. A warm, moist compress can be applied for comfort.
While mild cases of folliculitis usually heal spontaneously in about two weeks, extensive cases, or those that do not clear in a few days, can cause complications such as scarring and hair loss. This underscores the importance of timely and appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of prescription antibiotics and antifungals.
- Cleocin (clindamycin) 1% gel or lotion may be prescribed to be applied twice a day for 7 to 10 days.
- Keflex (cephalexin) can be taken orally at a dose of 250 to 500 mg 3 to 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days.
- Fungal infections can be treated with Diflucan (fluconazole) 100 to 200 mg taken orally for 2 to 3 weeks, then 200 mg monthly for maintenance, or with Sporanox (itraconazole) 200 mg by mouth daily for one week.
Folliculitis Treatment with QuickMD
QuickMD can treat folliculitis in the comfort and convenience of your home. Our physicians can write online prescriptions for fluconazole or any other antibiotic or antifungal needed to treat extensive folliculitis. We recommend an online video visit so our doctors can examine the affected area more closely.
