Bacterial folliculitis
Bacterial Folliculitis
Bacterial Folliculitis infects the superficial layer of the skin follicle. If left untreated, this may invade deep layers of the skin, affecting the whole hair follicle. This is usually caused by bacteria that belong to the staphylococcus family. When suffering from bacterial folliculitis, a visit to your physician is necessary especially when it does not heal naturally.
Bacterial folliculitis can be experienced anywhere on the body but is usually found in areas where shaving is required and also to skin areas where skin produces friction when wearing tight fitting clothes
Symptoms of bacterial folliculitis
Symptoms of bacterial folliculitis vary from one person to another and also depend on the condition’s severity. For minor infections, presence of minor bumps can be found at the follicle, redness and inflammation around the follicle can be observed. Some rashes also have pus in it which may ooze on the superficial layer of the skin. For infections affecting the deeper skin layer, large masses can occur below the surface; these pustules may cause pain and discomfort. Sometimes, these large masses crust on the surface.
Aside from having redness and inflammation, red bumps on the skin may be very itchy. Most cases of bacterial folliculitis are on the face and pubic area and to skin areas with no air access. To some, this condition spreads all throughout the body.
Causes of Bacterial folliculitis
Most often than not, the etiologic agent of bacterial folliculitis are microorganisms found in the normal flora of the skin such as staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria invade the follicle by getting inside it causing damage. Skin abrasions, acne and friction from grooming such as in shaving can cause bacterial folliculitis.
Some of the predisposing factors of bacterial folliculitis are:
- Obstruction from the hair follicle
- Staphylococcus aureus from the nose
- Maceration
- Skin problems like eczema and scabies
- Prolonged use of corticosteriods
- Improper shaving, shaving should follow the hair growth
- Infestation of pinworm and other parasites
- Obesity
Diagnosing bacterial folliculitis
Physicians diagnose bacterial folliculitis. Physical assessment of the skin and pus culture may be performed to confirm bacterial folliculitis. The culture will also identify the most efficient antibiotic for treating bacterial folliculitis.
Treatment for Bacterial folliculitis
Some of folliculitis is self limiting. When we say self limiting, it heals spontaneously or naturally. However, with folliculitis that does not heal by itself, medical treatment is very important. For bacterial folliculitis, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection. Antibiotics can be given orally or is applied directly to the infected area.
Over-the-counter drugs such as benzoyl peroxide and chlorhexidine may be used for mild bacterial folliculitis cases. Faster resolution is achieved when using topical drugs and soap solution that has an antibacterial property.
According to studies, Penicillin is effective to eradicate bacterial folliculitis. Avoiding self medication is vital; consulting your physician is the best thing to do for initial onset.
Complications for bacterial folliculitis
Bacterial folliculitis may spread to neighboring follicles of the hair and also alopecia or permanent hair loss. For extreme bacterial folliculitis, scarring and cellulitis may happen. When cellulitis Is present, the infection can spread up to the lymph nodes and worse, into the bloodstream.
Prevention of bacterial folliculitis
Avoiding tight fitting clothes and careful shaving can prevent bacterial folliculitis. Bear in mind, that avoiding friction is one of the best ways to do away with bacterial folliculitis.
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