Staphylococcal Folliculitis
Staphylococcal Folliculitis is a type of folliculitis that is caused by bacteria from staphylococcus family. This is the most common type of folliculitis. In severe cases, staphylococcal folliculitis can cause permanent scarring and alopecia. Moreover, in mild cases, it can be very uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.
Staphylococcal folliculitis is usually pimple-like in appearance with white heads. They can be very itchy and sometimes painful especially those with pus and blisters. Mild cases of staphylococcal folliculitis can heal spontaneously but deep seated staphylococcal folliculitis will require medical treatment.
Staphylococcal Folliculitis may cause group of red bumps around hair follicles, itchiness, inflammation and tenderness and pus filled blisters that can ooze on the skin.
Barber’s itch is also one of the names associated with staphylococcal follliculitis. Staphylococcus aureus are found in the normal flora of the skin but these are opportunistic bacteria that when access is available, they infect the organs in which they lodge. Males who usually shave are susceptible to have this, scratching and a cut from a skin can also make staphylococcal folliculitis to happen.
In the scalp, more follicles are found than any other body part. They can appear everywhere in the body except the soles, mucous membrane and palms. If these are damaged, risk for infection is high.
Some of the causes of staphylococcal folliculitis are friction from shaving and tight fitting clothes, cuts from shaving and injuries, skin abrasions and excessive perspiration.
Mild cases of staphylococcal folliculitis may cause complications but this is rare. Spreading the infection to skin near the affected area and itchy patches that are large are examples of complications caused by this. Moreover, mild staphylococcal folliculitis responds well to home treatment.
Home remedies:
- Applying warm compress to the infected area many times every day can relieve pain and discomfort and drains the area as well.
- Applying an oatmeal lotion or hydrocortisone cream that can be purchased without prescription soothes itchiness.
- Washing the infected skin for 2 times gentle by using an antibacterial soap helps in recovering fast.
- Avoid shaving infected area. This can make staphylococcal folliculitis worse. If shaving is needed, use an electric razor.
- No sharing of towels is allowed. Personal towels should be washed with warm soapy water.
Staphylococcal folliculitis treatment
Mild cases of staphylococcal folliculitis are self limiting but persistent, aggressive and recurring folliculities should be medically intervened. A dermatologist may prescribe an antibiotic cream which will be applied on the infected area and antibiotic oral drug.
Staphylococcal folliculitis prevention
- Avoid tight fitting clothes. Constrictive clothing produces friction.
- Shave carefully. Using an electric razor is the best option in shaving. The shaved are should be clean and cuts and nicks must be avoided in all times.
- Take a bath or shower at least twice a day. This is scientifically proven, this reduces rick for staphylococcal folliculitis.
- Frequently wash hands every after activity. Washing hands with an antibacterial soap is effective.
- Avoid direct contact with persons who practice improper hygiene is good for staphylococcal folliculitis prevention
- Do not share personal hygiene products such as soap and those who have direct contact to skin.
The tips can be very inconvenient to some but these tips are worth following. However, if staphylococcal folliculitis persists, worsens and recurs while following these guides, a trip to a specialist is necessary. Prognosis for staphylococcal folliculitis is good, this responds to therapies well but severe staphylococcal folliculitis may lead to complications.
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