Folliculitis Research Paper

Folliculitis

Overview

Folliculitis is the infection and inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin with the exception of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The obvious reasons include absence of hair follicles in these regions. Clinically, a suppurative lesion of a hair follicle can be observed. A group of adjacent furuncles with subcutaneous involvement and multiple discharging sinuses is seen in a carbuncle.

Causes

Folliculitis is caused by introduction of a skin pathogen to a hair follicle causing damage due to invasion mainly by Staphylococcus species. Pseudomonas species are also known to be associated with skin infections. Folliculitis can be caused by bacteria, virus, fungus

Sycosis barbae or Barber's itch is a staphylococcus infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face, usually the upper lip.

2. Tinea barbae is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by the fungus T. rubrum.

3. Malassezia folliculitis, formerly known as Pityrosporum folliculitis, is caused by yeasts of the genus Malassezia.

4. Herpetic folliculitis may occur when herpes simplex virus infection spreads to nearby hair follicles, mostly around the mouth.

5. Pseudo-folliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring when hair curves back into the skin and causes inflammation.

6. Eosinophilic folliculitis may appear in persons with impaired immune systems.

7. Folliculitis decalvans or tufted folliculitis usually affects scalp. Several hairs arise from the same hair follicle. Scarring and permanent hair loss may follow.

8. Oil folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles due to exposure to various oils and typically occurs on forearms or thighs. It is common in refinery workers, road workers, mechanics, and sheep shearers.

Other causes include

• Friction from clothing,

• an insect bite,

• blockage of the follicle,

• shaving

• Bathing in infected bath

• Anti-bacterial agents like dicloxacillin, or flucloxacillin is helpful in treating systemic infections.

• Fungal folliculitis can be treated with Fluconazole. Topical antifungals such as Econazole Nitrate may also be effective.

Management

The following steps are important in the management of impetigo

1. Consider using anti-bacterial soap for bathing for two to three weeks.

2. Dispose off soiled dressings appropriately

3. There should be emphasis on hand washing especially after changing dressings.

4. Avoid sharing toilet articles, towels, clothing or bed linen.

5. Avoid scratching or touching the lesion to prevent spread to other areas of the body

6. One must complete the recommended antibiotic course.

7. Ensure that sores on exposed skin surfaces of are covered with a watertight dressing while in school or at work

Related diseases

Allergy, cellulitis, tinea infections, erysipelas, cellulitis, impetigo, dermatitis

References

1. Folliculitis, follicular mucinosis, and papular mucinosis as a presentation of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Rashid R, Hymes S. Dermatol Online J. 2009 May