home Folk remedies Purulent follicles. Symptoms and treatment of folliculitis of the scalp. What to do if ulcers appear in a child

Purulent follicles. Symptoms and treatment of folliculitis of the scalp. What to do if ulcers appear in a child

Folliculitis is a skin disease related to superficial pyoderma. The disease is infectious. During it, the upper parts of the hair follicles become inflamed.

A feature of the disease is the sequence of stages - first a papule (nodule on the skin) appears, located at the mouth of the follicle, which gradually transforms into a pustule (this is an element of a rash with purulent contents). A crust appears on top.

Folliculitis is dangerous due to complications, including phlegmon, lymphadenitis, and abscess. Most often, it is complications that lead the sick person to an infectious disease specialist. Let us also note the professional orientation of the disease. Folliculitis often affects people who work in toxic environments. The bad thing is that most of these people self-medicate.

For reference. Folliculitis is one of the most common types of pyoderma in adults. Severe and often recurrent forms of folliculitis usually affect miners, builders, metallurgists, employees of chemical enterprises and public transport.

ICD10 folliculitis code – L73.8.1 (specified pathologies of hair follicles)

Folliculitis - causes of the disease

The inflammatory process can be caused by:

Risk factors for folliculitis are:

frequent visits to saunas, baths, taking too hot baths (hot bath folliculitis);
profuse sweating;
the use of low-quality cosmetics or cosmetics that are unsuitable for the patient’s skin type (folliculitis on the face is often associated with improper care);
frequent skin damage;
microcirculatory and trophic disorders in tissues;
alkaline skin pH;
violation of hygiene standards;
exposure to occupational hazards (work in workshops, constant contact with industrial chemicals, etc.);
exposure to aggressive household chemicals;
the patient has vitamin deficiencies, hypoproteinemia, hyperglycemia, immune pathologies, autoimmune diseases, excess testosterone or cortisol, hormonal disorders (puberty, ovarian dysfunction, hormonal disorders associated with stress or infectious diseases);
constant consumption of fatty, fried and spicy foods, sweets and sodas;
severe intestinal dysbiosis;
the patient has psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, oily seborrhea, neurodermatitis, eczema, rosacea (pink acne), etc.

Classification of folliculitis

Based on the duration of the inflammatory process, folliculitis is divided into acute and chronic (recurrent) forms of the disease. Depending on the number of rashes, folliculitis may be limited or widespread.

According to the causative agent of the inflammatory process, the disease is divided into:

The following are included in a separate classification:

eosinophilic forms of folliculitis;
depilatory folliculitis of smooth skin;
epilating folliculitis of the scalp;
Hoffmann's disruptive folliculitis (severe folliculitis of the scalp, usually found in men from twenty to forty years old).

Depending on the location of the pustules, they are distinguished:

folliculitis on the face;
folliculitis on the legs;
inflammatory process on the back;
inflammation of the pubis;
folliculitis of the scalp.

Folliculitis in children is often localized on the skin of the thighs and buttocks.

Staphylococcal folliculitis - symptoms

As a rule, folliculitis begins as ostiofolliculitis. A small pustule (purulent-inflammatory formation), no more than two millimeters in diameter, appears around the hair, surrounded by an inflammatory rim (rim of hyperemia). Most often, small pustules are moderately painful, but areas with thin skin may experience severe pain. With severe rashes, swelling of the skin may occur.

The disease may also begin with the appearance of small red dots that look like irritation. In the center of these inflammations, a pustule forms within two to three days.

For reference. Spontaneous opening of pustules, as a rule, does not occur due to the dense covering of inflammation. If it is damaged, after the purulent contents drain, small erosion is exposed. Healing of erosion is not accompanied by the formation of scar changes in the skin.

When pustules dry out on their own, crusts form within a few days.

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At the site of the rash, after the purulent-inflammatory processes subside, a temporary area of hyperpigmentation of a reddish-burgundy or brownish tint remains.

Attention. In severe cases of ostiofolliculitis, purulent melting of the hair follicle is possible with its complete destruction and the formation of a scar.

The general condition of patients with folliculitis, as a rule, is not disturbed. Increased body temperature, weakness, fever, general intoxication symptoms, etc. can be observed with widespread and deep forms of rashes, in weakened patients or in young children.

Staphylococcal sycosis

A type of folliculitis that primarily affects the skin in the beard growth area in men is called sycosis. The disease is caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of inflammation are improper care of shaving equipment (unhygienic storage of blades, etc.), insufficient use of shaving foam or the use of low-quality cosmetic products, refusal to use soothing aftershave lotion, etc.

At the initial stages of this type of folliculitis, small isolated rashes may be observed, but as the disease progresses, the appearance of large pustules (sometimes confluent), swelling and inflammatory infiltration of the skin, and cyanosis of the skin in the area of the greatest number of rashes are noted.

Decalvating forms of folliculitis (Quinquad's folliculitis)

This disease is also called lupoid sycosis or atrophying sycosiform folliculitis of the beard.

Decalvating (epilating) folliculitis is rare, most often in middle-aged and elderly men in the scalp or beard area. In women, the disease can affect the skin of the back of the head. In isolated cases, damage to the hair follicles of the axillary region and pubis is possible.

For reference. This type of folliculitis is accompanied by severe inflammation (without significant formation of pustules) and further ulceration of the hair follicle. The disease leads to atrophic changes in the skin and persistent alopecia (patchy baldness).

The main cause of the development of folliculitis decalvans is Staphylococcus aureus, less often - gram-negative microorganisms.

Risk factors for the development of decalvating inflammation are:

oily seborrhea of the scalp;
the presence of systemic connective tissue diseases;
immunodeficiency states;
severe endocrine pathologies (decompensated diabetes mellitus).

For reference. The disease is manifested by the appearance of congestive erythema (redness of the skin), grouped small rashes, single pustules, crusts and easily removable silvery scales.

When inflammatory elements merge, large bright red plaques are formed. As the disease progresses, thinning of the skin occurs in the center of the plaques, skin retraction, and hair loss in the area of the inflammatory process.

The inflammatory focus gradually increases in size due to the appearance of new folliculitis on its periphery.

The general condition of the patients is not impaired, however, when large lesions appear on the scalp, they may be painful.

Attention. The disease is chronic and can progress over several years.

Depilatory folliculitis

This type of folliculitis is characterized by damage to smooth skin. The rashes are symmetrical and
are localized mainly on the skin of the legs. Usually middle-aged men living in hot climates are affected.

After the purulent inflammatory process subsides, the formation of specific follicular scars is noted.

Hoffmann's folliculitis

Undermining folliculitis is one of the most severe forms of scalp folliculitis. The disease is accompanied by the formation of painful, large inflammatory formations connected to each other by fistulous tracts. These formations “undermine” the skin and lead to the formation of frequently recurrent abscesses.

Hair in the area of inflammation falls out due to the destruction of hair follicles. After the disease, persistent alopecia areata remains, difficult to treat.

When light pressure is applied to the follicles, pus is released.

The disease is characterized by a long course and is extremely difficult to treat.

Attention. The only treatment for Hoffmann's folliculitis is long-term (up to six months) use of Roacutane (a systemic retinoid). In addition to the main therapy, ointments with retinoids, as well as local (ointments, lotions) and systemic antibiotics can be used.

Folliculitis caused by gram flora (gram negative)

This type of disease is usually observed in patients starting treatment for severe forms of acne with systemic antibacterial agents. In this case, at the initial stage of treatment there is often an increase in rashes on the skin of the cheeks and shoulders.

A person is sensitive to his health, and in particular to the condition of his skin. Any irritation, inflammation or ulcer may cause suspicion and be a reason to visit a doctor. Among skin diseases, folliculitis is common - an inflammatory process at the location of the hair follicle. Timely diagnosis and treatment of such a diagnosis will help avoid complications.

Features of the diagnosis of folliculitis and its symptoms

Folliculitis- This infectious skin disease, affecting the hair follicle. It is characterized by purulent inflammation first of the superficial area of the follicle, and with further development of the process - damage to the deeper layers.

The infection penetrates the skin when it is scratched, through cracks, small wounds, and cuts. This disease manifests itself in the form of one or more purulent pimples, which, when opened, turn into ulcers. Most often they form in places where hair grows on almost any part of the body:

in the armpits;
in the groin area;
on foot;
on the skin of the face or scalp.

After healing, the ulcers leave virtually no traces; only in the case of deep skin damage, scars may remain.

The main symptoms of folliculitis:

redness of the affected area;
itching and pain;
the presence of pimples on the skin - pustules with whitish purulent contents, often they appear in the place of hair growth;
after opening the pustules, bleeding ulcers appear, which after a while become covered with a crust.

In regions with a hot climate, the prevalence of this disease is much higher than in cold countries.

Causes of the disease

There are several reasons for this diagnosis:

Additional factors for the development of this disease may include:

increased sweating;
neglect of personal hygiene rules;
wearing clothes that are too tight;
the presence of diseases associated with itching and constant scratching of the skin;
diabetes mellitus, anemia and liver disease;
malnutrition;
decreased immunity and the presence of immunodeficiency states;
prolonged skin contact with certain ointments or chemical liquids - technical oils, kerosene.

To prevent any kind of skin diseases, including folliculitis, it is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene when shaving, depilation and other similar procedures, as well as when visiting public places - swimming pools, gyms, baths and saunas.

Classifications of folliculitis

There are several classifications of such an unpleasant skin disease:

There are a large number of varieties of folliculitis, sometimes similar in appearance to other skin diseases. Therefore, it is better not to self-medicate, but to entrust the doctor with making an accurate diagnosis and prescribing therapeutic measures.

This type of inflammation of the hair follicles is characterized by purulent rashes on the skin caused by a fungal infection - yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Area of distribution: armpits, groin area, face and head.

The main symptoms are redness of the skin in the area of the hair follicle, in place of which a pustule is formed, which subsequently opens, forming a wound or ulcer. In most cases, with timely treatment, the rash goes away in about 2 weeks.

This type of folliculitis is the result of a disease such as syphilis. A distinctive feature of this diagnosis is the presence of groups of damaged areas of the skin - inflamed follicular sacs, usually pale red in color.

Treatment of syphilide is possible only after getting rid of the main cause of its occurrence - the diagnosis of syphilis.

The name staphylococcal folliculitis speaks for itself. Its causative agent is staphylococcus, the most dangerous of which is aureus. The disease can affect adults and children, and the method of infection is usually airborne or contact.

Symptoms of this disease are the appearance of a purulent rash on the skin, which can be chronic. In childhood, an increase in body temperature, weakness and deterioration in general health are possible. As a treatment, in addition to medical intervention, personal hygiene and nutritional correction may be recommended.

This pathology usually develops on the scalp and may be accompanied by damage to the hair shafts. It is caused by infection with dermatophytes - molds.

The disease in question is quite unpleasant. It is characterized by inflammation of the epidermis in the area of the hair follicles with the formation of purulent pustules, which subsequently turn into ulcers - bleeding or with a crust formed.

This type of folliculitis is associated with exposure to dirty, contaminated water - most often these are public places - swimming pools, beaches. The infection from the water gets onto the skin, and through minor damage, cracks, and wounds it enters the body, forming inflamed areas and purulent pustules, usually round in size and red in color. They cause an unpleasant itching sensation in a person.

In most cases, the rash disappears within 7-10 days. Additional treatment is prescribed by the doctor after taking the patient’s medical history.

This type of folliculitis is associated with professional activity and the specifics of certain professions - working with chemicals, gasoline, technical oils and lubricants. Prolonged contact of such substances with the skin causes irritation, redness and the formation of inflammatory foci.

Most often, the disease spreads to the back of the hands and the outer part of the forearms. One of the treatment options, in addition to therapy, may be to avoid working with specific chemicals.

A type of folliculitis that can occur after being bitten by insects such as ticks. Its symptoms in most cases are similar to the standard signs of such a diagnosis. Treatment for this disease will be prescribed after studying the specifics of the insect and getting rid of the consequences of the bite.

As a rule, tick-borne folliculitis takes much longer to cure than other types of similar diseases.

Gonorrheal folliculitis is a consequence of an untreated or complex, long-term disease - gonorrhea. The causative agent in this case will be gonococci.

This rare disease, as a rule, affects the perineal area in women, and the foreskin in men and manifests itself in the form of rashes in these areas. Treatment of the disease in question will be fruitful after getting rid of gonorrhea.

Folliculitis caused by a fungal infection does not have any special symptoms. It manifests itself in the form of a purulent red rash accompanied by the appearance of ulcers. To clarify the diagnosis and treatment methods, laboratory testing is required to identify the source of the disease.

Antifungal ointments and similar drugs are most often prescribed as therapeutic measures.

The cause of the development of such a disease is weakened human immunity. In most cases, an additional factor may be the use of antibiotics or hormonal drugs. A distinctive feature of the disease is its rapid development - the appearance of a purulent rash on the face and, in rare cases, on the chest and arms.

Depending on the severity of the disease, gram-negative folliculitis is divided into deep and superficial. Its treatment will depend on the severity of the disease and the general health of the patient.

The disease in question usually affects men. The affected area is the lower limbs. The main symptoms are the formation of purulent inflammations on the skin of the legs, both single and group. Their distinctive feature is symmetry.

An additional factor provoking this diagnosis may be a hot climate and high air temperature.

The causes of this disease are not fully understood. According to some data, the main one is the presence of immune system cells - eosinophils in the skin near the hair follicle. To identify such a disease, a biopsy and blood test are performed, based on the results of which treatment is prescribed.

Symptoms of eosinophilic folliculitis include redness of the skin in the area of inflammation, the presence of itching and purulent pustules of varying sizes on the face, scalp, back, and arms. The disease is observed in both adults and children.

The peculiarity of this disease is the presence of hemispherical pustules of different sizes on the surface of the skin. As a rule, they are not solitary, but spread in groups.

The main reasons for the appearance of Impetigo Bockhart are maceration of the skin - a violation of its integrity, as well as excessive sweating. Often, an additional factor for the development of such a disease can be the use of warm compresses.

Read a detailed article about the disease, its symptoms and treatment.

Most often, this disease occurs in middle-aged men and is accompanied by the formation of pustules, fistulas and nodules on the top of the head. The chronic course of the disease may be accompanied by the appearance of scars.

The causes of the disease may be acne, decreased immunity or its unusual reaction to external influences, or a bacterial infection. Antibacterial drugs or corticosteroids may be prescribed as treatment; in rare cases, surgery is indicated.

The causes of the disease in question have not been fully established; perhaps they are related to the characteristics of the patient’s body. This type of folliculitis is characterized by a chronic course, the appearance of papules and pustules, as well as the subsequent formation of scars at the site of inflammation.

Affected areas: scalp, groin area, armpits.

Timely diagnosis of the disease

The patient can detect the first symptoms of folliculitis himself - the formation of pustules, ulcers, and itching of the skin. When visiting a doctor, the primary diagnostic method is an external examination of the patient - the symptoms of this disease are most often quite characteristic, which makes it possible to establish a diagnosis and select treatment methods.

In addition to the inspection, the following procedures are carried out:

collection of anamnesis - medical history with a description of symptoms, complaints, dates of identification of signs of the disease;
general blood test and determination of glucose levels;
bacteriological culture and microscopic analysis of samples taken;
biopsy;
dermatoscopy;
in some cases an immunogram may be required.

A similar series of procedures is necessary to establish the cause of folliculitis and differentiate it from other similar diseases - different types of lichen, acne, keratosis pilaris, prickly heat.

How to cure folliculitis

If an accurate diagnosis is made - folliculitis You must follow your doctor's orders. They will depend on the nature of the disease:

bacterial folliculitis is treated with antibacterial ointments - Erythramecin or tablets intended for oral administration - Cephalexin and Dicloxacillin;
fungal - antifungal agents, as a rule, such drugs include Flucanazole, Intraconazole and Bifonazole 1%;
in the case of a gram-negative type of disease, attention should be paid to restoring immunity;
in the presence of diabetes mellitus, special treatment methods are considered - a therapeutic diet, special medications.

For the treatment of folliculitis, brilliant green, fucarcin, salicylic acid, special lotions and creams from the Klerasil series can be prescribed. In case of severe forms of the disease, antibiotics from the “sulfonamide” group and compresses with ichthyol ointment may be prescribed.

In some cases, the state of health is reflected in a person’s skin, and, despite the fact that folliculitis is infectious in nature, its development can be facilitated by malfunctions of any body systems. Therefore, it is important to promptly consult a doctor if you have suspicious symptoms, which will make it possible to maintain the health and aesthetic appeal of the skin.

Articles on the topic

Folliculitis of the scalp is an infectious skin lesion that leads to purulent inflammation of the hair follicle. This pathology occurs in 30% of the world's population, but the disease is more common among people living in southern countries with hot climates.

The disease is characterized by severe, leading to the development of severe pain. Therefore, it is worth considering in more detail the features of folliculitis, its symptoms and treatment methods.

Causes of the disease

The main cause of folliculitis is staphylococci, which are constantly present on the skin of people. Most strains of microorganisms do not lead to the development of inflammation. Only 10% of staphylococcal species living on the skin are pathogenic. However, after a staphylococcal infection, their number can reach 90%, which leads to relapses of the disease.

Important! Folliculitis is a contagious infectious disease, and infection can occur through the use of shared towels, clothing, or close household contact.

Along with staphylococci, the causative agents of folliculitis can be pseudomonas, viruses, gram-negative microorganisms, and fungi. However, such cases are recorded mainly in patients with severe immunodeficiency. For the development of folliculitis, not only the presence of pathogenic agents on the scalp is necessary, but also the following provoking factors:

increased blood sugar levels;
pathologies of the adrenal glands or ovaries in women;
thyroid diseases;
insufficient consumption of protein products, A and C;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
acute infections;
severe chronic pathologies (oncopathologies, diseases of the digestive system, tuberculosis);
immunodeficiency;
long-term antibiotic therapy;
scalp injuries: abrasions, scrapes, scratches;
violation of sanitary standards;
non-compliance with specialist recommendations after invasive cosmetic procedures;
hypothermia and overheating.

Clinical picture and diagnostic methods

The first sign of the development of folliculitis of the scalp is redness of the skin in the follicle area and the appearance of infiltration. Then a pustule appears, which has a conical shape and purulent contents. After the abscess has matured and opened, a small wound remains, which is covered with a crust.

With the development of folliculitis, patients note the appearance of painful sensations that are accompanied by the skin. In severe cases of infection, enlarged lymph nodes may occur. In the absence of therapy, the pathology can lead to the development of a boil, hidradenitis, abscess, carbuncle and phlegmon.

Diagnosis of folliculitis includes the following measures:

examination of the condition of the affected follicle;
determining the depth of the pathological process using dermatoscopy;
identification of the infectious agent using bacteriological culture. The contents of the pustules are also subjected to microscopic examination and fungi are determined;
anticardiolipin testing and PCR examination of material taken from pustules can exclude or confirm the development of syphilis and gonorrhea;
clarification of diseases that can provoke the development of folliculitis.

The doctor also needs to conduct a differential diagnosis of the disease in order to exclude the development of others that have symptoms similar to folliculitis.

Features of drug therapy

In the initial stages of pathology, coping with folliculitis is quite simple. Doctors recommend treating pustules with 2% salicylic or camphor alcohol. You can also use Fukortsin, methylene blue solution, special antiseptic creams, gels and lotions.

Important! When treating pustules, you should not squeeze the affected follicle - such actions can increase the risk of developing phlegmon and boils.

If folliculitis is deep and there is a significant accumulation of pus, experts recommend opening the pustules followed by treating the wounds with antiseptic solutions (Chlorophyllipt, Miramistin, Bactroban). At the same time, antibiotics (Erythromycin, Cephalexin, Azithromycin), vitamin complexes, and immunotherapy (Immunal, Taktivin, Antifagin) are indicated.

Important! During treatment of folliculitis, doctors recommend limiting the consumption of fats and carbohydrates. This will contribute to a quick recovery.

If the patient experiences constant relapses of folliculitis of the scalp, then the patient is shown immunostimulating drugs. If you have a history of diabetes mellitus, it is important to adhere to a corrective diet. Normalization of the patient's condition is possible only by optimizing carbohydrate metabolism. Ultraviolet irradiation is indicated as part of the treatment of folliculitis. Patients are prescribed suberythemal doses every day or at daily intervals. The duration of therapy should not exceed 10 exposures.

Folliculitis of the scalp is a common infectious skin pathology that leads to the development of pustules filled with purulent contents. The disease leads to the development of severe pain and can provoke the appearance of boils and abscesses. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of folliculitis.

Folliculitis of the scalp is usually called an infectious skin lesion. With this disease, purulent inflammation of the hair follicle occurs.

This pathology occurs in residents of southern countries and in people with such a predisposition.

Inflammation in the hair follicles develops due to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and when the immune system is weakened.

There are external factors that can cause the disease:

skin irritation, cuts and microtraumas;
wearing tight clothes made of artificial materials for a long time;
accidental or systematic hypothermia;
increased humidity or air temperature.

Often folliculitis can be diagnosed against the background of other diseases:

diabetes;
some sexually transmitted diseases;
pathologies of a chronic nature.

In women and men, folliculitis may appear after depilation of the intimate area. This phenomenon can also occur against the background of thrush.

Features of the course of the disease

Pustular formations can be diagnosed on any part of the body, with the head being an area of increased risk, since this is an area of intense hair growth.

Due to certain conditions, folliculitis can occur in intimate areas. Most often this happens due to wearing non-breathable underwear or depilation with injury to the skin. If antibacterial therapy is not started in time, serious complications can develop that can only be eliminated surgically.

Based on the degree of inflammation, folliculitis can be superficial or deep. An acute form of the disease is immediately diagnosed. If you do nothing, it becomes chronic.

Depending on the type of pathogenic microorganism involved, folliculitis can be:

bacterial;
viral;
fungal;
tick-borne

According to the morphological changes occurring in the epidermis, folliculitis occurs:

purulent;
nodular.

If no importance is given to the disease, then Hoffmann's chronic undermining folliculitis may occur, in which the hair follicles are deeply affected. Under this condition, it is quite difficult to cure the disease.

The most common condition is dermatophytic folliculitis. This disease begins with inflammation of the surface layer of the scalp. If you do not notice the problem, then there is a risk of infection entering the hair follicles.

Main symptoms of the disease

At the initial stage, you may notice redness of the skin around the hair follicle. After some time, a cone-shaped pustule forms. After opening the abscess, its mass comes out, and the wound becomes covered with a crust.

Surface form

Pustular formations are located around the hair follicle. When pressed, pus comes out. After the release of purulent masses, the affected area becomes covered with a dark crust.

Usually there is no pain when pressing. After the wound dries, the affected area becomes invisible.

If the disease is severe, the patient may experience itching and pain. Another characteristic symptom is enlarged lymph nodes.

If the correct treatment or treatment method is not prescribed, this condition may become more complicated. As a result, the patient will face boils, abscesses and other consequences.

Deep folliculitis – what is it?

This formation on the scalp looks like an abscess with red nodules at the base of the hair. If you press on the affected area, the person feels pain. Deep folliculitis can go away on its own or become chronic.

Diagnostic methods used

An experienced dermatologist will easily make the correct diagnosis when examining a patient. The presence of a problem can be detected visually, but this is not enough to prescribe effective treatment.

The doctor must determine how deep the inflammation is and what pathogenic microorganism caused it. For this purpose, the following methods can be used:

Questioning the patient, clarifying the time of identification of the first signs and suspected causes.
Examination of the affected areas under a dermatoscope to determine at what depth the inflammatory process develops.
Bacteriological analysis of the separated mass. This is necessary not only to identify the nature of the pathogen, but also to prescribe effective treatment.
Using PCR diagnostics, diagnoses such as gonorrhea or syphilis can be excluded.
Analysis for fungus is carried out by collecting scrapings from the affected area.
General blood and urine tests are mandatory. Based on their results, you can understand whether there are other diseases in the body.

The deep form of the disease differs from the superficial one. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly differentiate the pathology. Only a qualified doctor will distinguish folliculitis from furunculosis, acne, toxicoderma and other diseases. If necessary, the patient is sent for a consultation with an allergist or immunologist.

Known treatments

Timely detection of the problem makes it possible to carry out treatment at home, but you need to take into account an integrated approach. Dermatologists recommend paying attention to the following groups of drugs:

Topical products – antibacterial ointments. They are suitable for treating the disease at an early stage of development. Effective ointments are Levomekol, Levosin and Gentamicin.
For systemic use - antibiotics. They are used if the affected area is large, and also if the cause of the disease is a bacterial environment. Experts may recommend Ceftriaxone or Azithromycin.
Antiseptics in solutions will prevent the infection from spreading. You can use Miramistin, regular hydrogen peroxide, Iodinol and others. Alternative remedies are brilliant green or fucorcin.
Skin restoration products are also a must. Acnecutane and Roaccutane are good options.
Antifungal ointments are effective if a fungus is the cause of the disease. The most commonly used are Nizoral or Mycozoral.
Antiviral drugs are necessary if the herpetic form of the disease is diagnosed. An inexpensive but effective drug is Acyclovir in the form of an ointment.
Anti-allergy medications. Suprastin or Tavegil relieves swelling and itching well.

You can try to cure folliculitis of the scalp using Ichthyol or Zinc ointment. In order to improve the functions of the immune system, vitamins are prescribed.

Treatment with folk remedies

Traditional medicine is auxiliary in the treatment of minor folliculitis. Despite their good effectiveness, you should not treat yourself without a doctor’s advice. It is better to consult an experienced dermatologist. This need is explained by the fact that an allergic reaction may occur, which will only worsen the situation.

Let's look at the most famous and safe recipes.

Chamomile treatment

This plant is antiseptic in nature. It is preferred if you need to treat inflamed areas of the skin. To prepare the decoction, add water to the dried flowers and bring to a boil, then cook for 5 minutes. It takes 30 minutes to infuse. After straining, the decoction is considered ready for use. They wipe the inflamed areas several times a day.

Treatment with burdock

The crushed burdock root needs to be poured with water and boiled. This decoction needs to be cooked over low heat for 10 minutes, after which it is infused for about 30 minutes. The medicine is taken one spoon twice before meals.

This product perfectly removes toxins and activates the immune system.

Dandelion treatment

This plant is very rich in vitamins. Chopped fresh flowers need to be poured with water and brought to a boil, boil for 15 minutes. Half an hour is enough to infuse the broth under a closed lid. After straining, the product is ready for use; it should be drunk throughout the day.

Medicine from rose hips and viburnum

The product is prepared from the following ingredients: viburnum berries, rose hips, green nut shells, homemade cottage cheese, honey.

The berries and green shells are mixed and filled with water. This mixture should be simmered over low heat for about 10 minutes.

The product can brew well for one day. ¼ of it is mixed with honey and cottage cheese. The prepared medicine is applied to the inflamed area and secured with a bandage or other bandage. The compress is removed after half an hour, after which the affected area is treated with an antiseptic. For best effectiveness, you need to do two procedures a day.

Preventive actions

After treatment, preventive procedures need to be carried out. The main rule is hygiene. You need to take special care of your scalp and hair.

If skin damage occurs, for example, when scratching, you should immediately treat the scratch with an antiseptic.

Men should use disinfectant cosmetics after shaving. You can use cologne for this.

For preventive treatment of the skin, you need to use antiseptic soap. Benzoyl peroxide is also a good remedy.

To prevent the disease from progressing to a complicated or chronic stage, you need to monitor the condition of your skin and general well-being. If folliculitis does not disappear, this is a reason to see a doctor.

Inflammation of the hair follicle, characterized by purulent inflammatory processes on the surface of the skin. Folliculitis leads to the natural opening of these nodules and the release of pus. Over time, a small ulcer forms at this site, which heals, leaving behind a scar.

According to statistics, this skin disease occupies a leading place among diagnoses leading to temporary disability of patients. There are no sex or age differences in the occurrence of the disease. As a rule, folliculitis appears in people who work as miners, builders, metallurgists and transport workers.

Symptoms of folliculitis

Clinical manifestations of folliculitis are determined by the infectious agent that affects the follicles and the type of disease, but, as a rule, the following symptoms appear:

The process is localized on the hairy areas of the body:

axillary area;
head;
legs;
face.

Associated symptoms include itching and possible local fever. Symptoms when severe forms of the disease occur are caused by the appearance of foci of folliculitis, which merge and the purulent contents spread under the skin.

Treatment of folliculitis

When the first symptoms of folliculitis appear, you should seek help from a doctor. After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes individual treatment, which eliminates symptoms as soon as possible and prevents the development of complications.

Treatment of folliculitis is complex and includes the following components:

From a hygiene point of view, it is necessary to protect the patient from hot water, which stimulates inflammation. Towels, bed linen and clothes should be changed, washed and ironed regularly.

For local treatment, antiseptics, ointments or gels are prescribed, which are applied directly to the place where the disease is localized:

iodine and brilliant green;
salicylic and camphor alcohol (2%);
ichthyol ointment;
syntomycin or erythromycin ointment.

In advanced cases, the doctor does a “cleaning”, opens the papules and treats them with antiseptic agents. It is strictly not recommended to do this on your own.

Antibiotics are used to treat folliculitis:

acyclovir;
suffrax;
clarithromycin;
amoxiclav.

To maintain immunity, the patient is prescribed vitamin complexes:

immunal;
Vitaferon.

When the disease subsides, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed, the purpose of which is to prevent the formation of scars on the surface of the skin. Such procedures are performed once every one or two days, the course of therapy consists of 7-10 sessions. For this use:

dermabrasion;
laser treatment;
UV irradiation.

Treatment of certain types of folliculitis:

Staphylococcal folliculitis is treated by taking antibacterial drugs orally (cephalexin, diclosacillin, erythromycin, etc.). The antibiotic is selected based on the results of tests for the sensitivity of the pathogen to the drugs. Antibiotic ointments are used externally.

Pseudomonas folliculitis is treated according to a similar scheme. In severe cases, antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin is indicated.

For bacterial folliculitis, which is caused by gram-negative bacteria, drugs based on benzoyl peroxide are used.

Folliculitis of fungal origin is treated with the use of antimycotic agents - terbinafine, iracanozole, fluconazole.

Herpetic folliculitis is treated with acyclovir.

It is not recommended to wash affected skin with water. Taking a hot shower and visiting the bathhouse is strictly prohibited.

Diet for folliculitis

If folliculitis occurs, a change in diet is required, subject to the following rules:

Folk remedies for treating folliculitis

The use of folk remedies can supplement the treatment of folliculitis.

Common traditional medicine recipes:

Fresh plantain juice is used to treat damaged areas of the skin.

Decoction of rose hips and viburnum: 200 g each. viburnum berries and rose hips, 100 gr. dried nettles, 10 gr. green nut shells, 50 gr. homemade cottage cheese and honey, 0.5 liters of water. Combine viburnum and rose hips with nettles and nut shells, pour boiling water over them and leave for 10 minutes over low heat. Infuse the mixture for 24 hours, then strain. Make a mixture of cottage cheese and honey and add 100 g. prepared decoction. Apply the resulting mixture to the skin affected by folliculitis for half an hour.

Pour 50 g of dry spiny root into 0.5 liters of water and cook for 30 minutes. Leave for 2 hours. The decoction is used in the form of baths and compresses.

Regularly lubricate the affected areas of the skin with chamomile decoction to relieve inflammation.

The flowers of the tenacious bedstraw are dried, ground into powder, diluted with a small amount of water to form a paste, and applied to damaged areas of the skin.

Take dandelion herbal decoction orally. Prepared from roots and leaves: pour 50 grams of boiling water over a glass. dried leaves and boil. Strain the broth and take 50 grams throughout the day.

Steam 1 tbsp in 1 glass of boiling water. l. white clasp, leave for 5 minutes and take 1 glass twice a day.

Apply a mixture of green woodruff mass to the affected area of skin under a bandage. Change the bandage 2 times a day.

Take burdock decoction orally. To prepare the decoction you need 50 g. Boil the crushed root of the plant in 500 g. water for 10 minutes, leave for an hour, strain. Take 50 g. during the day.

Causes of folliculitis

Folliculitis is a pathological condition of the skin caused by exposure to staphylococcus and other bacteria. The occurrence of folliculitis is influenced by the presence of skin damage: cracks, wounds and scratches that have not been treated with antibacterial agents. The pathogens enter the hair follicle when the skin is damaged or when hair is removed. Infection often occurs when personal hygiene rules are not followed.

The development of the disease is provoked by the following factors:

hypothermia;
skin damage;
taking antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids;
exposure to chemicals;
increased sweating;
tight-fitting clothing;
malnutrition;
avitaminosis;
decreased immunity.

In addition, the following diseases affect the occurrence of folliculitis:

The risk group includes:

Folliculitis in children

The disease is dangerous for infants. The disease manifests itself in the form of blisters that appear on the skin; inside the formations there is a light or bloody liquid. As a rule, children develop fungal folliculitis of the scalp, which is characterized by the formation of flat white plaques on the skin with a border around it.

Inflammation of the hair follicle in children occurs for several reasons:

improper skin hygiene;
unstable immunological barrier;
HIV transmitted from the mother;
accompanying illnesses.

In children, the disease occurs in a complex form due to the body’s inability to fight the inflammatory process (clinical signs are intense). But the child’s hair suffers less loss (this does not apply to adolescence) - after the inflammation subsides, the skin quickly recovers.

Complications of folliculitis

If the disease is not treated when the first symptoms appear, complications develop.

Furuncle

Necrosis of the sebaceous gland and adjacent tissues occurs. A painful lump appears on the head, face or pubic area with a softening area in the center. With multiple localization we are talking about furunculosis.

Carbuncle

Neighboring follicles undergo necrotization with the formation of a necrotic core. Characterized by pain, swelling, and fever.

Abscess

With the further course of the inflammatory process, total purulent melting of the tissue occurs with the formation of a cavity. The abscess is delimited from surrounding tissues by an inflammatory capsule.

Phlegmon

Pus spreads beyond the capsule to the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Unlike an abscess, the purulent process is not limited and is prone to further spread. The course of the disease is sometimes severe and requires urgent surgical intervention.

Classification of folliculitis

Depending on the degree of damage to the skin:

Depending on the reason:

Staphylococcal: classic look. The causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus, which is present on the skin and causes purulent inflammation when it penetrates the hair follicle.

Acne: damage to the upper layer of skin occurs due to the development of syphilis. The follicles have a pale red tint after they appear on the body. Without treating the pathogen (syphilis), it is impossible to eliminate the pathology.

Gram-negative: develops against the background of prolonged use of antibiotics. Suppression of gram-positive microflora (including staphylococcus) occurs. Klebsiella, Escherichia, Serratia and other representatives of gram-negative flora multiply on the skin. Outwardly, this type of folliculitis resembles acne.

Professional: damage occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals. In this case, the forearm and the back of the hands are affected.

Candidiasis: develops in severely bedridden patients with a severe decrease in immunity, with massive hormone therapy, and the use of occlusive dressings.

Gonorrheal: occurs due to untreated gonorrhea.

Pseudomonas: occurs after high-temperature water procedures, with insufficient chlorination of water and when swimming in dirty reservoirs.

Eosinophilic: Appears as a papular rash on the head, trunk and limbs. This type of folliculitis accompanies HIV and is considered a marker.

Herpetic: localized in men in the area of the nasolabial triangle and chin and occurs after shaving.

Depending on the number of pustules:

single - when one nodule is inflamed, it goes away on its own within a week, leaving no traces behind;
plural.

Diagnosis of folliculitis

Based on the presence of a rash with a characteristic localization on the head, face and limbs with pustules in the follicular ostia, the doctor makes a diagnosis after examining the patient. If necessary, microscopy of the purulent contents of the pustules is prescribed, culture on a nutrient medium with a test for sensitivity to antibiotics.

Diagnostics includes:

hair follicle examination;
identifying the pathogen that caused the inflammation;
exclusion of syphilis, gonorrhea;
identifying other diseases that provoke the development of inflammation.

During the diagnostic process, it is also important to distinguish folliculitis from other skin diseases:

pityriasis rosea;
acne;
perifolliculitis;
toxicoderma;
furunculosis;
inflammation of the follicles of a non-infectious nature;
follicular keratosis.

Prognosis for folliculitis

As a rule, in adults, the course of folliculitis is mild if personal hygiene measures are observed. At the same time, folliculitis in children becomes a dangerous disease, since the disease provokes the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the baby’s body: nephritis, meningitis and pneumonia.

The child’s body reacts sharply to inflammatory processes. Therefore, at the first manifestations of skin diseases, you need to consult a doctor to prevent unwanted consequences.

Prevention of folliculitis

To prevent relapses of the disease, long walks in the fresh air, good sleep, a balanced diet and personal hygiene are recommended. If microtraumas of the skin occur, the site of injury needs to be treated with an antiseptic. If you notice the formation of a pustular rash, it is not recommended to try to treat it yourself; consult a doctor.

To prevent folliculitis you need to follow the simplest rules:

Do not use other people's towels, washcloths, hygiene products and other bath accessories.

To prevent illness, try to avoid traumatic injuries to the skin, as well as damage caused by wearing too tight underwear and clothing.

You need to wash your face with cool water, this will reduce the secretion of sebum and help prevent the onset of the inflammatory process.

When shaving, it is better to give preference to an electric razor.

If you have diabetes, you need to undergo periodic examinations at the clinic.

When visiting a sauna or swimming pool, be interested in the pH level of the water and the degree of chlorination. To prevent folliculitis, it is desirable that the proportion of chlorine in the water is at least half a gram per liter, and the pH does not fall below 8. Only this ensures that there are no conditions for the proliferation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, and therefore reduces the risk of infection.

When folliculitis worsens, it is better to avoid swimming in open water, pools or saunas.

Questions and answers on the topic "Folliculitis"

Question:Hello! A year ago I went to Thailand, I was 20 weeks pregnant. Hair on the legs began to grow heavily there, inflammation and small spots of red and bluish color appeared. Not a very aesthetic picture. I did not change the hair removal method. Initially, I sinned due to changes in hormonal levels. I consulted with doctors, but didn’t hear anything sensible. And only now I realized that it was folliculitis. Please advise how to save yourself in such cases?

Answer: Read the previous answer.

Question:Hello. I am 51 years old. The skin on the body is clean, there have always been acne problems on the face since childhood in the area of the nose, mustache, and chin. Now they happen, but not so often. When I treated the gastrointestinal tract there was no improvement. In 2011, I was treated for pyelonephritis, the rash went away (I took antibiotics). But it all started again.

Answer: Hello. I recommend that you consult a qualified dermatologist to clarify the diagnosis. Unfortunately, it is impossible to clarify the diagnosis in absentia, and the formation of folliculitis can be characteristic of several diseases; there cannot be a universal approach to treatment.

Question:Hello. Constant itching and inflammation of the hair follicles on the left side of the head for three years. I went to a dermatologist at the local clinic and received a blood transfusion. Did not help. The diagnostic center prescribed Zinerit solution, Momat cream, and Keto plus shampoo. I was treated for 6 weeks. After stopping the treatment, about a week later it all started again. I tried not washing my hair - it was even worse. There are problems with the gastrointestinal tract. He underwent a course of antibiotic treatment. 4 months have passed. The problems remain. What to do?

Answer: Hello. Folliculitis is a bacterial inflammation of the hair follicles. It usually heals quite quickly. But if there are diseases of the endocrine system or immunodeficiency states, then the root cause must first be eliminated, on the basis of which this process endlessly recurs. Without the data from your examination, I cannot say for what reason the treatment in your case is not effective.

Question:Hello. My son is 6 months old. About a week ago he developed what looked like dry pus in one nostril. We visited an ENT doctor and told us it was folliculitis. They prescribed hyoxyzone ointment and sinomarin drops. But the doctor said that a maximum of 3-5 days. Please tell me what folliculitis is in general and what can you advise? We have been using these medications for 4 days now, and there are no significant changes yet.

Answer: Hello. Folliculitis is purulent inflammation of the hair follicle. Try using aquamaris ointment with dexpanthenol.