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Folliculitis
Alternative Names - Barber's Itch, Tinea Barbae, or Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles (hair pores). Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph). Read about Skin Infections & MRSA.
Folliculitis usually affects the face, scalp, trunk and legs, but may occur anywhere on the skin. The hair follicles are surrounded by either small pockets of pus or small red lumps.
Symptoms of Folliculitis
Common symptoms include a rash, itching, and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle in the neck, groin, or genital area. The pimples may crust over.
Treatment of Folliculitis
In mild cases, antiseptic wash and antibiotic creams can eliminate the problem. The treatment may include antibiotics applied to the skin (mupirocin) or taken by mouth (dicloxacillin), or antifungal medications to control the infection. Antibiotic pills are usually needed for extensive or severe cases. Folliculitis usually responds well to treatment, but may recur.
When the infection affects several hair follicles and the adjacent tissue, it is called a furuncle or boil. Surgical drainage of the pus may have to be carried out besides antibiotic pills.
Possible Complications of Folliculitis
Folliculitis may return or infection may spread to other body areas.
Prevention of Folliculitis
- Keep the area clean
- Reduce friction from clothing
- Avoid contaminated clothing and washcloths
- Avoid shaving the area if possible
Barber's Itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. To prevent further damage to the hair follicles and infection, avoid shaving the area if possible. If shaving is necessary, use a clean new razor blade or an electric razor each time.
Tinea Barbae is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus.
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is a disorder occurring primarily in black men. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation.
References:
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
October 2006
http://medlineplus.gov