Common Skin Concerns: Folliculitis

Overview

Folliculitis can be commonly known as razor bumps, hot tub rash and barber’s itch and is common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.

Folliculitis can occur on your skin wherever hair grows. It’s most likely to occur on your thighs, buttocks, neck, genitals, chest, back, head, and armpits — places where friction is common. It usually appears as small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles. It may look like acne or a rash. It can be isolated to one hair follicle or affect many.

This condition can affect your self-esteem, confidence and some people find it embarrassing.

This diagram shows how Folliculitis is developed:

Symptoms

Folliculitis signs and symptoms include:

  • Clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples that develop around hair follicles
  • Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over
  • Itchy, burning skin
  • Painful, tender skin
  • A large swollen bump or mass
  • Permanent hair loss and scarring

Types of Folliculitis

The two main types of folliculitis are superficial and deep. The superficial type involves part of the follicle, and the deep type involves the entire follicle and is usually more severe.

  • Bacterial Folliculitis are itchy, white, pus-filled bumps. Staph bacteria live on the skin all the time, however they can cause problems if they enter the body through a wound. It occurs when hair follicles become infected with bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus (staph).
  • Hot tub Folliculitis (Pseudomonas Folliculitis) can develop in a rash of red, round and itchy bumps a couple of days after exposure to the bacteria that causes it. It can happen within hours to a few days after bathing in warm water, e.g. in a spa pool, jacuzzi, etc. It is caused by pseudomonas bacteria, which is found in many places, including spa pools and heated pools in which the chlorine and pH levels aren’t well-regulated.
  • Razor bumps (Pseudo folliculitis Barbae) is caused by ingrown hairs. It mainly affects men who shave too close and is most noticeable on the face and neck. It can occur in other areas of the body too. This condition may leave dark raised scars.
  • Pityrosporum Folliculitis (or Malassezia folliculitis) produces chronic, red, itchy pustules on the back and chest and sometimes on the neck, shoulders, upper arms and face. This type is caused by a yeast infection.

Examples

Folliculitis Barbae

Folliculitis Barbae

Folliculitis Barbae

How To Treat Folliculitis

Facial Peels

There are three main types of treatment for skin peeling – Chemical Peels, Herbal Peels and Carbon Laser Peels.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal is a fast, effective, virtually painless way to get permanent hair reduction and makes waxing and shaving a thing of the past.

folliculitis product environ

Environ Skin Care

Environ uses a range of effective and proven vitamins and peptides to keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

folliculitis treatment cover image

Mesoestetic

Mesoestetic was born from years of research and supported by proven results, from the most demanding skincare experts. They believe that inter-disciplinary treatments provide limitless therapeutic approaches to target every skin need because Mesoestetic are scientists of beauty and this is what makes them unique.

Book a free consultation today!