Folliculitis Explained.

What is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is much like Tinea Capitis. The most common cause of this condition is by bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles. You might get infected in any part of your body where there are hair.

How do you get it?

The fungus Staph (Staphylococcus in full) is the main cause behind this disease. The main reason for contracting this fungus is

• You have a weak immune system.
• You have damaged your hair follicles.

Shaving or wearing clothes can irritate your hair follicles especially if you have sensitive skin. You can also get it during normal activities that result in

• Sweat
• Make up
• Pollution
• Chemicals

Once your damage or injure your hair follicle, you are exposed to contracting this bacteria.

What are the symptoms like?

This condition can occur anywhere in your body when you can find hair. However, it is most common in the areas with frequent physical contact. Folliculitis usually looks like red pimples growing on top of your hair follicles. Some of the pimples might have red pus and can irritate and itch.

Usually, it is easy for people to get this disease when they

• Use hot tubs, whirlpool or even swimming pool that is not treated.
• Wear tight clothing that can cause skin irritation.
• Are under antibiotics or steroid medications for a long duration.
• Use make up or cleanser that are not suitable for your skin.
• Have cuts or surgery near the hair follicles.

These bacteria is contagious and can spread through human contact.

How does it cause hair loss?

While most of the milder cases of Folliculitis won't cause many complications, if you do not treat it properly, it might spread and lead to

• Cellulitis
  This is a serious bacterial infection that can cause swelling and rashes to your skin that feels hot and tender. It's most common in your face, arms and legs and can spread rapidly. This bacterial infection can infect the tissues under your skin and spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.
• Furunculosis
  These are boils that develop under your skin. These boils usually start as small red bumps and will grow larger and more painful as it fills with pus.
• Scarring
  Without prompt treatment, folliculities can further degrade your skin leaving it patchy and looks darker than normal.
• Hair Follicle Destruction
  Prolonged fungal infection will lead to the destruction of the hair follicle and leads to permanent hair loss.

Treatment for Folliculitis

In milder cases, it will usually recover on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. You might use white vinegar or anti itching creams to relieve the condition. Medicated shampoos like ketaconozale are a good choice for your scalp. If you notice after 3 weeks that the infection remains, seek medical attention.

Your doctor will usually get you some

• Antibiotic or antifungal creams
• Oral antibiotic or antifungal pills for more difficult condition

It might take some time for some cases to treat this problem. If that's the case for you, follow the treatment promptly and take measures to prevent further developments of this problem.

Preventing from getting the disease.

Staying clean and maintaining a good hygiene is always a good way to prevent most types of infections. As for this case, try

• Shower daily with a mild antibacterial soap. Remember to take your bath as soon as possible after exercises and activities.
• Don't share your towels, personal hygiene utensils, clothing or anything that you have personally use with other people.
• Change a new towel each time you bathe and wear your clothes only once and then wash it.
• Don't scratch the infected areas as it might spread it to other areas.
• Don't shave the infected area, if you must, wash the shaver with antibacterial agent after every use.
• Use lighter perfumes as some contains chemicals that can irritate your skin.
• After using public hot tubs or spas, make sure your shower thoroughly with antibacterial soap and shampoo before leaving.
• Make sure you clean your hot tub after every use.

You don't really have to do that just to prevent from getting this disease, proper hygiene and self maintenance is the best way to secure you and your family from any bacterial infections. Make a good guideline to maintain a healthy and clean environment in your home.