Have you heard of folliculitis treatment? This is treatment for a specific type of condition impacting the skin and which is known as folliculitis. This takes place upon the infection or inflammation of any hair follicle. The condition often resembles acne, beginning as red bumps on the skin, including the arms, face, legs and back. Mild occurrences may be treated at home itself while severe outbreaks require professional care from a dermatologist.
Learning More About Folliculitis
There are various symptoms of folliculitis and other reasons that you should know more about. There are various types of folliculitis depending on the organism causing the infection and the final effect on the skin. It may happen due to daily things like hot tub exposure, shaving, excessive sweating and so on. Some hair follicles may attract bacteria and other organisms leading to infections or inflammation. This leads to swollen hair follicles bulging and creating skin bumps.
Those with this condition may witness itching, irritation, skin redness or bumps. The condition may be seen in men, children, women and even infants.
Symptoms of Folliculitis and Reasons
The symptoms are red coloured bumps appearing on the skin which are quite similar to pimples in their appearance. They may also appear as white-filled spots that have pus. There could be frequent itchiness or discomfort as well. The reasons include frequent shaving, obesity, usage of oral antibiotics for sustained periods, those who have a history of managing diabetes, excessive sweating and the lack of suitable cleansing and sometimes hot tub/sauna treatments if proper hygiene is not maintained.Â
Testing and Diagnosis of Folliculitis
Folliculitis is mostly diagnosed with a physical examination done by the doctor. This may be done with an appointment and skincare specialists are not always required as well. The primary care doctor may be able to diagnose the condition and come up with a plan for treatment. Severe cases necessitate visits to the dermatologist. You will be asked about how much you are sweating, activities that lead to the same, your medication, lifestyle and shaving habits. You may also be referred to a dermatologist if you have a severe condition.Â
Folliculitis Treatment and Management
There are many treatment choices, based on the type of folliculitis that an individual is suffering from and the severity of the same. Specific types may require more intensive care and treatment while others may go away on their own accord. If it is milder folliculitis, then you may get home treatment itself. You may make use of anti-itching or other folliculitis treatment creams, apply warm towels to skin for some relief or use antibacterial skin cleansers.
In milder types of the condition, the symptoms may go away within a few days itself without any specific treatment. More severe folliculitis may require specialized oral folliculitis antibiotics for treatment of the condition as well. Bigger infections such as carbuncles or boils may require draining by the doctor as well, draining the pus and allowing healing of the area as well.
Sometimes doctors may recommend changes in your daily shaving practices as well. You may be asked to first soften your hair with hot water prior to shaving, shaving with the grain and not against the same and also using a shaving cream/gel. You may be asked to shave alternately instead of each day and use an electric razor or hair remover instead of the conventional blade. You should also avoid pulling on your skin while you are shaving.Â
FAQs
Can I prevent folliculitis from happening?Â
In several scenarios, you should endeavor to manage or prevent this condition from taking place by transforming your overall lifestyle. These infections usually come with yeast and bacteria getting into the follicles of the hair. By changing the self-care regime that you follow, you can keep folliculitis at bay. These include keeping your skin clean, restricting your shaving frequently, avoiding venturing into heated pools or hot tubs that seem lukewarm or less warm than required, removing and washing the swimsuit after getting out of the pool and using clothing that is breathable.Â
Can folliculitis recur?Â
Folliculitis may recur even after getting treatment for the condition if you do not follow suitable hygiene practices. You should always keep the skin clean before everything else. Finding out the trigger is also very essential in order to avoid these issues down the line.Â
Is a doctor needed for curing folliculitis?Â
Although several cases of folliculitis may be swiftly treated at home, with the potential to vanish within a few days or a week, you should not refrain from getting your doctor’s advice. A visit may do you good along with a quick examination by the doctor, letting you know whether you require any specialized treatment or can care for the condition at your home itself. Severe folliculitis will always have to be managed under your doctor’s advice. You may get oral antibiotics or medicines in this regard.Â
What are the folliculitis symptoms that should make me call the doctor?Â
Smaller medical procedures may also be needed in some extreme cases. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice a few symptoms. These include folliculitis that is spreading from the core area to other zones of the skin and body. If you notice spots which are painful or firm or any bumps with draining fluid, you should call your doctor right away. You should also call the doctor if you are experiencing chronic fatigue, chills, fevers and other types of symptoms.Â
