Folliculitis:
Recognizing and treating hair follicle inflammation

Hair follicle inflammation, known as folliculitis, appears as small reddish thickenings at the point where a hair emerges from the skin. Usually, a yellow-green or whitish, purulent pustule surrounds the affected area. The corresponding spot is often painful and itchy.

When pustules and nodules develop around the hair, quick action is required to prevent the folliculitis from spreading.

Hair follicle inflammation.
Causes and signs of folliculitis.

Folliculitis is often caused by injuries to the skin surface, such as those that occur during shaving. Even the smallest cut, an abrasion, or the pulling of a hair can be enough for bacteria to penetrate the top layer of skin and cause the area around the hair follicle to become inflamed.

Another risk for the development of folliculitis is the blockage of the hair follicle due to overproduction by the sebaceous gland at the hair shaft. The accumulation of sebum favors infection with germs – especially if the affected person is prone to skin infections.

Various symptoms indicate hair follicle inflammation:

Reddened area around the hair
Small pus-filled pustule around the hair
Sensitivity to pressure

Hair follicle inflammation can affect any hair. It usually occurs on the face and neck, as well as the genital area, buttocks, scalp, legs, or arms. Not only is health affected, but those concerned also suffer from cosmetic problems. This is especially true in summer when large areas of skin are visible.

Treating folliculitis effectively –
with ilon Classic

Redness, swelling, or small foci of pus after shaving? The herbal ilon Classic has proven its worth: its effectiveness in treating folliculitis was confirmed in a dermatological study. It acts specifically against the causative bacteria, reduces inflammation, and significantly decreases the number of lesions.

Compared to iodine, ilon Classic impresses with its pleasant application – almost colorless on the skin and with a subtle fragrance.

Learn more

Source: Görne R. C. / Günnewich N. / Huber H. / Wallmen B. / Zimmermann C. (2023): Turpentine Ointment for the Treatment of Folliculitis, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, DOI: 10.1159/000535711

New study:
ilon Classic effective and well tolerated

A new comparative study has shown that ilon Classic represents an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for folliculitis. Compared to the placebo, the number of inflamed areas was reduced while healing was promoted.

ilon Classic thus offers an effective solution for people suffering from hair root inflammation.

ilon Classic – shows the highest response rate

Percentage of patients with a reduction in the number of lesions after 7 days

Hilde, R. C. G. N. G., & Wallmen, H. B. (2023). Turpentine Ointment for the Treatment of Folliculitis: An Open, Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-and Comparator-Controlled Multicenter Trial. Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 36, 259-266.

FAQ

Hair follicle inflammations

How does hair follicle inflammation develop?

The causes of this inflammation are bacterial. The main triggers are so-called staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus). This type of bacteria is found in food, bodies of water and in nature almost everywhere; around 25% of all people carry this bacterium on their skin or in their upper respiratory tract.

People with diabetes should consult a doctor, as they require special medical treatment for inflammation of the hair follicle.

What helps if you are constantly struggling with folliculitis?

If folliculitis is discovered more and more frequently, suitable precautions should be taken to avoid major skin problems. Initial approaches include, for example, the correct choice of clothing. Clothing that is too tight can lead to heavy sweating or chafing. Therefore, prefer loose and airy clothing. In addition, clothing should be washed at high temperatures, as this measure can kill most bacteria.

If symptoms persist, worsen, or if side effects occur, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.

What is a hair follicle?

The term hair follicle is a synonym for hair follicle and refers to the structures that anchor our hair in the skin.

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle, which is why it is also referred to as inflammation of the hair follicle in medical terminology. The inflammation is usually caused by small injuries to the skin surface, such as those that occur during shaving, through which bacteria can enter. Blockage of the hair follicle due to excessive sebum production can also—especially in people prone to skin infections—promote inflammation caused by germs.

Folliculitis appears at the point where a hair emerges as small reddish swellings on the skin; the affected area is often surrounded by a purulent white or yellow-green pustule. Other symptoms include sensitivity to pressure.

What is the difference between folliculitis and a carbuncle?

Folliculitis is an infection of the upper (outer) part of a hair follicle, whereas a carbuncle is a deep and very painful infection of several adjacent hair follicles. In principle, a doctor should always examine a carbuncle. Depending on the carbuncle, the doctor can then decide which therapy is best.

What is the difference between folliculitis and boils?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the upper (outer) part of a hair follicle, while a boil is a deep, painful inflammation of the hair follicle and the surrounding tissue. An abscess resulting from folliculitis (folliculitis) is therefore also referred to as a boil. Unlike folliculitis, a boil—and an abscess as well—must be examined by a doctor. Depending on the boil, the doctor can then decide which treatment is best.

Where can hair follicle inflammation occur?

In general, hair follicle inflammation can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. However, areas such as the chest and torso as well as the hair-bearing scalp are most commonly affected.

ilon® Classic Ointment. Active ingredients: larch turpentine, turpentine oil (maritime pine type), eucalyptus oil. A traditional herbal medicinal product for the treatment of mild, localised, purulent skin inflammation, such as small pus-filled nodules, inflamed hair follicles and inflamed sweat glands, based solely on long-standing use. Contains butylhydroxytoluene. (Information as of December 2024)

For information on risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Cesra Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Flugstraße 11, 76532 Baden-Baden

Folliculitis: Recognizing and treating hair follicle inflammation

Hair follicle inflammation. Causes and signs of folliculitis.

Treating folliculitis effectively – with ilon Classic

New study: ilon Classic effective and well tolerated