How does folliculitis develop? Where does it occur?

Have you ever heard of folliculitis? No? Yet it is very likely that almost everyone has been affected at some point. In the following article, we explain what causes inflammation of the hair follicle and where it can occur: How does folliculitis develop? Where does it occur?

How does folliculitis develop?

Generally speaking, inflammation is always the body’s response to pathogens, and this response can vary in severity. In the case of folliculitis, a type of bacteria is responsible: so-called staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus). These bacteria occur naturally in food, in bodies of water—almost everywhere in nature. Many people (approx. 25%) also naturally carry this bacterium on their skin or in the upper respiratory tract.

The inflammation usually develops due to small injuries to the surface of the skin, as can occur when shaving, scratching, or even combing hair. Bacteria then enter through tiny wounds and cause a bacterial inflammation of the hair follicles. Dry or irritated skin in particular has weaker defenses, so bacteria can spread more easily there. However, a blockage of the hair follicle due to excess sebum production from heavy sweating or unsuitable skincare products can also promote inflammation.

Where does it occur?

Folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. The reason is easy to explain: the hair root lies beneath the surface of the skin and is, so to speak, enclosed by skin and tissue. Among other things, a sebaceous gland opens into this so-called hair follicle (also called a hair shaft). Folliculitis is an infection of this hair follicle, which is why the medical term is folliculitis.

This folliculitis always appears directly at the point where a hair emerges, forming a small reddish thickening around the hair or on the surrounding tissue. The affected area is often surrounded by a white or yellow-green pustule filled with pus. The chest and torso area as well as the scalp are most commonly affected.

How to manage folliculitis correctly

If treated early and with proper hygiene, the usually painful and itchy pustules heal very well. Treatment for folliculitis initially involves monitoring and applying an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory cream. In the case of an acute infection, or even at the first signs, the green drawing ointment can be applied, for example. With its 5-fold complete effect, it effectively helps with all symptoms of skin inflammation—redness, tightness, swelling, pain, and pus.

If the inflammation subsides again easily with its use, no further measures are necessary. If the inflammation spreads to the surrounding skin or if folliculitis recurs, a specialist should be consulted. This applies in particular if you have diabetes mellitus, as in most cases special medical treatment of the affected area or purulent inflammation may be necessary.

Even though we do not wish to cause alarm here, inflammation in general—especially prolonged or severe folliculitis—should be taken seriously. In the worst case, there is a risk of blood poisoning (sepsis); hair roots can also be permanently damaged, or hair loss may occur.

Did you like the article: How does folliculitis develop? Where does it occur? You can find more on the topic of inflammation in our Skin Journal and on ilon.de