Folliculitis symptoms and treatment. Folliculitis or purulent inflammation of the hair follicle - symptoms and treatment. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

In the structure of dermatological pathology, the most common are pustular diseases, among which there is folliculitis on the head. This condition cannot be called severe, but it can become a source of quite noticeable discomfort (aesthetic and physical).

Causes and mechanisms

The causative agent of folliculitis is primarily staphylococcus, which lives everywhere: on clothes and skin, household items, in living quarters and street dust. However, most healthy people the bulk are non-pathogenic strains. But pustular lesions of the scalp develop with the assistance of pathogenic species. But they also need presence unfavorable factors, reducing protective properties epithelium. These include:

• Hyperhidrosis.
• Dermatitis.
• Microtraumas (cuts, abrasions).
• Failure to comply with hygiene rules (skin contamination).
• The influence of chemicals.
• Immunodeficiencies.
• Diabetes.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Hypothermia and overheating.
• Taking medications (glucocorticoids, cytostatics).

Under such conditions, it is much easier for bacteria to penetrate into the mouths of the follicles and manifest their pathogenic properties there. As a result, an inflammatory reaction develops around the hair with the formation of pus. In addition to the coccal flora, Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungi and microbial associations may be involved in the development of folliculitis, although this happens much less frequently.

The causes of folliculitis are staphylococci, which, against the background of a decrease in local resistance, provoke inflammation in the hair follicles and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms

Folliculitis can be superficial or deep, which reflects the prevalence of the inflammatory process. However, the clinical signs of the pathology are very similar. First, a painful redness forms around the hair, quickly turning into a cone-shaped nodule, in the center of which a white spot forms. This is a pustule containing purulent exudate. The latter consists of leukocytes, dead bacteria and necrotic masses.

After a few days, the covering of the pustule dries out and forms a crust. With superficial folliculitis, it comes off without visible traces (only with subtle pigmentation), and with deep folliculitis, small scars remain. At the same time, the inflammatory process around the hair also subsides.

Scalp folliculitis does not have a tendency to spread peripherally or merge. Single or multiple pustules can occupy any area covered with hair, and can also be located on back surface neck. Often the disease becomes protracted and chronic.

Additional diagnostics

Folliculitis is detected by a doctor during an examination of the scalp. If the process persists, pus from the pustule is taken for examination (microscopy, culture, determination of sensitivity to antibiotics), a general blood test, biochemistry (glucose, hormones), and an immunogram are done. Consultation with a dermatologist is required; if indicated, related specialists (endocrinologist, immunologist).

The diagnostic program for folliculitis is not very diverse. In most cases, the main role is played by a medical examination.

Treatment

As with other diseases, treatment of scalp folliculitis should be comprehensive. Medicines with antimicrobial properties are of primary importance:

• Antiseptics (salicylic and boric alcohol, brilliant green, fucorcin).
• Antibacterial ointments and creams (erythromycin, Zenerit, Epiderm).

Abscesses cannot be squeezed out - the tire is carefully removed with a napkin moistened antiseptic solution. If fungal flora is identified as the causative agent, then appropriate drugs are used (for example, Nizoral). Shampoos containing vitamins, zinc and selenium, which improve skin condition, are recommended for washing hair.

The chronic course of the disease requires more active therapy. Then systemic antibiotics or antifungal agents (based on culture results) help cure folliculitis. And in addition to medicinal methods, others are used:

• UV irradiation.
• Laser therapy.
• Head massage.
• Mesotherapy.

A balanced and nutritious diet is of no small importance; the diet should contain enough vitamins and minerals. Some patients will also need to undergo correction common diseases negatively affecting the condition of the scalp. Your doctor will tell you how to treat folliculitis in a particular case.

The penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the hair follicles under conditions of reduced resistance leads to the development of folliculitis. This is a pustular pathology of the scalp, which is accompanied by the formation of pustules and can take a chronic course. Dermatologists treat her.

Folliculitis is an inflammatory infectious process in the upper parts of the hair follicle. A follicle is a hair follicle consisting directly of the hair root and surrounding tissues.

During folliculitis, a blister of pus forms in the hair follicle, surrounding the hair shaft and the sebaceous gland. Feeling the damaged pathological process the follicle causes painful sensations, the dense contents of the follicle are palpated.

• Violation of the integrity of the epidermis (after waxing, laser hair removal, shaving, mechanical irritation, etc.);
• Overheating and hypothermia;
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
• Immunodeficiency;
• Hyperhidrosis;
• Changes in the composition of the lipid film;
• Endocrinopathies;
• Somatopathies, visceropathy;
• Chronic intoxication;
• Hypovitaminosis;

The main causes of folliculitis are:

• bacteria that constantly live on the skin as part of opportunistic flora, mainly staphylococcus. Less common are gonorrheal, pseudomonas or syphilitic folliculitis.
• Candida fungi, dermatophytes or Pityrosporum.
• viruses molluscum contagiosum, herpes or herpes zoster,
• mites (scabies, demodicosis).

Each of us is a kind of passenger train transporting millions of microorganisms. Some of them are pathogenic.

They are what cause the disease itself. Studies have shown that it is not possible to isolate any one type of folliculitis pathogen.

Thus, those who suffer from fungal skin infections, demodicosis (mites), and various viral infections are more likely to get folliculitis.

Sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis and gonorrhea) can also cause bacterial skin lesions.

Classification

Folliculitis can be caused by various infectious agents, so the following types of disease are distinguished:

There are several classifications of such an unpleasant skin disease:

Exists a large number of types of folliculitis, according to external signs sometimes similar to others skin diseases. Therefore, it is better not to self-medicate, but to entrust the doctor with making an accurate diagnosis and prescribing therapeutic measures.

Candidal folliculitis

This type of inflammation of the hair follicles is characterized by purulent rashes on the skin caused by a fungal infection - yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Area of ​​distribution: armpits, groin area, face and head.

The main symptoms are redness of the skin in the area of ​​the hair follicle, in place of which a pustule forms, which subsequently opens, forming a wound or ulcer. In most cases, when timely treatment The rash goes away in about 2 weeks.

Acne syphilide

This type of folliculitis is the result of a disease such as syphilis. A distinctive feature of this diagnosis is the presence of groups of damaged areas of the skin - inflamed follicular sacs, usually pale red in color.

Treatment of syphilide is possible only after getting rid of the main cause of its occurrence - the diagnosis of syphilis.

Staphylococcal folliculitis

The name staphylococcal folliculitis speaks for itself. Its causative agent is staphylococcus, the most dangerous of which is aureus. The disease can affect adults and children, and the method of infection is usually airborne or contact.

Symptoms of this disease are the appearance of a purulent rash on the skin, which can be chronic. IN childhood There may be an increase in body temperature, weakness and deterioration in general health.

As a treatment, in addition to medical intervention, personal hygiene and nutritional correction may be recommended.

Pathology caused by dermatophytes

This pathology usually develops on the scalp and may be accompanied by damage to the hair shafts. It is caused by infection with dermatophytes - molds.

The disease in question is quite unpleasant. It is characterized by inflammation of the epidermis in the area of ​​the hair follicles with the formation of purulent pustules, which subsequently turn into ulcers - bleeding or with a crust formed.

There are folliculitis of staphylococcal origin:

As well as other etiologies:

By origin they are distinguished:

A big plus in favor timely diagnosis brings an impressive list of types of folliculitis. Those who believe in ignoring visits to the doctor should take a closer look:

Any bacteria or fungus can provoke the development of the disease. Folliculitis of the scalp has various shapes course, each of which has its own symptoms and treatment:

There are several types of folliculitis depending on the area affected. The disease can manifest itself in the following areas:

• on the body;
• on the face;
• on the neck;
• on the scalp;
• on the lower and upper extremities;
• V intimate area(on the pubis, genitals);
• on the back;
• on the buttocks;
• armpits.

Symptoms

Folliculitis begins with redness appearing in the area of ​​the follicle and infiltration begins. After this, its formation occurs - a conical-shaped pustule permeated with vellus hair, containing a purulent formation in the center. After it opens and is freed from pus, a small ulcer appears, covered with a purulent-bloody crust. In place of the disappeared crust, a scar appears or dark spot. More superficial types of disease can pass without a trace. The process of development and progression of inflammation of one follicle lasts up to 7 days.


Folliculitis most often has a multiple nature. Elements of folliculitis, as a rule, have their favorite location, namely on the hairy areas of the skin: legs (especially in women, due to depilation), in the thighs and legs, face, head, armpits, groin. The rash is accompanied by itching and pain of varying degrees of severity. In the absence of correct therapy and hygienic measures, folliculitis worsens due to the development of carbuncles, boils, abscess, hidradenitis and phlegmon.

Staphylococcal folliculitis typically occurs on the skin around the mouth and chin, where stubbly hair grows. Develops in men who shave their mustaches and beards. The disease becomes more complicated due to the development of sycosis.

Pseudomonas folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infectious skin disease that affects the hair follicle. It is characterized by purulent inflammation first of the superficial area of ​​the follicle, and with further development of the process - damage to the deeper layers.

The first symptom of Hoffmann's folliculitis is redness of the skin in the scalp area. Then a node begins to form, and in the tearing type, a tubercle with purulent contents.

After opening it and removing the fluid, a scar or area of ​​skin may remain, which will be characterized by dryness and lack of hair.

Typically, folliculitis begins with redness and swelling of the hair follicle area, with a hair located in the center. Gradually, a cone with purulent contents of white or yellow-green color forms around the hair.

There are:

ostiofolliculitis,

superficial folliculitis

and deep type of folliculitis of the scalp.

Symptoms of ostiofolliculitis of the scalp

Ostiofolliculitis (syn. impetigo staphylococcal Bockhart) is characterized by a small follicular superficial cone-shaped pustule with a diameter of 1–2 mm with a purulent head located at the mouth of the hair follicle.

Its center is pierced by a hair (which is not always distinguishable); a pink rim 1 mm wide is visible along the periphery. As a rule, ostiofolliculitis of the scalp is multiple in nature, localized on the face, trunk, and limbs.

After 3–5 days, the contents of the pustules shrink into crusts, which fall off without leaving a trace.

Symptoms of superficial folliculitis of the scalp

Superficial folliculitis of the scalp is noted only by a slightly larger size (0.5–0.7 mm in diameter) and depth of the lesion (covers up to 2/-; hair follicle).

The resulting pustule also has a cone-shaped shape, penetrated by hair, the erythematous zone around it is 2–3 mm, the pustule cover is dense, mild pain is possible, after opening the pustules and separating the pus, subjective sensations disappear.

The general condition is usually not affected.

Symptoms of deep folliculitis of the scalp

Folliculitis manifests itself in the form of pustules of medium size. These pimples are shaped like a cone.

There is almost always a reddish outline around the bubble, which indicates an inflammatory process. In most cases, a person does not experience any pain or itching.

The disease progresses within 2-5 days. After this, the blisters burst, the wound dries out, and at this stage itching and peeling are possible.

With internal folliculitis, dense subcutaneous pimples form and can cause pain. Such nodes also have a rim of inflammation, but it is less noticeable.

If you press on the formation, it bursts, releasing pus and an unpleasant odor. After this, the wound heals, forming a crust, but the most unpleasant and painful period for a person is the process of maturation of the subcutaneous nodes.

The external manifestations of folliculitis can vary greatly among patients. Depending on the state of immunity, several small pimples or hundreds of inflamed follicles may form on a person’s skin.

Some people develop small pustules with white or yellowish contents (pustules) several millimeters in size around the hair follicle, and the skin around them may be somewhat reddened.

This is usually what the superficial form of the disease looks like. It passes most quickly, after a few days they begin to dry out, in their place crusts and slightly darker areas of the skin form, which subsequently quickly disappear.

Such rashes are painless to the touch. A common complaint with a mild form of folliculitis is a cosmetic defect, which is what most patients consult a doctor with.

In a more serious form, where the deeper layers of the epidermis are affected, the symptoms are more pronounced and cause a lot of inconvenience to patients.

Painful nodules can reach one centimeter in length. A purulent blister with a hair in the middle is visible on the surface of the skin.

When you press on it, the contents easily come out, but usually such rashes dry up on their own within a few days and leave behind a crust.

Some patients experience itching and burning, and in some cases an increase in the nearest lymph nodes.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease is based on laboratory tests.

Diagnosis of folliculitis is based on an external examination and laboratory tests. Rashes with folliculitis are quite characteristic, so when studying appearance rash can be diagnosed.

Main characteristics of the rash:

• pustules or papules are located at the mouths of hair follicles;
• rims of hyperemia are observed around the papules;
• the rashes are located chaotically, located close to each other.

In addition, when making a diagnosis, it is necessary to collect an anamnesis, that is, it is necessary to find out how the disease began, what were the preceding and predisposing factors.

To identify the nature of the infectious agent, the following is prescribed:

1. Microscopic examination of a smear with Gram staining.
2. Bacterial culture of the contents of papules.
3. Sometimes a skin biopsy is required.
4. Blood test for sugar content. This study necessary for exclusion diabetes mellitus, which can provoke the development of folliculitis.

If folliculitis is suspected, differential diagnosis should be carried out, that is, it is necessary to exclude the presence of diseases that have similar symptoms. This:

• rosacea;
• inflammation of the follicles of a non-infectious nature;
• acne vulgaris;
• toxidermy of various origins;
• Follicular keratosis;
• Kirle disease;
• follicular form of lichen planus, etc.

When diagnosing folliculitis, it is recommended to examine the condition of the hair follicle; identify the pathogen that caused inflammation and infection; exclude specific causes and conditions of the disease (gonorrhea, syphilis); identification of associated diseases that may contribute to the processes infectious nature.

During a consultation with a dermatologist, the rashes are examined and dermatoscopy is performed, which can help the specialist find out the depth of damage to the follicle.

The doctor takes a sample of discharged pustules to examine it under a microscope, carry out bacterial culture, and check for the presence of mycosis and treponema pallidum. To exclude infectious diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis, specialists diagnose polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and anticardiolipin test (RPR).

If necessary, the patient is prescribed a blood test for glucose, an immunogram and other studies.
.

During the diagnostic process, it is also important to distinguish folliculitis from other diseases, such as: pityriasis rosea, perifolliculitis, furunculosis and others.

The patient can detect the first symptoms of folliculitis himself - the formation of pustules, ulcers, and itching of the skin. When visiting a doctor, the primary diagnostic method is an external examination of the patient - the symptoms of this disease are most often quite characteristic, which makes it possible to establish a diagnosis and select treatment methods.

In addition to the inspection, the following procedures are carried out:

• collection of anamnesis - medical history with a description of symptoms, complaints, dates of identification of signs of the disease;
• general blood test and determination of glucose levels;
• bacteriological culture and microscopic analysis of samples taken;
• biopsy;
• dermatoscopy;
• in some cases an immunogram may be required.

A similar series of procedures is necessary to establish the cause of folliculitis and differentiate it from other similar diseases - different types lichen, acne, keratosis pilaris, miliaria.

Diagnostic methods are mainly aimed at studying the purulent fluid from the nodules and determining the factor or microorganism that caused the formation of folliculitis, as well as detecting associated ailments. During diagnosis, the dermatologist must:

Diagnosis is carried out by a dermatologist after determining the cause of folliculitis. For the study they carry out

• inspection of rashes,
• dermatoscopy to determine the depth of the lesion,
• sowing the contents of the abscess.

If it is recurrent, blood sugar tests and consultation with an immunologist are indicated.

There is an opinion that such a disease is not dangerous - this is a misconception. It is very important to consult a specialist at the slightest sign; he will diagnose folliculitis of the scalp, determine the causes and treatment in accordance with the stage of the disease.

Timely medical therapy will help eliminate the disease faster.

If folliculitis appears, it is important to determine its causative agent, as well as possible diseases that can provoke its complication.

A dermatologist examines the patient, performs dermatoscopy, and samples the discharge from the pimple for examination. This analysis makes it possible to determine the nature of the disease and its causative agent; this method will help to select the correct treatment and therapy.

At the first signs of dermatological diseases, you should consult a dermatologist. The diagnosis is usually made by external examination, history taking and laboratory tests.

External manifestations in the form of pustules and pustules are a characteristic diagnostic marker and make it easy to identify folliculitis.

It is very important to establish the type of infection that led to the formation of folliculitis. To do this, the contents of the pustules are collected and bacteriological culture and microscopic analysis of the samples taken is carried out.

In order to exclude such serious illnesses, like gonorrhea and syphilis, it is necessary to carry out PCR diagnostics, which is based on studying the DNA of the pathogenic microorganism.

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe dermatoscopy, with which you can study in more detail the extent of damage to the hair follicle.

A blood glucose test is also a mandatory test, since folliculitis is often found in diabetic patients. In some situations, an immunogram is required if there is a suspicion of reduced immunity.

All diagnostic procedures make it possible to differentiate folliculitis from streptococcal impetigo, drug-induced toxicoderma, lichen, acne, follicular keratosis and miliaria.

Treatment

It is advisable to begin treatment of folliculitis at an early stage of the disease. For the superficial form of the disease, the following is carried out:

Cephalexin is used to treat staphylococcal folliculitis.

For staphylococcal folliculitis, an appointment is prescribed antibacterial drugs orally (cephalexin, erythromycin, diclosacillin, etc.)

The choice of antibiotic is based on the results of an analysis of the sensitivity of the pathogen to the drugs. Antibacterial ointments, for example Mupirocin, are used externally.

Pseudomonas folliculitis. The treatment regimen is basically the same. In severe cases, therapy with Ciprofloxacin is indicated.

For bacterial folliculitis caused by gram-negative bacteria, medications containing benzoyl peroxide are used topically.

Folliculitis of a fungal nature is treated with the use of antimycotic agents - Fluconazole, Itracanozole, Terbinafine.

For herpetic folliculitis, Acyclovir is prescribed.

For any form of folliculitis, you should avoid washing the affected skin with water. Visiting the sauna and taking hot baths is strictly prohibited.

Folk recipes can also be used to treat folliculitis; they are used as an addition to therapy selected by a doctor.

The patient is prescribed therapy appropriate to the etiology of his disease. Ointments and antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial folliculitis, antimycotic drugs for fungal folliculitis, and herpetic folliculitis is treated with acyclovir.

Local therapy in the form of treating lesions with brilliant green and other similar drugs is quite sufficient for the initial stage of the disease. To prevent infection of healthy areas of the skin, it is necessary to treat them with boric or salicylic alcohol. At the same time, UV therapy is prescribed.

In case of relapse, systemic treatment is prescribed. Dicloxacillin, cephalexin and erythromycin are used orally for staphylococcal folliculitis.

Severe forms of pseudomonas folliculitis are treated with ciprofloxacin. For candidal folliculitis, itraconazole and fluconazole are prescribed; for dermatophytic folliculitis, terbinafine is prescribed.

At the same time, therapy for immunodeficiency states or concomitant diabetes mellitus is carried out.
.

Prevention of folliculitis

Prevention of folliculitis consists of the need to eliminate factors that can provoke the disease. Also, for prevention purposes, you should use soap with an antiseptic effect and regularly treat the skin with benzoyl peroxide, which has excellent disinfecting and keratolytic properties.

If an accurate diagnosis of folliculitis is made, it is imperative to adhere to the doctor’s prescriptions. They will depend on the nature of the disease:

• bacterial folliculitis is treated with antibacterial ointments - Erythramecin or tablets intended for oral administration - Cephalexin and Dicloxacillin;
• fungal - antifungal agents, as a rule, such drugs include Flucanazole, Intraconazole and Bifonazole 1%;
• in the case of a gram-negative type of disease, attention should be paid to restoring immunity;
• in the presence of diabetes mellitus, special treatment methods are considered - a therapeutic diet, special medications.

For the treatment of folliculitis, brilliant green, fucarcin, salicylic acid, special lotions and creams from the Klerasil series can be prescribed. In case of severe forms of the disease, antibiotics from the “sulfonamide” group and compresses with ichthyol ointment may be prescribed.

In some cases, the state of health is reflected in a person’s skin, and, despite the fact that folliculitis is infectious in nature, its development can be facilitated by malfunctions of any body systems.

Therefore, it is important to promptly consult a doctor if you have suspicious symptoms, which will make it possible to maintain the health and aesthetic appeal of the skin.

Only etiotropic treatment of folliculitis turns out to be effective, which means it is aimed at destroying the pathogen.

Treatment of staphylococcal folliculitis involves local treatment of foci of the disease with bactroban, ioddicerin, chloramphenicol, miramistin, trimistin.

In disseminated and chronic cases Oral antibiotics and sulfonamides, antistaphylococcal gammaglobulin, and immunotherapy with levamisole are appropriate. Treatment will not be successful if the factors that provoke folliculitis are not eliminated, antiseptic soap (Safeguard) is not used, skin areas prone to the development of folliculitis are not wiped with chloramphenicol, and personal hygiene rules are not observed.

Fungal folliculitis requires the use of antifungal medications. Folliculitis caused by fungi of the genus Pityrosporum is more common in tropical and subtropical zones.

It is treated with ketoconazole, itraconazole orally and topical application of clotrimazole and miconazole. Candidiasis is eliminated, accordingly, with anti-candidiasis drugs (for example, fluconazole).

Pseudomonas folliculitis tends to develop after taking hot baths (37-40 ° C) with insufficiently chlorinated water. It is typical that the exclusion of such factors allows you to get rid of the defect within 7-10 days. If the case is severe, then ciprofloxacin will help.

Folliculitis can be easily treated at home, but consultation with a specialist is important. This is explained by the need to establish the origin of the pathology in order to prescribe specific treatment.

At home, it is important to maintain body hygiene; we strive to transfer existing chronic diseases into remission. It is strictly forbidden to squeeze out pustules or take hot baths.

For staphylococcal folliculitis, the following are appropriate:

For fungal folliculitis the following is prescribed:

For demodicosis the following is prescribed:

Pseudofoliculitis or inflammation of the follicles due to ingrown hairs is treated:

For eosinophilic folliculitis, the following are appropriate:

Pseudomonas folliculitis is treated with Ciprofloxacin, herpetic folliculitis with Acyclovir. Biseptol will be prescribed if folliculitis occurs due to the activity of gram-negative bacteria.

Treatment of folliculitis with folk remedies demonstrates sufficient effectiveness. The variety of folk remedies is wide, but it is better to discuss any of them with your doctor before starting use.

One-component products:

• oil tea tree— apply 3-4 times a day to lubricate affected areas of the skin;
• calendula decoction - pour 5 grams of calendula with a glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain; apply 3-4 times a day to lubricate affected areas of the skin;
• chamomile decoction - pour 20 grams of chamomile with a glass of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain; apply 3-4 times a day to lubricate affected areas of the skin;
• crushed thistle - crush the leaves of freshly picked thistle into a pulp, apply it to the affected areas several times a day, cover with a gauze bandage on top.

Multi-component products:

The information is for educational purposes only. Do not self-medicate; For all questions regarding the definition of the disease and methods of its treatment, consult your doctor.

EUROLAB is not responsible for the consequences caused by the use of information posted on the portal.

No matter how frivolous folliculitis may seem to you, it is necessary to treat it. The seemingly mild course of the disease can present its own surprises. Folliculitis can turn into a boil, complicated by inflammation of the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels.

Treatment of folliculitis depends on the clinical form:

Bacterial folliculitis

Locally: mupirocin (ointment), applied 2 times a day to the affected areas of the skin and nasal mucosa (typical localization of Staphylococcus aureus during carriage).

• dicloxacillin
• or cephalexin (adults 1-2 g/day in 4 divided doses for 10 days)
• or erythromycin, if the pathogen is sensitive to it (adults 1-2 g/day in four doses for 10 days).
• If the disease is caused by a strain resistant to methicillin, minocycline, 100 mg orally 2 times a day.

In most cases, the disease goes away on its own. In severe cases, ciprofloxacin is prescribed, 500 mg orally 2 times a day.

Folliculitis caused by gram-negative bacteria

Develops during treatment of acne vulgaris with antibiotics.

• Antibiotics are stopped.
• Topical: benzoyl peroxide.
• In some cases, ampicillin (250 mg orally 4 times a day) or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (80/400 mg orally 4 times a day) is prescribed. Isotretinoin.

Treatment of superficial folliculitis involves the use of 2% alcohol solutions aniline dyes (brilliant green, methylene blue, gentian violet), sanguiritrine, bactroban, 2–5% chloramphenicol.

The skin around the rash is wiped with 2% salicylic alcohol. For common forms, ultraviolet irradiation and polarized light are indicated.

Treatment for deep folliculitis usually includes

• antibiotic therapy (erythromycin, dicloxacillin, cephalexin, etc.).
• specific (staphylococcal antifagin, globulin) and nonspecific (tactivin, etc.) immunotherapy (for chronic course of the process),
• vitamins A, C, group B,
• UHF, UV, polarized light.
• Locally prescribed 20% ichthyol ointment(or pure ichthyol), when opening pustules - disinfectants and epithelizing agents (chlorophyllipt, sanguiritrin, bactroban, etc.).

It is necessary to follow a diet (limiting carbohydrates and fats), treating the surrounding healthy skin with 2% salicylic alcohol, calendula tincture, etc.

Fungal folliculitis

Locally: antifungal agents.

• for folliculitis caused by fungi of the genus Pityrosporum - itraconazole, 100 mg 2 times a day for 10-14 days;
• for dermatophytosis - terbinafine, 250 mg/day;
• for candidal folliculitis - fluconazole, 100 mg 2 times a day, or itraconazole, 100 mg 2 times a day, for 10-14 days.

Herpetic folliculitis

• Acyclovir, 400 mg orally 3 times a day for 7 days, or one of the new ones antiviral drugs(cm.).

Demodicosis

Ingrown hairs

• To cure it, it is enough to grow a beard. All other methods are ineffective.
• Tretinoin (solution for external use) and
• shaving creams that contain benzoyl peroxide (for example, Benzashave).

Prevention

• Elimination of provoking factors.
• It is recommended to use antiseptic soap or regularly treat the skin with benzoyl peroxide.

Treatment and symptoms of folliculitis Another name for this disease is Bockhart's impetigo. This is a common process.

The face, the surface of the skin of the chest, and limbs are often affected (more often on the hands). Multiple pointed yellow-white pustules the size of a pinhead appear, riddled with hair that may not always be visible.

Along the periphery, the elements are surrounded by a thin rim of hyperemia. After three or five days, the pustules regress, becoming covered with a crust, which falls off without leaving any traces.

The method of treatment will depend on the cause, if it is a bacterial infection - ointments and creams with antibiotics are used, herpes rashes are actively treated with ointment with acyclovir, fungicidal creams are indicated for fungal ones.

Under no circumstances should you squeeze out pus with your nails - this will only worsen the disease.

The initial stages of folliculitis can be treated with aniline dyes - brilliant green, fucorcin or iodine.

To prevent the spread of infection, healthy skin around the infected area is treated with salicylic alcohol or other antiseptics. For recurrent folliculitis, UV irradiation is used.

At severe course folliculitis requires therapy with oral antibiotics or antifungal agents in parallel with local skin treatment.

The prognosis for life and health is favorable, although with advanced folliculitis, scars may remain on the skin.

A large number of people treat this disease at home. The following effective recipes exist:

Not all cases of folliculitis require treatment. In many situations, small rashes go away on their own, without affecting the life and well-being of the patient.

However, in more severe cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor to prescribe the correct treatment regimen. It is important to exclude provoking factors that can lead to folliculitis.

The prognosis for folliculitis is positive in most situations. In case of deep ulcers, small scars may remain.

Timely contact with a doctor and correctly selected treatment will allow you to as soon as possible get rid of purulent rashes. Over time, the skin acquires a normal shade and even remaining cosmetic defects become barely noticeable.

Prevention

Folliculitis is a common occurrence in infants with improper care for the skin. For prevention in newborns, it is necessary to avoid overheating, carry out air baths, and daily bathing. Do not use adult detergents or shampoo to cleanse a child's skin.

Prevention of inflammation in women after laser hair removal and waxing comes down to avoiding thermal procedures and mechanical irritation of the treated area during the day.

In between procedures, treat the skin with anti-ingrown hair creams. After shaving - with antiseptic lotions.

Be sure to shower daily and do not overuse antibacterial soap. Follow general condition health.

The precautions that should be taken to prevent folliculitis are simple. Skin hygiene, timely healing of skin damage, water procedures with special attention areas with increased sweating.

Clothes should be comfortably loose, made from natural fabrics. In production, it is mandatory to use special clothing, gloves, take a shower, and wash with soap after each contact with fuels and lubricants.

People with severe hair growth on the skin should avoid using mercury and tar ointments.

Prevention measures for children are practically no different from prevention measures for adults. Additionally, we can recommend the use of special “anti-scratch” socks and mittens for the youngest children.

The main direction of preventing folliculitis is compliance with hygiene measures. It is very important to wear clean clothes and take a shower or bath.

After shaving, you should use special lotions that have disinfecting properties. You should not visit ponds with dirty water or swimming pools that are not properly disinfected.

It is also very important to control the intake of antibiotics and in no case exceed the dosage and duration of treatment. It is necessary to strengthen the immune system with the help of hardening or special medications and herbal preparations.

Post Views: 1,738

Folliculitis – dermatological infection upper layers of hair follicles (follicles). If left untreated, it penetrates into the deep layers of the hair root, which most often leads to baldness.

It occurs mainly in men, rarely in women or children. IN international classification diseases (ICD) - 10 is designated by code L73.9.

Most often, the causative agent of the disease penetrates through damage to the scalp, which often occurs due to trauma, dissection of the epidermis during itching, depilation, as well as during hair perm and other manipulations near the scalp.

Important! main reason development of folliculitis - non-compliance with hygiene rules.

The disease can also arise from a number of other reasons:

• Wearing synthetic items
• Long-term use of adhesive plaster
• Exposure to hot and humid environments
• Weak immunity
• Diabetes
• Excessive sweating
• Incorrect use of potent medications
• Long-term use of antibiotics.

Symptoms

At superficial folliculitis Pustules form on the hairline, which, as a rule, do not cause discomfort to the patient.

This type of disease develops within 3-4 days, after which the pustular formations dry out and are torn away from the surface of the skin, causing itching.

Deep form manifests itself by the appearance of nodular painful formations filled with yellowish-green pus. When pressed, pus with an unpleasant odor is released.

After a few days, the blisters dry out, turn into a crust and fall off, and the nodules gradually resolve. But often the pustules turn into boils, covering most of the head. This type of disease is dangerous for newborns.

Kinds

1. Hoffmann's undermining folliculitis– this is the name of the form of folliculitis, in which not only the hair follicle becomes inflamed, but also nearby tissues, thereby forming a large affected area. After healing of the places where there were abscesses, deep scars remain, and the follicles die completely, thereby leading the patient to hair loss and baldness. This pathology is quite rare, and its causes are still not fully known. It proceeds sluggishly and for a long time. More common in middle-aged men of African races.
2. Staphylococcal folliculitis appears when Staphylococcus bacteria infect the hair follicle. It can be superficial - it affects only the funnels of the follicle and deep - the inflammation penetrates inside the funnel. The deep form is often complicated by the formation of an abscess - a furuncle or carbuncle is formed. Often appears in places where shaving. Staphylococcal folliculitis is better known as common sycosis and passes without leaving any traces. In severe cases, hair follicles die and are replaced connective tissue– a scar is formed.
3. Decalcative folliculitis– refers to staphylococcal folliculitis, is a chronic disease. Leads to permanently affected areas of the scalp. It occurs on the scalp, face in men, temples, and rarely on the armpits and pubic area.
4. Candida– caused by fungi of the species Candida. It is expressed by swelling and redness in areas affected by fungi, and around the hair follicle there is a bright spot, which later turns into an abscess. Candidal folliculitis occurs for a number of reasons, most often due to skin injuries and weakened immunity.
5. Eosinophilic folliculitis observed in HIV-infected people, caused by viral infections or autoimmune processes.
6. Chronic form The disease is determined by the constant appearance of inflamed follicles. On examination, pustules are visible on different stages development - redness of the skin, ulcers filled with pus, and drying out crusts. Accompanies the patient with constant itching.

Photo

Treatment

How to cure folliculitis with:

• Superficial form. Treatment of this form of pathology is carried out by opening the pustules and removing the pus with a sterile cotton swab. Then lubricate with an antiseptic (diamond green, levomycin alcohol, Bactroban, methylene blue or fucorcin). Repeat disinfection 2-3 times a day until complete healing.
• deep form. Does not apply in this case antibacterial therapy– antibiotics should be discontinued as they weaken immune system. Treatment should consist of medications prescribed by a doctor, in particular, they will help: drugs to strengthen the immune system (netifagin), physiotherapeutic procedures (UV or UHF) and taking a complex of vitamins A and C. Unlike the superficial form, ulcers are not opened! You can use ichthyol or ichthyol ointment for folliculitis, applying 2-3 times a day to the inflamed part. The skin around the ulcers is treated with camphor alcohol or 2% salicylic acid. Do not wet with water until complete healing.

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis (at home).

Application of traditional medicine

Treatment with unconventional methods has long established itself among the people. It's really effective means against many diseases, including folliculitis.

But you need to be careful when using traditional recipes - they can cause allergic reactions. Before use, it is better to consult a doctor. Let's look at some of them:

• Tea tree oil- one of the most popular and effective means against this disease. Has an antiseptic and healing effect. Apply 3-4 times a day, smearing onto affected areas.
• Calendula decoction has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effect, accelerates healing. To prepare such a decoction, you will need to pour 5 grams of calendula into 250 ml of boiling water and leave for 20-30 minutes, then strain. Apply 3-4 times a day, moistening the affected areas.
• Chamomile decoction You can prepare 20 grams of dry chamomile with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for about half an hour and strain. Moisten the inflammation every 3-4 hours a day.
• Thistle, which contains many useful active substances, copes well with wound healing. For folliculitis, crushed fresh thistle is applied to the inflamed areas and covered with a sterile gauze bandage.
• Multi-component product from viburnum berries (200g), rose hips (200g), dried nettles (10g) and crushed walnut shells (10g). You will need 3 tbsp. Pour 300 ml of boiling water over the resulting dry mixture and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. Then pour into a container, close the lid and leave for 24 hours, then strain. Mix 50 grams of the resulting infusion with 1 tbsp. honey and 50 grams of cottage cheese. Apply the mixture to the ulcers, leaving for 20 minutes. This remedy is used only for superficial folliculitis.

Disease in children

Adults are more susceptible to this disease, but children are no exception. About 10% of children are diagnosed with folliculitis of the scalp.

According to statistics, this disease occurs at a young age in climatic zones with a hot, humid climate, where the weather contributes to the rapid spread of this infection.

Children's folliculitis no different from an adult, can also be superficial and deep.

Period of illness from the formation of redness to the drying out of the abscess and scarring of the damaged skin takes about 3-5 days.

On one's own Children should not open ulcers! Seek help from your doctor. Make sure your child doesn't scratch or pick them! This could lead to more severe form– abscess or boil formation.

It is recommended as an additional therapy to take vitamin complexes aimed at strengthening the immune system. It is necessary to ensure that the child’s scalp is dry and clean. It is forbidden to wash your hair with water until complete recovery. If your temperature rises, call an ambulance.

If you find yourself with folliculitis, consult a doctor. In 90% of cases, this disease does not pose a danger if treated in a timely manner. Even complicated forms of the disease, which are rarely observed, can be treated with proper complex therapy. And remember: any disease is easier to prevent than to treat! Maintain good hygiene and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Review of folliculitis in video:

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles that can develop into a bacterial or fungal infection. It usually appears as itchy, painful pustules that appear around one or more inflamed follicles. Folliculitis can be caused by various reasons and occur with to varying degrees severity, so there are quite a lot of treatment options. Whether you are dealing with a mild form of folliculitis or it has developed in full force, in our article you will find tips on how to restore your skin to health.

Steps

Treating mild folliculitis with home remedies

Wash yourself periodically with antibacterial soap. As a rule, mild folliculitis disappears on its own, but the process can be accelerated. Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap twice a day. Rinse off the soap with water and dry off clean dry towel.

• Wash carefully. Don't use harsh soaps or scrub your skin too hard - this can cause irritation and worsen inflammation and redness.
• If folliculitis occurs on your face, use an antibacterial soap labeled "for face." This soap is usually softer.

1. Try a simple salt water compress. Warm compresses (a cloth or other absorbent material soaked in warm water and placed on the affected area) soothe irritation, improve drainage, and speed healing. Salt, in turn, has antibacterial properties (although not very strong). A salt compress is made like this: dissolve a few tablespoons of regular table salt in 1-2 glasses of warm water, then dip a terry cloth or cotton ball and hold, gently pressing onto the affected area.

   • Use compresses twice a day - morning and evening.

2. Wet the affected area with a solution of warm water and aluminum acetate. Actually, aluminum acetate is famous for its astringent and antibacterial properties, and therefore is often used as a cheap and over-the-counter remedy for the treatment of various skin diseases (not very serious). Aluminum acetate can kill bacteria, causing inflammation, and reduce swelling in the affected area, which will reduce irritation and speed up recovery.

   • It is very simple to prepare such a solution: dilute one sachet of aluminum acetate in the recommended volume of warm water, then dip a clean terry cloth in there, let it get wet, then take it back, squeeze it a little and place it, carefully, on the affected area. Hold the cloth over the affected area, re-wetting it from time to time.
   • When finished, wash the container in which you prepared the solution, and rinse the napkin under cold water. Then wash the napkin in hot water and dry thoroughly so that no bacteria or fungus remains on it.

3. Use oatmeal. Believe it or not, oatmeal has long been used to treat skin diseases. Take an oatmeal bath or simply apply oatmeal lotion to the affected area. Enjoy the calming feeling that oatmeal will give you, but remember: do not overuse this remedy so as not to make it worse.

   • Be sure to gently dry the affected area with a clean towel.

4. Turn to holistic medicine and use vinegar. For folliculitis and other mild skin problems, there are many holistic or natural medicine options available. Some proponents of a holistic approach claim that these remedies will definitely help, although the medical community often has a different opinion. If you decide to try holistic methods, use common sense and do not use anything that may worsen your condition. You can take vinegar, about which a little more later.

   • Dilute 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts warm water and mix thoroughly. Then soak a clean terry cloth or small towel in the solution, wring it out and place it on the affected area. Keep the compress on for 5-10 minutes, re-wetting it as it dries.

   Drug treatment of folliculitis

   1. In serious cases, do not delay visiting your doctor. As a rule, this disease does not cause anything other than minor, albeit painful, irritation. However, like any other infection, if left untreated, folliculitis can develop into something more serious. If folliculitis does not go away on its own or you have more alarming symptoms symptoms such as fever or severe swelling and irritation, consult a doctor as soon as possible. It’s better to play it safe - a timely visit can save you money, nerves, and health.

      • You can first go to a therapist, who can also refer you to a dermatologist.
      • It is also worth seeing a doctor if folliculitis affects a large area.

   2. Use hydrocortisone ointments to relieve pain and itching. Such products are topical preparations designed to relieve skin irritation and relieve itching. Try a 1% hydrocortisone product - apply it 2-5 times a day directly to the affected area, gently rubbing in with clean fingers or a clean applicator. If you apply the product with your fingers, be sure to wash and dry your hands before doing so to avoid introducing bacteria.

      • Please note that hydrocortisone will relieve pain and inflammation, but will not kill bacteria.

   3. Use over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications. To help manage the pain and inflammation caused by folliculitis, try one of the appropriate over-the-counter remedies. Commonly available, inexpensive painkillers like aspirin or paracetamol can help relieve mild pain caused by folliculitis. Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can also help, not only relieving pain, but also temporarily reducing inflammation.

      • Do not give aspirin to children and teenagers unless directed by a doctor.
      • Although most over-the-counter pain relievers are harmless in small doses, overdosing or prolonged use (10 days or more) can sometimes lead to serious problems such as liver damage. Therefore, always follow the instructions for their use.

   4. In serious cases, take antibiotics. If home remedies don't help your folliculitis, you may need to treat the underlying bacterial infection with antibiotics. Antibiotic ointments can be purchased without a prescription. However, for oral antibiotics, you will need a prescription from your doctor. Never prescribe them to yourself.

      In case of fungal infection, use antifungal agents. As mentioned in the introduction to this article, sometimes folliculitis does not cause bacterial infection, but fungal. Accordingly, you will need an antifungal drug - topical or oral administration. As with antibiotics, mild ones can be purchased over the counter, but stronger ones may require a doctor's prescription.

      • Your doctor will determine whether your infection is bacterial or fungal and prescribe appropriate treatment.

   5. Contact a surgeon to open the ulcers and boils. In especially severe cases, folliculitis develops so much that purulent blisters and boils form. Then you need the help of a surgeon - he should open them, which will speed up the healing process and reduce the formation of scars. However, do not try to do this yourself: in the absence of sterile conditions, this is an almost guaranteed way to get re-infected.

   Prevention of folliculitis

   Do not shave the affected area. Folliculitis is often caused by irritation from shaving or dirty shaving materials. If folliculitis appears in an area that you regularly shave, take a break and don't shave for a while. Constant shaving will only cause additional irritation, and possibly spread the disease to other follicles.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Concept. Definition

Folliculitis refers to skin diseases and is a form of superficial pyoderma.

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the upper parts of the hair follicles. The inflammation that occurs with folliculitis is infectious. The mechanism of development of the disease is that first a papule is formed at the mouth of the follicle, then a pustule is formed, which is penetrated by hair in the center. The next stage is the formation of a crust in the follicle area. If the inflammatory process goes deeper and affects the entire follicle, and not just its upper section, then the disease is called sycosis. The disease has its favorite localization sites, which include parts of the body with an abundance of vellus hair. In this regard, folliculitis most often affects the extensor surfaces of the legs and arms, scalp heads.

Epidemiology. Statistical data

Folliculitis most often occurs in hot countries, where the climate is favorable for the development of inflammatory skin diseases. Also, this disease occurs more often in socially disadvantaged sections of society, which is facilitated by unsanitary living conditions.

Folliculitis is often of an occupational nature and is observed in people whose work involves constant exposure to reactive agents: gasoline, kerosene, tar, lubricating oils, etc.

Accurate statistics are not provided, since in most cases such patients rarely seek medical help, preferring to self-medicate. Doctors most often come to the attention of patients who have developed complications against the background of folliculitis: phlegmon, abscess or lymphadenitis.

Clinical symptoms of folliculitis

In the initial stage of the disease, redness of the skin in the area of ​​the inflamed follicles and moderate pain are noted. Simply put, pustules form on the skin around the hair. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, the inflammatory process progresses and causes the formation of an infiltrate in the affected area. The surface of the skin in the area of ​​the inflamed follicle takes on a cone-shaped or spherical shape, has yellowish color, which is associated with the accumulation of pus. After removing the covering of the pustule, pus is determined, after removal of which, an area of ​​saturated red color is visible.

The number of folliculitis may vary: from 1-2 to a huge value. In some cases, patients complain of severe itching in the area of ​​folliculitis. In severe cases, when the number of inflamed follicles is very large, the patient may experience an increase in lymph nodes (local).

Features of different types of folliculitis

There are many types of folliculitis, and therefore, from a practical point of view, it is advisable to consider separately the characteristics of each of them.

1. Staphylococcal folliculitis. Characteristic of areas where bristly hair grows (nasolabial triangle, chin). It occurs mainly in men who shave. In severe cases, when the death of hair follicles occurs, after the end of the inflammatory process, connective tissue scars are formed.


2. Candidal folliculitis. This type of folliculitis usually occurs under occlusive dressings. The risk of developing folliculitis increases with topical use of drugs from the group of corticosteroids under a bandage. Also, the risk of the disease is higher in bedridden patients and long-term feverish patients.


3. Herpetic folliculitis. Just like staphylococcal, it is more common in men who shave in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle and on the chin.


4. Acne syphilide. This type of folliculitis is a consequence of the disease syphilis. It is characterized by the fact that the inflamed follicles acquire a faded red color and, in some cases, are located in groups. Elimination of this pathology is possible only by treating the underlying disease with specific agents.
5. Pseudomonas folliculitis caused by the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This type of folliculitis is also known by another name - “hot bath” folliculitis, because it usually occurs after taking a bath in hot water that has not been sufficiently chlorinated.


6. Gram-negative folliculitis develops in immunocompromised patients who long time took antibacterial medications due to acne. It is characterized by the fact that the patient’s condition worsens sharply, which manifests itself in increased acne. Abscesses may form.


7. Folliculitis caused by dermatophytes. This infection typically begins with the upper layer of the epidermis, after which the inflammatory process seizes the mouths of the follicles, and then the hair shafts. A complication in this case is dermatophytosis of the scalp.


8. Folliculitis caused by fungi, belonging to the genus Pityrosporum, is characteristic of tropical and subtropical climates. It is characterized by an itchy rash of a monomorphic nature (papules and pustules), which is located at the mouths of the follicles. In such patients, scratching is found localized in the shoulders, back, face and neck.


9. Depilatory folliculitis of smooth skin- This is another type of disease that occurs mainly in hot countries. Middle-aged men are more susceptible to the disease. Also, this type of folliculitis is characterized by symmetry of the lesion. Inflamed follicles appear evenly on the skin of the lower extremities. After eliminating folliculitis, characteristic follicular scars remain on the skin.


10. Gonorrheal folliculitis is the most rare compared to other types of this disease. Its location is foreskin in men and the perineal area in women. Occurs with long-term and untreated gonorrhea. When examining the contents of pustules in such patients, gonococci are found in large quantities.


11. Occupational folliculitis develops in people of certain professions and is associated with exposure to irritating chemicals on the skin. With this type of disease, rashes are usually localized on the back of the hands, as well as on the extensor surfaces of the forearms.


12. Impetigo Bockhart(impetigo Bockhardt), despite its name, nevertheless belongs to the group of folliculitis. This produces hemispherical, superficial pustules that can range in size from a poppy seed to the size of a lentil. The pustules are permeated with vellus hair and are arranged in groups. The reason for the development of this folliculitis is increased sweating and maceration of the skin, which is a consequence of the use of warm compresses.


13. Tick-borne folliculitis. Develops after a tick bite, lasts longer than other varieties, requires specific treatment of the underlying disease (if the tick poses an epidemiological danger).


14. Eosinophilic folliculitis. It is observed only in an isolated group of patients (HIV-infected).

According to the degree of damage, folliculitis is divided into:

1. Superficial. This type is characterized by small pustules (2-5 mm in diameter). The pustules have a hemispherical or conical shape, are penetrated by hair in the central part, and are connected directly to the mouths of the hair funnels. Around the pustules there is a small inflammatory rim, colored pinkish-red. Pain may be completely absent or minimal. The duration of the disease is 2-3 days, after which the contents of the pustules turn into a brown crust. After the crust is rejected, areas of pigmentation and peeling may remain.
2. Deep folliculitis. This form is characterized by the formation of painful nodules of a dense consistency and red color on the skin. The size of the nodules can reach up to 10 mm, the pustule is penetrated by hair in the central part. After 3-5 days, the pustule dries out, resulting in a yellow crust.

Based on the number of inflamed follicles, the disease is classified into:

1. Single folliculitis;


2. Multiple folliculitis.

According to the flow, folliculitis is classified into:

1. Complicated;


2. Uncomplicated.

Causes of folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infectious disease, therefore it can be caused by pathogens of various kinds: bacteria, herpes viruses, fungi. Despite the fact that folliculitis is caused by certain pathogens, many other factors also play an important role. concomitant diseases. They are divided into two groups:
Exogenous (external) factors:

• Skin microtraumas;


• Skin contamination;


• Incorrect or untimely application of occlusive dressings;


• Climatic conditions (high humidity and ambient temperature);


• Habit of wearing tight or tight synthetic clothing;

Endogenous (internal) factors:

• Lack of adequate nutrition;


• Liver diseases;


• Treatment with drugs from the group of immunosuppressants;


• The use of glucocorticosteroids locally, especially under an occlusive dressing.

There are also a number of disorders in the body that indirectly contribute to the development of folliculitis. These include:

• Periodontal disease;




• Chronic tonsillitis ;


• Chronic pharyngitis;

All these conditions are characterized by the fact that they weaken immune protection the body, which becomes unable to provide adequate resistance to skin infections.

Complications of folliculitis

In most cases, folliculitis is mild and does not pose a real threat to human life. In some cases, complications may develop. As a rule, complications develop in the absence of adequate treatment, non-compliance with personal hygiene rules and insufficient immune response of the body.

Complications of folliculitis include:

• Furuncle (and this, in turn, can lead to the development of lymphadenitis and hidradenitis);


• Carbuncle;



• Dermatophytosis of the scalp (with folliculitis caused by dermatophytes);


• Formation of follicular scars.

In isolated cases, such severe complications against the background of folliculitis, such as nephritis, meningitis and severe forms of pneumonia.

Diagnostics

In the diagnosis of folliculitis important role allocated to examining the patient. The rash with folliculitis is quite characteristic and allows you to reliably establish the diagnosis. Additional examinations make it possible to establish the cause that led to the development of the disease.

Nature of the rash
Papules or pustules are characterized by the fact that they are located at the mouths of the hair follicles. There are rims of hyperemia around them. Most often, the inflamed follicles are located close to each other in a disorderly manner.

Anamnesis (information about the onset of the disease, predisposing and preceding factors) also plays a role in making a diagnosis.

To establish the nature of the disease, a microscopic analysis of the Gram smear and bacteriological culture of the contents of the pustules are performed. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed.

A blood test is also required to determine blood sugar levels in order to rule out undetected diabetes mellitus, which can also be the cause of the disease.

Differential diagnosis

If folliculitis is suspected, the doctor needs to conduct a differential diagnosis with other skin diseases that have similar manifestations. In this case, the task ahead will not be easy, since there are quite a lot of diseases with a similar course. These include:

• Inflammation of the hair follicles of a non-infectious nature;


• Rosacea;


• Acne vulgaris;


• Exposure to chemicals (chlorine);


• Toxicoderma of medicinal origin (lithium, corticosteroids, bromine preparations);


• Kirle's disease.


• Follicular keratosis;


• Diffuse neurodermatitis;


• Ingrown hairs;


• Vitamin deficiencies C and A;


• Devergie's disease;


• Lichen planus (follicular form);


• Discoid lupus erythematosus;



• Necrotic acne;


• Scurvy;


• Grover's disease.

Treatment

In the initial form of the disease, fairly simple but effective ways treatment of folliculitis. Treatment of pustules is carried out with 2% camphor or salicylic alcohol, 2% solution of brilliant green, fucorcin or a solution of methylene blue. Remember, you can only use 1% and 2% salicylic alcohol, high concentrations are excluded. Salicylic acid is part of the Klerasil series creams, gels and lotions specially created for the skin.

In cases where the folliculitis is deep and the accumulation of pus is significant, it is recommended to open the pustules, remove the pus, followed by treatment with one of the listed solutions.

Chronic recurrent forms of folliculitis require the use of stronger medications. In these cases, drugs from the sulfonamide group and antibiotics are prescribed. In this form, immunostimulating therapy is also indicated.

Ultraviolet irradiation has proven itself as a non-drug therapy for folliculitis. Suberythemal doses are prescribed every other day or daily. The general course is 6-10 exposures.

If folliculitis develops against the background of diabetes mellitus, then a corrective diet is additionally prescribed. When carbohydrate metabolism is normalized, the risk of relapse of the disease is greatly reduced.

Let's consider the treatment of special cases of folliculitis

Staphylococcal folliculitis

Mupirocin ointment is prescribed locally 2 times a day. Cephalexin, dicloxacillin, erythromycin or methicillin are prescribed internally. The antibiotic is selected based on the body’s specific sensitivity to antibacterial agents.

Pseudomonas folliculitis
In severe cases, nettle is prescribed - 100 grams. We also add nut shells, always green - 10 grams, fresh homemade cottage cheese - 50 grams, bee honey - 50 grams, water - 2 cups.
How to prepare a healing infusion? We take ripened and washed viburnum berries, as well as rose hips, and combine them with nettles and nut shells. Pour boiling water over the dry mixture and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. After this, the mixture should sit for 24 hours, then filter it. We have prepared the basis for future applications. When we begin treatment, we make a mixture of fresh cottage cheese and honey and add two tablespoons of decoction to them. Place the mixture of vorog with viburnum decoction on the affected area of ​​the skin 3 times a day for 20 minutes.

Chamomile decoction
Chamomile is a magician for relieving inflammation. Wash with its decoction, prepared in accordance with the instructions on the medicine box, at least three times a day. The same decoction can be applied to any other areas of the skin that show signs of folliculitis. Chamomile will remove inflammation from the skin and dry it.

Hot towel
To prevent staphylococcal folliculitis, use the old and proven folk method, it will help prevent the onset of the disease. After shaving, apply a damp, hot towel to your face for just a minute.

Dandelion officinalis
Such herbal infusion drink inside. It is prepared from the roots, or together with the leaves.
Pour one glass of boiling water into two, level teaspoons of small and well-dried leaves and boil for 10 minutes. Strain the broth and take 50 ml 4 times a day.

spinyleaf
We use spiny fox as an effective external folk remedy. Take 50 g of root and cook in half a liter of water for 30 minutes. Remove the broth from the heat and continue to steep for one hour, do not forget to strain. Used by patients for compresses, baths and soothing dressings.

Cleavers
Here we use flowers, that is, the above-ground part of the plant, as raw materials. Sprinkle the dried powder from the plant onto the sore spot under a medicinal bandage.

woodruff
Everything is very simple here: fresh, just prepared pulp from the leaves is applied topically under a medicinal bandage to the site of the abscess. Be sure to change the bandage 2 times a day.

Tatarnik prickly
This plant is also called thistle. As in the previous recipe, we use it topically, make a fresh paste from the leaves of the plant and apply it to the affected area.

Burdock
We drink the decoction internally. To do this, boil chopped burdock root (1 tablespoon) in 500 ml of water for 10 minutes, leave for 1 hour, filter. Take 50 ml 2 times a day.

Forecast

For folliculitis, the prognosis is considered favorable. With a significant depth of the lesion, foci of pigmentation may remain after the crust falls off. Complicated folliculitis is rare, but it is successfully treated by doctors.

Under favorable conditions, the pustule dries into a crust, which soon falls off, the infiltrate gradually resolves, and after 6-7 days, only pigmentation or, with a significant depth of the lesion, a scar remains in place of the former folliculitis.

Preventive measures

Preventive measures come down to a set of hygienic measures, timely and proper hair and skin care. In addition, each person should monitor their general level of health, since the factors contributing to this disease can be eliminated or prevented.
Stay healthy!
Before use, you should consult a specialist.