Overview
You may have folliculitis and not even know it. In fact, this common skin ailment is often misdiagnosed and therefore mistreated. Look at our guide to causes, treatments and whether or not it is contagious.
Folliculitis is often mistaken for acne and then improperly treated. While acne is caused when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil, folliculitis occurs when the hair follicle becomes damaged and then inflamed.
Both ailments can produce similar red, painful bumps that may become filled with white pus. It’s no wonder many try acne medications on their folliculitis and then wonder why they do not see any results.
Who can get folliculitis?
Folliculitis is caused when the hair follicle becomes damaged. This can happen in several ways. One of the most common is when the hair follicle gets damaged during shaving. This is known as ‘pseudofolliculitis barbae’ or, more commonly as ‘razor burn’.
Why do hairs become ingrown?
Most people have experienced the painful red bumps that can appear after shaving. Most commonly referred to as ‘razor burn’, these small bumps result from hair that has failed to grow properly and become stuck under the skin’s surface. This is called ‘ingrown hair’ and can lead to a skin follicle infection.
Ingrown hairs are common in hair that is curly because the curl can cause the hair to grow into the skin rather than out. Clogged hair follicles can also make it difficult for hair to grow out of the skin and forces hair to grow sideways. Shaving too close to the skin can also cause hairs to become ingrown.
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Do you want smoother skin after shaving? Check out 11 Ways to Prevent Razor Burn
What triggers folliculitis?
Bacterial Folliculitis
Ingrown hairs aren’t the only way that shaving can cause folliculitis. Any cut in the skin can leave hair follicles susceptible to bacterial folliculitis. This type of folliculitis is characterized by itchy, red bumps filled with pus. This occurs when a staph bacteria that lives on the skin is able to cause an infection through a break in the skin.
Hot Tub Folliculitis
While many types of folliculitis are caused by damage to the hair follicle, others are simply spread by improper hygienic conditions such as ‘hot tub folliculitis or pseudomonas folliculitis.
This type of folliculitis is caused by the pseudomonas bacteria which lives in hot tubs that are not properly maintained. When the body is exposed to this bacteria, it can produce a rash of small red round spots in the area that the bathing suit was worn about 24-48 hours after exposure.
Avoiding hot tubs and heated pools where the ph and chlorine levels are not properly maintained and showering immediately after going in a hot tub can help prevent this type of folliculitis.
Pityrosporum Folliculitis
If you find your red bumps are appearing on your back, chest or arms you may have pityrosporum folliculitis. This type of folliculitis occurs when naturally occurring yeast bacteria gets under your skin and into the hair follicle. This can easily be mistaken for acne and also occur alongside acne as oily areas in the skin feed this type of bacteria.
Is Folliculitis Contagious?
While not all types of folliculitis are contagious, some can be. Some forms of folliculitis are caused through infectious agents and therefore can be transmitted through skin to skin contact. These agents can also be transmitted by sharing personal items such as razors, towels and face cloths. Swimming in poorly maintained hot tubs, whirlpools and heated pools can also spread folliculitis.
Is Folliculitis contagious to others?
Some type of folliculitis can spread from one person to other but not all folliculitis are contagious to others. Folliculitis caused by infectious agents can be spread by sharing personal stuff like razors, towels, or hot tubs. If you’re not careful, it can also spread from one part of the body to another.
How to Prevent Folliculitis
Folliculitis can be a by-product of our own vanity. Shaving, wearing tight clothes or using makeup can all cause this irritating and often embarrassing skin condition. Luckily, there are ways to help prevent these little red bumps from appearing and reappearing on your skin:
- Only use hot tubs and whirlpools that are well maintained and have good chlorine and ph levels
- Shower immediately after using a whirlpool, hot tub or heated swimming pool
- Wear clothing in breathable material
- Wear cotton underwear
- Bathe and shower with a mild soap daily
- Shower after exercise and after using chemicals
- Avoid sharing towels, face cloths or other personal items.
- Avoid putting oils on your skin which can trap bacteria in your pores
- Follow our tips for preventing razor burn
How to Treat Folliculitis
The method for treating folliculitis will depend on the type of folliculitis you have. Luckily mild folliculitis will usually heal itself at home within two weeks. Some ways to encourage this healing can be:
- Avoid scratching any bumps
- Avoid shaving any bumps
- Apply a warm compress to the area to soothe the inflamation
- Consider using a medicated shampoo if the affected area is in the scalp, around your beard or in the hairline
- Your folliculitis may require a prescription from your doctor. If your inflammation does not improve or gets worse, contact your healthcare professional.
- In some extreme cases, a laser hair removal is an option as it destroys the hair follicle.
When to Consult a doctor for folliculitis
Many skin conditions are hard to self-diagnose as they can all appear to have very similar symptoms. While making an appointment to see a dermatologist means lots of time, money, and suffering in silence, there is a better way.
Your Online Doctors gives you access to a medical doctor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Simply download our free app to be automatically connected to one of our doctors at the touch of a button.
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