Introduction
The hair folliculitis, or folliculitis, as the name suggests, is an inflammation of the hair roots. It usually manifests itself by a reddening around the hair. Depending on the severity, a yellowish, or white pus-filled pustule may already have formed.
The hair follicle inflammation can occur everywhere where hair grows. However, the hair follicle inflammation occurs more frequently in the area of the face, neck, buttocks and genital area and on the extremities. The risk is increased in all areas where straight body hair is removed by shaving. If hair follicle inflammation gets worse, it can develop into a boil or even an abscess.
Causes of hair follicle inflammation
The hair follicle inflammation is first of all caused by bacteria, above all Staphylococcus aureus, which occurs on the skin of most people. Usually it is harmless there, but if other factors are added, it can lead to an inflammation of the hair follicles. But also other pathogens, such as pseudomonads or even herpes viruses are possible causes.
An acute inflammation of the hair follicles usually occurs when manipulation, e.g. by squeezing out blackheads, allows the pathogens to pass under the skin. As further factors, which favor a hair follicle inflammation, counts above all shaving. On the one hand, the removal of the hair causes damage to the skin itself.
The resulting so-called micro-traumas can lead to a final ringing of the pathogens into the skin. Together with the resulting irritation, an inflammation of the hair follicle can easily develop. A further problem can be ingrown hairs.
These occur mainly during the removal of body hair and can become a problem there. On the one hand, this is due to the structure of the hair, on the other hand, the constant heat, especially in the genital area and the armpits, creates optimal conditions for the reproduction of skin germs. Even very hairy men have an increased risk of developing hair follicle inflammation, especially when sweating heavily in summer.
Since warmth and humidity promote the development of the hair follicle inflammation, one should also be careful when using care products. Too much or too greasy creams etc. can increase the problem. Also, acne in need of treatment, can lead to an increased incidence of hair follicle inflammation. An existing diabetes disease or a long-term therapy with cortisone increases the probability of folliculitis.
All articles in this series:
