From the Guidelines
I cannot show you a picture of folliculitis as I don't have the capability to share images. Folliculitis is a common skin condition characterized by inflamed hair follicles that appear as small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles. These bumps may be filled with pus, can be itchy or tender, and commonly occur on the face, scalp, chest, back, buttocks, or extremities. If you're concerned you may have folliculitis, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. Treatment typically includes keeping the area clean with gentle soap, applying warm compresses, using over-the-counter antibacterial washes containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine, and avoiding shaving the affected area until healed. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment or cephalexin, as suggested by the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections 1. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become infected, most commonly by Staphylococcus bacteria, though other bacteria, fungi, or even inflammation from ingrown hairs can cause it, differing from furuncles which are infections of the hair follicle that extend into the subcutaneous tissue 1.
From the Research
Folliculitis Description
- Folliculitis is an inflammatory reaction in the superficial aspect of the hair follicle and can involve the follicular opening or the perifollicular hair follicles 2.
- The pilosebaceous unit of the follicle is divided into three compartments: the infundibulum, the isthmus, and the inferior segment 2.
- Clinically, the inflammation manifests as 1mm-wide vesicles, pustules, or papulopustules in acute cases; however, hyperkeratosis and keratotic plug formations are indicative of a chronic process 2.
Types of Folliculitis
- Bacterial folliculitis and boils are globally prevalent bacterial infections involving inflammation of the hair follicle and the perifollicular tissue 3.
- Pityrosporum folliculitis (PF) is a fungal acneiform disease of the hair follicles that often presents with pruritic papules and pustules on the upper body and face 4.
- Folliculitis decalvans leads to scarring alopecia through inflammatory destruction of the hair follicle 5.
Treatment Options
- Treatment with isotretinoin was the most successful oral treatment in achieving stable remission for folliculitis decalvans 5.
- Oral antifungals were the most successful treatment for Pityrosporum folliculitis, followed by topical antifungals 4.
- Comparative trials have not identified important differences in efficacy or safety outcomes between different oral antibiotics for treating bacterial folliculitis or boils 3.
Image of Folliculitis
- Unfortunately, there are no images provided in the given studies to show a picture of folliculitis.