Preventing Inflammation Of Hair Follicles

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection which causes inflammation of the hair follicles. It occurs over a limited area only.

Any person of any age can be infected by folliculitis. But there are some people with certain medical conditions like diabetes, suppressed immune system, cancer patients, obese persons, people who do frequent shaving and excessive sweating, who are more prone to such condition.

Causes

It occurs in the area where there is some irritation like shaving area, friction due to clothes or between any body part and also due to rubbing from clothes.

Some skin infection can also be the cause for the same. Sometimes when a tape or bandage is removed from the skin it can also damage the hair follicles.

Areas Affected

Areas on the body that are mostly affected are scalp, beard area in men, legs, groin, and underarms in women. Buttocks and thighs are also affected due to sweating which can be caused by over walking.

Symptoms

In folliculitis, there is appearance of small pus filled bumps that appear on the hair follicle. They are pierced by ingrown hair. The skin around them is red and inflamed. These can be itchy too. It can be painful if the infection is deep. Otherwise it clears quickly with the treatment and no scars are left behind. Sometimes, deep folliculitis can cause severe skin infections, scaring and permanent hair loss too.

Prevention

One can keep in mind some simple things to avoid this folliculitis. Always shave in the same direction of the hair growth. Always use a new blade when shaving or use an electric shaver.

Never re-use your garments without washing. Avoid wearing too tight clothes. Use anti-bacterial soap during bathing. Never use deodorants and perfumes in the groin area because sweating can make the situation worst.

Consult the doctor if these measures are not giving any help. Otherwise they can cause every serious problem also.