Folliculitis

The hair follicle is a dynamic organ that resides in the dermal layer of our skin and is made of 20 different cell types, and each of these cells has distinct functions. The hair follicles with interaction between hormones, the immune cells and neuropeptide are responsible for hair growth. The hair follicle is like a cavity from which the hair emerges. The hair follicles are also connected to sebaceous glands. These are glands that secrete sebum or an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin of mammals.

Folliculitis occurs when one or more hair follicle or cavity gets infected by bacteria commonly Staphylococcus aureus, or by fungal infection or other viruses. These infections causes the hair follicle to get inflamed causing a red bump which can also contain pus.Though it is not life threatening or rather harmless but at times it could lead to some complications like furunculosis, which is boils that occur under the skin. There can be scars or dark pigmentation affecting the skin. Excessive spread of Folliculitis could impair hair growth or at times cause baldness if not treated. There are several factors that can lead to Folliculitis. Folliculitis can be caused due to improper shaving, wearing too tight clothing, not having a good shower and scrub post excessive sweating. People with excessive oily skin are most likely to be Folliculitis prone. Waxing, excessive use of body lotions that clog the pores too can lead to an outbreak of Folliculitis. Generally Folliculitis is treated with topical antibiotic cream, oral antibiotics, topical antifungal cream oral antifungal etc.

By: Madhuchanda Saxena

Content: https://www.healthline.com/health/folliculitis