Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles or where hair grows. This condition is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.While often harmless, folliculitis can worsen and cause permanent hair loss.
Follicles are found almost all over the body. Therefore, folliculitis can occur in any part of the body. However, in the majority of cases, folliculitis appears on the neck, thighs, armpits, and buttocks. 
Folliculitis is generally not contagious. However, folliculitis caused by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus can infect other people.
Causes of Folliculitis
Folliculitis is divided into two main types, namely: superficial folliculitis and deep folliculitis. Each type has a different cause. Here is the explanation:
Superficial folliculitis
Superficial folliculitis is a type of folliculitis that damages part of the hair follicle. Superficial folliculitis subdivided into:
- Bacterial folliculitis, caused by bacterial infections, especially Staphylococcus
- Pseudomonas folliculitis or hot tub folliculitis, caused by bacterial infection Pseudomonas
- Pityrosporum folliculitis, which is caused by a fungal infection Malassezia
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae, caused by ingrown hair (ingrown hairs) in the beard area
Deep folliculitis
Deep folliculitis is a type of folliculitis that can damage the entire hair follicle. Based on the cause, deep folliculitis divided into several types, namely:
- sycosis barbae, caused by infection Staphylococcus aureus
- Gram-negative folliculitis, caused by long-term use of antibiotics to treat acne
- Boils (furuncles) or a collection of boils (carbuncles), caused by a bacterial infection Staphylococcus
- Eosinophilic folliculitis, whose cause is unknown, but usually attacks people with HIV/AIDS
It can be seen that folliculitis is generally caused by a bacterial infection Staphylococcus aureus. Actually, these bacteria are indeed found on the surface of the skin, and do not interfere with health. However, problems usually only arise when these bacteria enter the hair follicles through damaged skin surfaces.
Folliculitis Risk Factors
Folliculitis can happen to anyone, but people are more at risk for the following factors:
- Have acne
- Suffering from inflammation of the skin
- Soaking in a hot tub that is not well maintained
- Often wears clothes that do not absorb sweat, such as rubber gloves or shoes boots
- Often wears tight clothes
- Frequent shaving, including the use of the wrong razor, or waxing
- Suffering from a disease that lowers immunity, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or leukemia
- Using certain medications to treat acne, such as corticosteroid creams or long-term antibiotics
Symptoms of Folliculitis
Symptoms of folliculitis depend on its type and severity. But generally, folliculitis causes a number of the following complaints:
- Small red or pimple-like spots on the skin where hair grows
- Lumps filled with pus, may enlarge or burst
- Skin feels sore and sore
- Itching and burning sensation on the skin
- Hair in the inflamed area falls out
When to go to the doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms or signs above, especially if these complaints do not go away after a few days.
Folliculitis Diagnosis
The doctor will ask the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination of the patient's skin. Doctors can also perform dermoscopy, which is an examination of the skin using an instrument such as a microscope, to see the condition of the skin more clearly.
If the infection persists despite the patient's treatment, the doctor will perform a swab test on the infected skin or hair. This sample will then be examined in a laboratory to determine the cause of the infection.
In certain cases, the doctor may also take a tissue sample (biopsy) on the skin, to rule out other conditions.
Folliculitis Treatment
Folliculitis treatment methods will be tailored to the type and severity experienced. Some methods that doctors can use to treat folliculitis are:
Drugs
The doctor will prescribe antibiotics in the form of creams or pills if the folliculitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Meanwhile, to treat folliculitis caused by fungal infections, the doctor will give antifungal drugs in the form of creams, shampoos, or tablets.
In patients eosinophilic folliculitis mild, the doctor will suggest the use of steroid creams to relieve itching. Meanwhile, in patients who also suffer from HIV/AIDS, doctors will give antiretroviral drugs.
Operation
In patients who have large lumps, the doctor will perform minor surgery to remove the pus from the lump. This procedure does not leave much of a scar and will allow the patient to heal faster.
Laser therapy
If other methods fail and the folliculitis recurs, the doctor will remove the hair follicles with a laser. However, this method is expensive and will permanently remove hair in the treated area.
For patients with mild folliculitis, do the following to relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process:
- Clean the infected area with warm water and antibacterial soap. Make sure to always use clean clothes and towels.
- Soak a cloth in a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 cups of water, then place the cloth on the infected area of the body. If you don't have salt, you can replace it with white vinegar.
- Avoid shaving, scratching, or wearing clothes that are too tight on the infected area.
Complications of Folliculitis
Folliculitis is self-limiting and rarely causes more severe problems. However, there are some complications that may occur due to folliculitis, namely:
- Boil
- Spreading or recurring infection
- Permanent skin damage, can be in the form of scars or blackened skin
- Follicular damage and permanent baldness
Folliculitis Prevention
Folliculitis can be prevented by taking simple steps, such as:
- Keep your skin clean and moisturized, especially if you are prone to infections, such as diabetes.
- Use shaving cream before shaving, and apply moisturizing cream after shaving.
- Be sure to use a sharp, new razor every time you shave. If possible, use an electric shaver or a hair removal cream.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing to avoid friction between the skin and clothing.
- Use skin care products that keep skin moist but don't clog skin pores.
- Always use clean towels and do not share towels, razors, or other personal items with others.
- Avoid bathing in places where cleanliness is not guaranteed.
- Diligently wash your hands with clean water and soap.