Folliculitis
- Represents the inflammation of the hair follicle
- May be infectious (caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites) or non-infectious
- The most common pathogen in infectious folliculitis is Staphylococcus Aureus
- Fungal folliculitis is caused by Malassezia furfur in most cases (also known as fungal acne and affects mainly chest, shoulders and back)
- The doctor can take a swab to test and check for the causative agent
- The clinical appearance is of pus filled bumps
- Management varies upon etiology
- Bacterial folliculitis is treated with antiseptic wash, topical or oral antibiotics
- Fungal acne requires oral antifungal
- Permethrin and oral ivermectin can be effective in Demodex folliculitis
- Causes of non-infectious folliculitis are: occlusion because of thick cosmetic products, ingrown hairs (especially on the beard, known as pseudofolliculitis barbae)