folliculitis inflammation of the hair follicle

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)