Folliculitis: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Human disease}} |
{{short description|Human and animal disease of follicles}} |
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{{Infobox medical condition (new) |
{{Infobox medical condition (new) |
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| name = Folliculitis |
| name = Folliculitis |
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'''Folliculitis''' is the infection and [[inflammation]] of one or more [[hair follicle]]s. The condition may occur anywhere on hair-covered [[skin]]. The rash may appear as [[pimple]]s that come to white tips on the face, chest, back, arms, legs, buttocks, or head.<ref name="pmid31613534">{{cite book | vauthors = Winters RD, Mitchell M | title = Folliculitis in StatPearls| chapter = Folliculitis| date = 18 September 2019 | publisher = StatPearls| pmid = 31613534 |url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/}}</ref> |
'''Folliculitis''' is the infection and [[inflammation]] of one or more [[hair follicle]]s. The condition may occur anywhere on hair-covered [[skin]]. The rash may appear as [[pimple]]s that come to white tips on the face, chest, back, arms, legs, buttocks, or head.<ref name="pmid31613534">{{cite book | vauthors = Winters RD, Mitchell M | title = Folliculitis in StatPearls| chapter = Folliculitis| date = 18 September 2019 | publisher = StatPearls| pmid = 31613534 |url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/}}</ref> |
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Although [[acne]] can often involve superficial infection and inflammation of some hair follicles, the condition of those follicles is usually not called folliculitis, as that term is usually reserved for the separate set of [[nosology|disease entities]] comprising infected and inflamed hair follicles with causes other than acne.<!--This is worth explaining because otherwise the use of the terminology is confusing to dermatological laypersons, along the lines that "If the definition of folliculitis is infection and inflammation of hair follicles, then logically, how is acne *not* one of the causes of folliculitis, and how is folliculitis not a feature/finding in acne?" The answer is in a restriction of how the terminology is used that is not explicitly signaled.--> |
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== Signs and symptoms == |
== Signs and symptoms == |
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[[File:Histopathology of granulomatous folliculitis.jpg|thumb|[[Histopathology]] of folliculitis of unknown cause, with [[giant cell]]s surrounding a hair follicle |
[[File:Histopathology of granulomatous folliculitis.jpg|thumb|[[Histopathology]] of folliculitis of unknown cause, with [[giant cell]]s surrounding a hair follicle]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Rash]] (reddened skin area) |
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* [[ |
* [[Itch]]ing skin |
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* [[ |
* [[Pimple]]s or [[pustule]]s located around a hair or follicle; may be confused with [[Chickenpox|chicken pox]] |
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** |
** May crust over |
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** |
** Typically occur on neck, [[axilla|armpit]], or [[groin]] |
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** |
** May present as [[genital]] [[lesion]]s |
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* |
* Spreading from leg to arm to body through improper treatment with antibiotics |
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<gallery mode=packed heights=180px style="text-align:left"> |
<gallery mode=packed heights=180px style="text-align:left"> |
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File:Sebaceaous Hyperplasia Chronic folliculits Right Mid Chest.jpg |
File:Sebaceaous Hyperplasia Chronic folliculits Right Mid Chest.jpg|Chronic folliculitis surrounding central sebaceous hyperplasia, right mid-chest |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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===Complications=== |
===Complications=== |
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This condition can develop into a more severe skin condition, such as [[cellulitis]] or [[abscess]].<ref name="pmid31613534"/> |
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== Causes == |
== Causes == |
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Most [[carbuncle]]s, [[boil]]s, and other cases of folliculitis |
Most [[carbuncle]]s, [[boil]]s, and other cases of folliculitis are infected with ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]''.<ref name="pmid31613534"/> |
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| ⚫ | Folliculitis starts with the introduction of a skin [[pathogen]] to a hair follicle. Hair follicles can also be damaged by [[friction]] from [[clothing]], an insect bite,<ref name="NHS Direct">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bites-insect/Pages/Complications.aspx | title= NHS Direct | date= 19 October 2017 }}</ref> blockage of the follicle, [[shaving]], or [[braids]] that are very tight and close to the scalp. The damaged follicles are then infected by '' |
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| ⚫ | Folliculitis starts with the introduction of a skin [[pathogen]] to a hair follicle. Hair follicles can also be damaged by [[friction]] from [[clothing]], an insect bite,<ref name="NHS Direct">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bites-insect/Pages/Complications.aspx | title= NHS Direct | date= 19 October 2017 }}</ref> blockage of the follicle, [[shaving]], or [[braids]] that are very tight and close to the scalp. The damaged follicles are then infected by ''Staphylococcus'' spp. Folliculitis can affect people of all ages.{{cn|date=May 2021}} [[Iron-deficiency anemia]] is sometimes associated with chronic cases.{{cn|date=May 2021}} |
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[[Iron-deficiency anemia]] is sometimes associated with chronic cases.{{cn|date=May 2021}} |
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===Bacterial=== |
===Bacterial=== |
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* '' |
* ''Staphylococcus aureus'' folliculitis<ref name="pmid31613534"/> |
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* [[Hot-tub folliculitis]] is caused by the bacterium ''[[Pseudomonas aeruginosa]]''.<ref>{{MedlinePlusEncyclopedia|001460|Hot tub folliculitis}} |
* [[Hot-tub folliculitis]] is caused by the bacterium ''[[Pseudomonas aeruginosa]]''.<ref>{{MedlinePlusEncyclopedia|001460|Hot tub folliculitis}} |
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</ref> |
</ref> The folliculitis usually occurs after sitting in a hot tub that was not properly cleaned before use. Symptoms are found around the body parts that sit in the hot tub – the legs, hips, chest, [[buttocks]], and surrounding areas. Symptoms are amplified around regions that were covered by wet clothing, such as [[bathing suit]]s. |
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* [[Sycosis vulgaris]], sycosis barbae, or barber's itch is a staphylococcal infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. |
* [[Sycosis vulgaris]], sycosis barbae, or barber's itch is a staphylococcal infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. |
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* [[Gram-negative folliculitis]] may appear after prolonged acne treatment with antibiotics.<ref name="AAoD_gnf">{{cite web|url=http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/severeacne4types.html#3 |title=Severe Acne: 4 types |publisher=American Academy of Dermatology |access-date=December 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209090905/http://skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/severeacne4types.html |archive-date=February 9, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
* [[Gram-negative folliculitis]] may appear after prolonged acne treatment with antibiotics.<ref name="AAoD_gnf">{{cite web|url=http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/severeacne4types.html#3 |title=Severe Acne: 4 types |publisher=American Academy of Dermatology |access-date=December 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209090905/http://skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/severeacne4types.html |archive-date=February 9, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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{{main|Fungal folliculitis}} |
{{main|Fungal folliculitis}} |
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* [[Tinea barbae]] is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by the [[fungus]] ''[[T. rubrum]]''. |
* [[Tinea barbae]] is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by the [[fungus]] ''[[T. rubrum]]''. |
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* Malassezia folliculitis, formerly known as |
* [[Malassezia folliculitis]], formerly known as ''Pityrosporum ''folliculitis, is caused by yeasts (part of the fungus kingdom) of the genus ''[[Malassezia]]''<ref name="pmid31613534"/> |
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===Mites=== |
===Mites=== |
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===Viral=== |
===Viral=== |
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* Herpetic folliculitis is rarer, but may occur when [[herpes simplex virus]] infection spreads to nearby hair follicles appearing in groups or clusters<ref name="pmid31613534"/> mostly around the mouth. |
* Herpetic folliculitis is rarer, but may occur when [[herpes simplex virus]] infection spreads to nearby hair follicles appearing in groups or clusters,<ref name="pmid31613534"/> mostly around the mouth. |
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===Noninfectious=== |
===Noninfectious=== |
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# Topical [[antiseptic]] treatment is adequate for most cases. |
# Topical [[antiseptic]] treatment is adequate for most cases. |
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# Topical [[antibiotic]]s, such as [[mupirocin]] or [[neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin]] ointment may be prescribed. Oral antibiotics may also be used. |
# Topical [[antibiotic]]s, such as [[mupirocin]] or [[neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin]] ointment may be prescribed. Oral antibiotics may also be used. |
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# Some patients may benefit from systemic [[Beta-lactam antibiotic#Narrow-spectrum penicillinase-resistant penicillins|narrow-spectrum penicillinase-resistant penicillins]] (such as [[dicloxacillin]] in the US or [[flucloxacillin]] in UK) |
# Some patients may benefit from systemic [[Beta-lactam antibiotic#Narrow-spectrum penicillinase-resistant penicillins|narrow-spectrum penicillinase-resistant penicillins]] (such as [[dicloxacillin]] in the US or [[flucloxacillin]] in UK). |
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# Fungal folliculitis may require an oral antifungal such as [[fluconazole]]. Topical antifungals such as econazole nitrate may also be effective.<ref name="pmid31613534"/> |
# Fungal folliculitis may require an oral antifungal such as [[fluconazole]]. Topical antifungals such as econazole nitrate may also be effective.<ref name="pmid31613534"/> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Ingrown hair]] |
* [[Ingrown hair]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Keratosis]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{commons category}} |
{{commons category}} |
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* [https://hairstraightenersreviews.site/types-and-treatments-of-folliculitis Folliculitis Treatments] |
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* [http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1091037-treatment Malassezia (Pityrosporum) Folliculitis Treatment & Management] |
* [http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1091037-treatment Malassezia (Pityrosporum) Folliculitis Treatment & Management] |
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[[Category:Conditions of the skin appendages]] |
[[Category:Conditions of the skin appendages]] |
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[[Category:Bacterium-related cutaneous conditions]] |
[[Category:Bacterium-related cutaneous conditions]] |
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[[Category:Dermal and subcutaneous growths]] |
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Latest revision as of 18:24, 2 April 2024
| Folliculitis | |
|---|---|
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| Folliculitis, single lesion | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Folliculitis is the infection and inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on hair-covered skin. The rash may appear as pimples that come to white tips on the face, chest, back, arms, legs, buttocks, or head.[1]
Although acne can often involve superficial infection and inflammation of some hair follicles, the condition of those follicles is usually not called folliculitis, as that term is usually reserved for the separate set of disease entities comprising infected and inflamed hair follicles with causes other than acne.
Signs and symptoms
[edit]
- Rash (reddened skin area)
- Itching skin
- Pimples or pustules located around a hair or follicle; may be confused with chicken pox
- Spreading from leg to arm to body through improper treatment with antibiotics
-
Chronic folliculitis surrounding central sebaceous hyperplasia, right mid-chest
Complications
[edit]This condition can develop into a more severe skin condition, such as cellulitis or abscess.[1]
Causes
[edit]Most carbuncles, boils, and other cases of folliculitis are infected with Staphylococcus aureus.[1]
Folliculitis starts with the introduction of a skin pathogen to a hair follicle. Hair follicles can also be damaged by friction from clothing, an insect bite,[2] blockage of the follicle, shaving, or braids that are very tight and close to the scalp. The damaged follicles are then infected by Staphylococcus spp. Folliculitis can affect people of all ages.[citation needed] Iron-deficiency anemia is sometimes associated with chronic cases.[citation needed]
Bacterial
[edit]- Staphylococcus aureus folliculitis[1]
- Hot-tub folliculitis is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.[3] The folliculitis usually occurs after sitting in a hot tub that was not properly cleaned before use. Symptoms are found around the body parts that sit in the hot tub – the legs, hips, chest, buttocks, and surrounding areas. Symptoms are amplified around regions that were covered by wet clothing, such as bathing suits.
- Sycosis vulgaris, sycosis barbae, or barber's itch is a staphylococcal infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition.
- Gram-negative folliculitis may appear after prolonged acne treatment with antibiotics.[4]
Fungal
[edit]- Tinea barbae is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by the fungus T. rubrum.
- Malassezia folliculitis, formerly known as Pityrosporum folliculitis, is caused by yeasts (part of the fungus kingdom) of the genus Malassezia[1]
Mites
[edit]- Demodex folliculitis is usually caused by an overgrowth of Demodex folliculorum a mite that lives in human hair follicles. Although most people with D. folliculorurm have no symptoms, the mite can reproduce excessively, particularly in people with oily scalps.
Viral
[edit]- Herpetic folliculitis is rarer, but may occur when herpes simplex virus infection spreads to nearby hair follicles appearing in groups or clusters,[1] mostly around the mouth.
Noninfectious
[edit]- Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring when hair curves back into the skin and causes inflammation.
- Eosinophilic folliculitis may appear in persons with impaired immune systems.
- Folliculitis decalvans or tufted folliculitis usually affects the scalp. Several hairs arise from the same hair follicle. Scarring and permanent hair loss may follow. The cause is unknown.
- Folliculitis keloidalis scarring on the nape of the neck is most common among males with curly hair.
- Oil folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles due to exposure to various oils, and typically occurs on forearms or thighs. It is common in refinery workers, road workers, mechanics, and sheep shearers. Even makeup may cause it.
- Malignancy may also be represented by recalcitrant cases.[5]
Treatment
[edit]Most simple cases resolve on their own, but first-line treatments are typically topical medications.[1]
- Topical antiseptic treatment is adequate for most cases.
- Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin or neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin ointment may be prescribed. Oral antibiotics may also be used.
- Some patients may benefit from systemic narrow-spectrum penicillinase-resistant penicillins (such as dicloxacillin in the US or flucloxacillin in UK).
- Fungal folliculitis may require an oral antifungal such as fluconazole. Topical antifungals such as econazole nitrate may also be effective.[1]
Folliculitis may recur even after symptoms have gone away.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h Winters RD, Mitchell M (18 September 2019). "Folliculitis". Folliculitis in StatPearls. StatPearls. PMID 31613534.
- ^ "NHS Direct". 19 October 2017.
- ^ MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Hot tub folliculitis
- ^ "Severe Acne: 4 types". American Academy of Dermatology. Archived from the original on February 9, 2011. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
- ^ Folliculitis, follicular mucinosis, and papular mucinosis as a presentation of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Rashid R, Hymes S. Dermatol Online J. 2009 May 15;15(5):16.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Folliculitis.