Diseases of the scalp folliculitis treatment. Folliculitis is a dangerous complication of improper depilation

19.10.2019 -

Throughout the human body, and not just on the head, you can see hairs that originate from the deep layers of the skin where the hair follicles are located. Some skin diseases can affect not only the skin, but also the hair follicle, causing a pathology such as folliculitis. What is this disease, what are the causes of the disease and is it possible to cope with this problem?

What is folliculitis

Few people know that such a disease exists. Very often it affects people of certain specialties, for example, miners, miners, mechanics, oil workers, because there are all the prerequisites for the development of pathology. But almost no one is immune from this disease.

Folliculitis on the skin is purulent inflammatory process at the top of the hair follicle. The papule is formed more often color pink, in the center of it an abscess gradually forms, through which the hair passes. If the pathology is formed on the face or other parts of the body, but not on the head, then the hair may not be visible.

The whole process of pathology development takes several days, and then a crust forms, which most often falls off on its own.

Need to know. If the factors that provoke the development of folliculitis are not eliminated, the disease can become chronic.

Folliculitis belongs to the group of pyodermas, which are most often caused by staphylococci, fungi and some viruses.

Causing factors of the disease

Inflammation of the hair follicle can occur different reasons. To begin treatment, it is necessary to find out what provoked the disease. Most often, provocateurs can be:

Violation of the integrity of the epidermis after shaving in men, epilation, mechanical injuries.

Prolonged exposure to high or low temperatures.
Violation of the rules of personal hygiene.
Weak immunity.
Hyperhidrosis.
Chronic poisoning.
Lack of vitamins and minerals.
Increased sweating.
Presence of dermatitis or eczema.

You can also name other risk factors that can increase the likelihood of inflammation of the hair follicle:

Diabetes.
Diaper rash in the folds of the skin (especially common in hot climates).
Use of corticosteroid drugs.
Therapy antibacterial agents.
Immunodeficiency.
Effects on the skin chemical substances e.g. lubricants, kerosene.

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Classification of pathology

Depending on the severity of the lesion, staphylococcal folliculitis is divided into two forms:

Surface Form: osteofolliculitis, superficial folliculitis, folliculitis decalvans.

Deep folliculitis: furuncle, carbuncle, undermining Hoffmann's folliculitis.

Staphylococcal folliculitis is usually located on the chin, around the eyes. Often affects men who grow beards and mustaches.

The manifestations of the disease depend on the severity of the lesion of the follicle. If a superficial form is observed, then the disease is mild. A small abscess appears on the skin, which practically does not cause concern. Sometimes there may be a little soreness. A few days after the appearance of the abscess, it breaks on its own, a crust forms, gradually falling off.

Deep folliculitis is manifested by the formation large abscesses, reaching a size of up to 10 cm in diameter, soreness is observed. Gradually, the pathology disappears and a small scar remains in place.

Need to know. Folliculitis can be single or multiple. AT last case observed pruritus and enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.

If you do not carry out adequate treatment of folliculitis, then a complication may develop in the form of a carbuncle, furuncle, abscess.

Folliculitis treatment

How to treat folliculitis? Therapy of the disease depends entirely on the etiology. If the pathology is caused by fungi, then you can not do without antifungal drugs; staphylococcal folliculitis must be treated with antibiotics.

Treatment is carried out in several directions:

Medical therapy.
Physiotherapeutic methods.
The use of traditional medicine.

We treat folliculitis with drugs

If the disease occurs in mild form, then you can do with local drugs, For example:

At staphylococcal folliculitis treat the affected areas with antibacterial ointments, for example, Mupirocin. This must be done 2 times a day.

If the disease is caused by gram-negative bacteria, then the use of benzoyl peroxide topically is indicated.
Herpetic folliculitis can be treated with Acyclovir ointment.
For any form of the disease, use local antiseptics, for example, Fukortsin, Chlorhexidine.

Need to know. To prevent the spread of infection to healthy areas of the skin, it is necessary to treat them with boric or salicylic alcohol.

If the treatment of inflammation of the hair follicle does not respond to therapy local funds, you will have to resort to taking antibacterial drugs inside.

Antibiotics are also prescribed if:

The disease has become chronic.
There is inflammation of the lymph nodes.
The process quickly spreads to neighboring areas.

If the infection is caused by staphylococcus, then appoint:

Cefalexin up to 4 times a day.

Erythromycin.
Minocycline if the staph is resistant to other drugs.

Pseudomonas folliculitis, which occurs in severe form, requires taking Ciprofloxacin 500 mg 2 times a day.

When fungal folliculitis is prescribed inside:

Itraconazole.
Terbinafine.
Fluconazole.

The drug is selected depending on the type of bacteria. With herpetic folliculitis, antiviral agents are prescribed orally.

Any treatment must necessarily imply the elimination of the provoking factor, for example, if diabetes mellitus aggravates the course of folliculitis, then it is necessary to carry out its therapy.

At severe course pathology requires systemic therapy.

Need to know. Any form of folliculitis during therapy requires washing the affected areas with water and taking hot baths.

Treatment with physiotherapy methods

Physiotherapy can significantly help in the treatment of folliculitis. Physiotherapy has the following effects:

Remove the inflammatory process.
Suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
Increase immunity.
Activate the formation of vitamin D in the skin.

The most commonly used methods are:

Impact on lesions with short ultraviolet waves.
General UV.
Low intensity UHF therapy.
Laser treatment.

Magnetotherapy.
Dry heat.

The use of traditional medicine

Hoffmann's folliculitis and other forms can be treated using folk remedies, but they must complement the main drug therapy and must be agreed with the attending physician.

The following recipes have proven their effectiveness:

Application of chamomile decoction. It is great for reducing inflammation.

Inside, you can take a decoction of burdock root or dandelion. To prepare the medicine, you need to take a tablespoon of raw materials and pour 0.5 liters of water, boil for 10 minutes. After 2 hours of infusion, take 50 ml 2 times a day.
For compresses on the affected areas, you can use thistle leaves; Unfortunately, this method can only be used during the summer. Leaves should be crushed and applied to inflamed places.
For compresses, baths and dressings, you can use a decoction of the root of the thorny leaf. To prepare it, you need to pour 50 grams of dry raw materials with half a liter of water and boil over low heat for 30 minutes, and then insist for 2 hours.

Prognosis and prevention of the disease

Most often, it is quite possible to completely defeat the disease if therapy is started in a timely manner. If deep folliculitis is observed, then scars and areas of pigmentation may form at the site of the abscess.

If the therapy is chosen correctly, then it is possible to cope with the pathology in a few days. But the absence effective treatment and non-compliance with the recommendations of the doctor is fraught with the development of complications:

Furunculosis.
Abscess.
Lymphadenitis.
Folliculitis can result in dermatophytosis of the scalp.
The most serious complication is meningitis..

To preventive measures can be attributed:

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
The right choice of skin and hair care products.

When shaving, use special cosmetics.
enjoy antiseptics with the appearance of even small abrasions and damage to the skin.
Do not abuse antibacterial soap, it not only kills pathogenic bacteria, but also breaks the protective barrier.
To carry out timely therapy of diseases that can provoke the development of folliculitis.

Any disease is easier to treat at the very beginning of the development of pathology. This directly applies to folliculitis. Treatment should be selected by a specialist, taking into account the cause of the disease, then the effectiveness of therapy will be 100%.

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What it is? Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle that usually occurs in combination with other skin diseases. Their appearance is due to the influence staph infection, but sometimes there may be other pathogens.

Folliculitis is a pyodermatous disease characterized by purulent inflammatory processes on the surface skin.
According to statistics, this variety skin diseases occupies a leading position among the diagnoses leading to temporary disability of patients.

There is no gender or age basis for the onset of the disease. But in most cases, its manifestations occur in people working as miners, builders, metallurgists and transport workers.

Types and features of folliculitis, photo

There is a branched classification of folliculitis types, and it is as follows:

1) Superficial folliculitis affecting only the orifices hair follicles;

2) Deep, affecting the epidermis and dermis, which in turn is divided into:

Deep bacterial folliculitis;
Abscessing;
Epilation.

Superficial folliculitis has a number of names, one of them is staphylococcal impetigo. This name is given because of the provoking factor - staphylococcus aureus. But this is not the only cause of impetigo, it is also caused by other microorganisms, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, streptococcus, anaerobes.

The course of this form consists in the appearance and hypersensitivity area of skin around the hair follicle. After that, a swelling occurs at the site of redness, in the center of which an abscess with greenish contents is located.

Over time, the pustules spontaneously disappear, and the skin at the site of their occurrence dries up and peels off. Similar manifestations of the disease are located in groups, but not together.

folliculitis photo 2 types

deep folliculitis characterized by the penetration of microorganisms directly into the hair follicle. Distinguishing symptoms of this type is the occurrence of painful nodules around the hair, eventually turning into pustules.

A week later, the pustules dry up, and a small scar remains from them. If the disease is aggravated by any concomitant pathologies, then the infection spreads to the deep layers of the skin, which provokes the development of necrosis of the surrounding tissues.

This form of folliculitis affects hairy part head, back of the neck and back.

Chronic folliculitis on the face- a recurrent disease characterized by the emergence of more and more foci of inflammation of the hair follicles. An objective examination reveals the presence of pustules in in large numbers staying on different stages development, i.e. they do not occur at the same time.

This form of pathology occurs in places of friction and frequent damage - the face, forearms, neck, buttocks and legs.

Folliculitis decalvans, according to statistics, most often affects men, namely the scalp. In the development of this type of pathology, the most important role plays the development of immunodeficiency. Often, the formation of the disease begins with the appearance of blisters, this process is painless, but quite often it is complicated by necrosis of the skin and bulbs.

As a result of these changes, patchy alopecia, characterized by healing of the skin, the formation of a scar and the absence of hair growth in previously damaged areas. This is due to total damage to the follicle, which is unable to subsequently recover on its own.

Undermining folliculitis Hoffman and tends to affect the scalp only in boys and young men. This type folliculitis has a limited area of distribution, but, at the same time, it spreads quite deeply. With the development of pathology in the parietal or occipital region, a swelling occurs, resembling an oval in shape.

The consistency of the skin in this area is soft, and the effect of fluctuation occurs on the surface. At the site of the lesion, the skin has a hue ranging from yellow to bluish. With the progression of folliculitis, lesions can merge and form a roller.

On the surface of the foci there are peculiar holes, when pressed on which purulent contents are released.

folliculitis of the scalp photo

Folliculitis of the scalp is pathological condition skin, caused by the impact of staphylococcus aureus on the human body and other bacteria. These microorganisms are located on the skin of most people and are quite widespread in the air, soil, but do not cause folliculitis.

The causes of the disease are hidden in the fact that some people have a 10th part of the strains that can initiate such diseases.

emergence various forms folliculitis is provoked by both endogenous and exogenous factors. Thus, in order for the disease to develop, it is necessary to have a microorganism with certain properties (on the one hand), as well as a person's predisposition to this (on the other hand).

to endogenous stimuli worth considering:

Development diabetes and hyperglycemia;
Adrenal and ovarian dysfunction certain type in women, which is commonly called hyperandrogenism;
Thyroid diseases;
VVD (dysregulation of vascular tone);
Insufficient intake of protein foods due to an unbalanced diet;
Insufficient content in the body of vitamins A and C;
Development of acute infectious diseases: influenza and respiratory infections;
progression of severe chronic diseases, namely tuberculosis, oncological pathologies, diseases of the digestive tract;
Entry of the human immunodeficiency virus into the body and a rapid decrease in the number of cells containing CD4 receptors on the surface;
Long-term treatment with antibiotics, especially if we are talking on the self-administration of drugs in this group.

To exogenous factors relate:

Mechanical injuries, for example, scratches, abrasions, etc.;
Pollution of the skin and clogging of pores during work;
Insufficient cleansing of the skin in infants (this physiological feature, predisposing to more frequent occurrence disease in this age group).
Failure to follow the instructions of a specialist after epilation or any invasive cosmetic procedures affecting follicles;
Sharp temperature changes.

The clinical manifestations of the disease may differ depending on its variety, but, as a rule, the following symptoms of folliculitis are observed:

The appearance of erythema at the site of the affected skin;
Swelling of a certain skin area;
The formation of an abscess with purulent or serous contents inside;
With proper therapy, the abscess dries up, the skin peels off and, as a result, only a scar remains.

Accompanying symptoms are itching and possible local fever, the occurrence of which provokes folliculitis. Symptoms when the most severe forms diseases are caused by the appearance of foci of folliculitis that can merge with each other, due to which the purulent contents will spread over a large area, which will be manifested by fluctuation.

Folliculitis in children, features

Inflammation of the hair follicle in children occurs for several reasons:

Improper hygiene of the skin;
An unsettled immunological barrier that allows many pathogens to pass through;
HIV transmitted from the mother;
Concomitant diseases of organs and systems.

In children, the disease occurs in a more complex form due to the inability of the body to fight the inflammatory process ( Clinical signs expressed strongly). But hairline the child suffer less losses (this applies only to the child, and not adolescence), i.e. after the inflammation subsides, they quickly restore their structure.

Treatment of folliculitis must be comprehensive and include:

Compliance with a balanced diet;
Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
Treatment of affected areas of the skin with antiseptic agents;
The use of topical drugs (ointment for folliculitis, see below) and oral medications. The latter are prescribed when the effect of local therapy is absent or insufficient;
Passage of physiotherapy procedures;
elimination concomitant diseases, if any, and the elimination of foci of infection during remission of the disease.

When folliculitis occurs, the first changes should be manifested in nutrition, therefore it is necessary to treat folliculitis subject to the following rules:

Sufficient consumption of protein products, preference must be given to proteins of animal origin;
Reducing the consumption of fats, simple carbohydrates, pastries, alcohol and sugary drinks (sugar is an excellent environment for the successful life of bacteria);
Increasing the intake of fiber-enriched vegetables. In winter, its use can be replaced by bran;
Adding multivitamin complexes to the diet, especially groups A and C. Most useful products are blackcurrant, rosehip broth and carrots.

Medical therapy

The main rule in the treatment of any disease is timeliness. When the first symptoms of skin diseases appear, you should seek help from a dermatologist. After a qualified diagnosis, the specialist will be able to prescribe individual treatment, in the shortest possible time relieving the symptoms of folliculitis and preventing the development of complications.

The drugs of choice for the treatment of folliculitis are antiseptic ointments and agents through which it is necessary to treat the affected areas of the skin. Erythromycin ointment has an antibacterial effect that prevents further penetration and development of microorganisms in the lesions.

However, choosing a rational antibiotic will help bacteriological examination. It identifies the causative microbe and its sensitivity to anti-infective agents.

Orally (orally - tablets, capsules, solutions) are prescribed drugs containing erythromycin and cephalosporins. In some cases, other antibiotics are given orally to which the bacterial agent is sensitive. With an insufficient content of vitamins, it is customary to prescribe multivitamin complexes.

Forecast

In adults, the course of the disease is not difficult, in addition, it can be easily avoided by observing personal hygiene measures. At the same time, folliculitis in children is dangerous disease, as this pathology can provoke the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the body of the baby different localization(nephritis, meningitis and pneumonia).

The main thing is to remember that the child's body reacts sharply to the inflammatory processes occurring in it. Therefore, at the first manifestations of any skin diseases, it should be shown to a specialist to prevent undesirable consequences.

Do not self-medicate, because it can complicate the course of the disease and lead to the development of severe complications.

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle. It can manifest itself in many skin ailments caused by a staphylococcal infection.

Folliculitis, as a rule, refers to pustular diseases (pyodermatitis), which are the most common among dermatoses.

In countries with a hot climate, the possibility of getting sick with folliculitis is higher, since the weather conditions themselves contribute to the reproduction of the infection. high risk socially disadvantaged segments of the population who do not follow the rules of personal hygiene have folliculitis.

Causes

Staphylococci lead to the appearance of a disease of the hair follicles. These microbes are constantly on the skin of people. They are also found in the surrounding space - dust, soil and air. Most varieties of cutaneous staphylococci do not cause the appearance of ailments. Only ten percent of people have strains that are prone to pathologies. But after a particular staphylococcal infection, the likelihood of the disease rises to 90 percent, which often leads to the development of the disease into a chronic form.

Staphylococci come in three varieties: saprophytic (completely safe for the body), epidermal (can become pathogenic under certain conditions) and aureus (cause the disease). Staphylococcus aureus secrete a special enzyme - coagulase. This substance coagulates the serum present in the lymph and blood. Therefore, if such a staphylococcus gets on the skin, a purulent focus is formed.

In addition to staphylococci, viruses, fungi and pseudomonads can lead to inflammation of the follicle. But this is much less common.

In addition, folliculitis is a contagious disease. The transmission of the virus is possible through close contact and the use of other people's things. Young children are especially vulnerable to this pathology. They have a lot of additional prerequisites for the development of skin infections - this is an immature protection of the epidermis due to its high humidity, friability and softness.

Predisposing factors include exogenous (external) and endogenous (internal).

Internal causes include:

External factors provoking folliculitis:

various injuries: burns, scratches, abrasions;
contamination of the skin at work;
insufficient care for the skin of infants;
incorrect or untimely compliance with the doctor's instructions after the laser hair removal procedure;
overheating and hypothermia.

In patients who have used antibiotic therapy for a long time, as a result of inhibition of the natural microflora of the skin, gram-negative folliculitis appears. This disease is caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus and Clesiella.

Clinical picture

General signs of the disease are determined by the properties of the staphylococci themselves. Hair often appears in the center of the pustules. These formations have a hemispherical or conical shape and thick walls.

With superficial folliculitis, the wound looks like a small bubble with a bright red rim. A hair is located in the center of the lesion. The development of the disease begins with an increase in sensitivity and redness of the skin, after which swelling occurs. After a few days, the contents of the abscess disappear, and its surface dries up. Folliculitis of the superficial type is often localized on the thighs, neck, shins, forearms and face.

The deep type of the disease involves the penetration deep into the bulb of harmful microorganisms. At the same time, nodules appear next to the hair at first, turning into abscesses. After a week and a half, the bubble dries up, leaving behind a small scar. Often lesions are observed on the neck and scalp.

Chronic folliculitis is usually accompanied by the regular appearance of new formations. The disease often occurs in places subject to constant trauma and friction.

Treatment Methods

As for the treatment of folliculitis, it must be comprehensive and include:

Treatment for folliculitis is determined by a dermatologist. Self-medication in this case can not only become ineffective, but also lead to more serious complications.

Folliculitis on the back is preferably treated with antiseptic solutions: salicylic alcohol, boric acid and potassium permanganate. Use and local preparations such as antibacterial creams.

Home treatment can be combined with herbal medicine. The face should be wiped with tincture of plantain, St. John's wort and elecampane. Birch leaves can be used to make a tincture for washing.

Consequences of untimely or improper treatment of folliculitis- the development of infection in the deep layers of the epidermis with the formation of an abscess, carbuncles and boils. These ailments can pose a danger not only to the health of the patient, but also to his life. Therefore, folliculitis under the arm or in some other place must be treated on time, not forgetting about preventive measures.

Folliculitis is a skin disease related to superficial pyoderma. The disease is infectious. In the course of it, they inflame upper divisions hair follicles.

A feature of the disease is the sequence of stages - first there is a papule (nodule on the skin), located at the mouth of the follicle, which gradually transforms into a pustule (this is an element of a rash with purulent contents). A crust forms on top.

Folliculitis is dangerous with complications, including phlegmon, lymphadenitis, abscess. Most often, it is the complications that lead the sick person to an infectious disease specialist. We also note the professional orientation of the disease. Often folliculitis affects people who work with toxic environments. The bad news is that most of these people self-medicate.

For reference. Folliculitis is one of the most common types of pyoderma in adults. Miners, builders, metallurgists, employees of chemical enterprises and public transport, as a rule, suffer from severe and often recurrent forms of folliculitis.

ICD10 folliculitis code - L73.8.1 (specified pathologies of hair follicles)

Folliculitis - the causes of the disease

The inflammatory process can be called:

Risk factors for folliculitis are:

frequent visits to saunas, baths, taking too hot bath(hot bath folliculitis);
profuse sweating;
use of poor quality cosmetics or cosmetics that are not suitable for the patient's skin type (folliculitis on the face is often associated with improper care);
frequent skin lesions;
microcirculatory and trophic disorders in tissues;
alkaline skin pH;
violation of hygiene standards;
exposure to occupational hazards (work in workshops, constant contact with industrial chemicals, etc.);
exposure to aggressive household chemicals;
the patient has beriberi, hypoproteinemia, hyperglycemia, immune pathologies, autoimmune diseases, excess testosterone or cortisol, hormonal disorders (puberty, ovarian dysfunction, hormonal disorders associated with stress or infectious diseases);
constant use of fatty, fried and spicy, sweets and sodas;
severe intestinal dysbacteriosis;
the patient has psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, oily seborrhea, neurodermatitis, eczema, rosacea (pink acne) etc.

Folliculitis classification

According to the duration of the inflammatory process, folliculitis is divided into acute and chronic (recurrent) forms of the disease. Depending on the number of lesions, folliculitis may be limited or widespread.

According to the causative agent of the inflammatory process, the disease is divided into:

caused by fungi;
gram negative;
syphilitic;
demodecodex;
viral;
pseudomonadic.

In a separate classification they take out:

eosinophilic forms of folliculitis;
depilatory folliculitis of smooth skin;
epilating folliculitis of the scalp;
undermining folliculitis of Hoffmann (the most severe folliculitis of the scalp, occurring, as a rule, in men from twenty to forty years old).

Depending on the location of the pustules, there are:

folliculitis on the face;
folliculitis on the legs;
inflammatory process on the back;
inflammation on the pubis;
hairy folliculitis.

Folliculitis in children is often localized on the skin of the thighs and buttocks.

Staphylococcal folliculitis - symptoms

Typically, folliculitis begins as ostiofolliculitis. A small, no more than two millimeters in diameter pustule (purulent-inflammatory formation) appears around the hair, surrounded by an inflammatory corolla (rim of hyperemia). Most often, small pustules are moderately painful, but in areas with thin skin there may be severe pain. With abundant rashes, swelling of the skin may be noted.

Also, the disease can begin with the appearance of small red dots, similar to irritation. In the center of these inflammations, a pustule forms within two to three days.

For reference. Spontaneous opening of pustules, as a rule, does not occur due to a dense cover of inflammation. If it is damaged, after the discharge of purulent contents, fine erosion is exposed. The healing of erosion is not accompanied by the formation of cicatricial changes in the skin.

With independent drying of pustules, crusts form within a few days.

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Skin disease sycosis - symptoms and treatment

At the site of the rash, after the subsidence of purulent-inflammatory processes, a temporary area of hyperpigmentation of a reddish-burgundy or brownish hue remains.

Attention. In severe ostiofolliculitis, purulent fusion of the hair follicle with its complete destruction and scar formation.

The general condition in patients with folliculitis, as a rule, is not disturbed. An increase in body temperature, weakness, fever, general intoxication symptoms, etc. can be observed with widespread and deep forms rashes, in debilitated patients, or in young children.

Staphylococcal sycosis

A type of folliculitis that affects mainly the skin in the beard growth zone in men is called sycosis. The disease is caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

The risk factors for inflammation are improper care for shaving accessories (unhygienic storage of blades, etc.), insufficient use of shaving foam or use of low-quality cosmetic products, refusal to use soothing aftershave lotion, etc.

On the initial stages of this type of folliculitis, small single rashes can be observed, however, with the progression of the disease, the appearance of large pustules (sometimes confluent), swelling and inflammatory infiltration of the skin, cyanosis of the skin in the place most rashes.

Decalvating forms of folliculitis (Quinquad's folliculitis)

This disease is also called lupoid sycosis or atrophic sycosiform folliculitis of the beard.

Decalvanic (epilatory) folliculitis is rare, most often in middle-aged and elderly men in the scalp or beard. In women, the disease can affect the skin of the back of the head. In isolated cases, damage to the hair follicles of the armpit and pubis is possible.

For reference. This type of folliculitis is accompanied by severe inflammation (without significant pustule formation) and further ulceration of the hair follicle. The disease leads to atrophic changes in the skin and persistent alopecia (focal alopecia).

The main cause of the development of decalvan folliculitis is Staphylococcus aureus, less often Gram-negative microorganisms.

Risk factors for the development of decalvans inflammation are:

oily seborrhea of the scalp;
Availability systemic diseases connective tissue;
immunodeficiency states;
heavy endocrine pathologies(decompensated course of diabetes mellitus).

For reference. The disease is manifested by the appearance of congestive erythema (redness of the skin), grouped small rashes, single pustules, crusts and easily removable silvery scales.

When the inflammatory elements merge, large plaques of a bright red color are formed. As the disease progresses, thinning of the skin in the center of the plaques, retraction of the skin, and hair loss in the area of the inflammatory process occur.

The inflammatory focus gradually increases in size, due to the appearance of new folliculitis on its periphery.

The general condition of the patients is not disturbed, however, with the appearance of large lesions on the scalp, their soreness may be noted.

Attention. The disease is chronic and can progress over several years.

Depilatory folliculitis

This type of folliculitis is characterized by smooth skin lesions. The rashes are symmetrical and
localized mainly on the skin of the legs. Usually middle-aged men living in areas with a hot climate are ill.

After the purulent inflammatory process subsides, the formation of specific follicular scars is noted.

Hoffmann's folliculitis

Undermining folliculitis is one of the most severe forms of scalp folliculitis. The disease is accompanied by the formation of painful, large inflammatory formations, interconnected by fistulous passages. These formations "undermine" the skin and lead to the formation of often recurrent abscesses.

Hair in the focus of inflammation falls out due to the destruction of hair follicles. After past illness persistent, difficult-to-treat alopecia areata remains.

With light pressure on the follicles, pus is released.

The disease is characterized long course and extremely difficult to treat.

Attention. The only treatment for Hoffmann's folliculitis is long-term (up to six months) administration of roacutan (a systemic retinoid). In addition to the main therapy, ointments with retinoids, as well as local (ointments, lotions) and systemic antibiotics, can be used.

Folliculitis caused by gram flora (gram-negative)

This type of disease is usually observed in patients who begin treatment of severe forms of acne with systemic antibacterial agents. In that case, on initial stage treatment, there is often an increase in rashes on the skin of the cheeks and shoulders.

Folliculitis of the scalp bacterial inflammation hair follicles. The causative agent of the disease in most cases is staphylococcus aureus (golden). This trouble can take a man, a lady, and a teenager by surprise.

Varieties of the disease

Superficial folliculitis (small pustules that hardly hurt) is easy to deal with.. Cleanliness and peace the best helpers patient with this infection. But when a person is exhausted by deep folliculitis, specialists combine treatment on the head with other activities.

Sometimes the formation of abscesses on the head is associated with "malfunctions" in the work immune system. The general condition of the patient deteriorates sharply. People with such disturbing changes in well-being require hospitalization.

Important! Change the appearance, exhaust the patient's body can undermining folliculitis of the head. This scourge usually affects young men and teenagers. Inflammation of the hair follicles acute form goes into chronic stage. The abscesses merge with each other, over time, painful fistulas appear in their place. Areas devoid of hair, noticeable scars - this is what remains for the patient "as a memory" of an unfortunate ailment.

How to understand that the infection has entered the follicle?

The habit of combing wounds under the hair, oily scalp, weakened immunity, allergic rash, often occurring on the forehead or temples - these and other factors contribute to the development of folliculitis on the head. People with liver disease, diabetes and anemia are most often "hostages" of this infectious disease.

When soreness and swelling of the follicles become noticeable, some patients rush to see a specialist. But there are also people who carelessly rely on "maybe". Not knowing that scalp folliculitis is a contagious disease, such patients can re-infect themselves when the first abscesses are already dry and covered with a crust. After all, not everyone will think of treating a comb with an antiseptic solution.

Inflammation of the hair follicle is accompanied by an increase in its size. The bulb takes the form of a cone, inside of which there is purulent contents. A hair is usually visible in the center of the painful formation. The inflammatory process captures both the hair shaft and sebaceous glands. Therefore, the pain at the site of abscesses can be severe.

What you need to know about the course of the disease

Abscesses burst five to six days after the appearance. The places where they were will be covered with a crust. Hair from bulbs, exhausted by the disease, fall out (in most cases). It is worth noting that folliculitis on the head can leave such depressing “reminders” as scars.. It is not excluded the occurrence of boils, inflammation of the lymph nodes after this disease.

Troubleshooting

In order not to wait for the frightening consequences of the disease, do not try to eliminate folliculitis on the head with treatment "on the advice of a neighbor."

Important! Inflammation of the hair follicles looks like some other diseases. Only a dermatologist can determine exactly what pathology is preventing you from living.

The doctor will ask you questions about your eating habits, general condition, hygienic moments. Having identified the cause of the disease, the specialist will decide how to treat folliculitis on the head.

If the inflammatory process was caused by staphylococcus, the doctor will prescribe you antibacterial drugs. In order for the inflammation to subside, compresses with ichthyol ointment can also be used.

In the herpetic form of the disease, dermatologists advise patients to take Acyclovir tablets. To speed up the healing process, the doctor opens the abscesses, then treats them with a disinfectant solution.

Fight against subcutaneous mites.
Immunity correction.
Ultraviolet irradiation (it contributes to the successful healing of wounds on the head).

If the malfunctioning of the body's immune system has caused such a problem as scalp folliculitis, treatment will take place in a hospital.

What to do if abscesses appear in a child?

The appearance of pustular formations on the head of a child is an alarming sign. In babies, the body's defenses are still too weak to resist infection. If you suspect folliculitis in your child, cut your baby's fingernails so that he does not comb the itchy blisters. Hurry up to show the baby to a dermatologist to prevent the development of complications of the disease.