Folliculitis
Folliculitis is type of skin infection that resembles a breakout of acne. It occurs in the hair follicles and may appear on any part of the body. The palms and soles do not show this condition because they don’t have hair growing on them.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, provides advanced skin care treatments to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding communities.
Symptoms of Folliculitis
Folliculitis usually appears like acne with a red ring around each spot, indicating the area of infection. Symptoms can vary across patients with some not feeling any sensation while others experience painful or itchy skin.
Causes of Folliculitis
Folliculitis dermatology condition occurs as a result of damage to the hair follicles, and it may be caused by any of the following:
- Improperly maintained hot tub
- Wearing tight clothing
- Plucking, waxing, or shaving
- Coal-tar containing medication that is applied to the skin
- Weight gain
- Side effect of medications
Treatment for Folliculitis
The best way to get rid of folliculitis is to identify what is causing it, and remedy that factor. Generally, the acne-like appearance tends to disappear by itself if your immune system is healthy enough to cope.
For quicker results and relief from the itching and pain, dermatologists recommend the use of warm compresses to the affected area. Apply these at least 4 times every day, leaving them on your skin each time for about 20 minutes.
If your folliculitis is caused by waxing, plucking, or shaving, you should consider putting these activities on hold for at least a month.
Is it Necessary to Consult a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist consultation can help you confirm if your skin condition is indeed folliculitis. Make sure you choose a board-certified dermatology expert to get the best and safest advice. Based on the severity of your condition, the doctor will give you tips for skin care or prescribe an antibiotic if the infection is severe.
Folliculitis may also develop from razor bumps that occur during shaving. If you have to keep shaving, these bumps can make the process a painful one. Your dermatologist can recommend medication to apply to the skin to give you relief from this problem. They may also help you with tips to avoid skin irritation from shaving.
Is Folliculitis Preventable?
If your folliculitis is caused by an external factor that can be controlled, it is certainly possible to prevent the condition from affecting you. Here are a few tips to prevent folliculitis:
- In hot and humid weather, avoid tight clothing that rubs against the skin. This can injure the hair follicles, causing them to get infected. If your workout clothes have to be tight, make sure you change out of them immediately after a workout and take a shower to cleanse the skin. At all other times, wear loose clothing to reduce friction with your skin.
- Don’t use hot tubs or whirlpools that are not well-maintained. If the chlorine and acid levels in the machine or appliance are not correctly controlled, it is likely to cause an outbreak of folliculitis.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas for safe and proven skin care procedures.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
