Folliculitis is a skin condition that arises when a hair follicle gets blocked or infected by bacteria. These tiny pockets in the skin are absent only in the lips, palms, and soles of the feet. Folliculitis can cause redness and swelling in the hair follicles, commonly occurring in the neck, thighs, buttocks, and armpits but can develop anywhere hair grows. More severe instances would need medical treatment, although lesser ones can often be self-treated.
The form and severity of the condition affect the symptoms of folliculitis:
Folliculitis can be classified as either superficial or deep. Superficial folliculitis affects only a portion of the hair follicle, while deep folliculitis affects the entire hair follicle.
A doctor can diagnose folliculitis by examining your skin and medical history. Further testing is usually unnecessary unless treatment attempts fail. If necessary, a skin sample may be taken with a swab to determine the precise cause of the problem.
Mild cases of folliculitis may resolve on their own without treatment, but self-care measures can help speed up the healing process and relieve symptoms:
A doctor may recommend one of the following treatments if self-care measures are ineffective:
The normal healing time for mild folliculitis is two weeks. Warm compresses are one self-care tool you may use at home. This could lessen the itchiness and promote recovery.
You can read some related articles here to learn more about Folliculitis.