Folliculitis is a common skin disease characterized by the inflammation of hair follicles. This condition can range from mild to severe and may cause symptoms such as itching, tenderness, or discomfort. At SkinPerfected, our healthcare providers offer laser hair removal to address this skin concern.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of folliculitis include the following:
- Itching or uncomfortable sensations
- Pain or tenderness around hair follicles
- Clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples
Causes
Understanding the various causes of folliculitis is essential for implementing preventative measures and selecting appropriate treatment options to address the underlying factors contributing to the condition. Folliculitis can arise from various causes, including:
- Shaving often
- Using an oral antibiotic for a long period of time.
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a history of diabetes
- Doing activities that make you sweat a lot and not fully cleaning off afterward
- Spending time in a hot tub (this is often called hot tub folliculitis or hot tub rash) or sauna that isn’t properly cleaned
- Blockage of hair follicles by oils, sweat, or cosmetic products
Types of Folliculitis
There are several different forms of folliculitis, including the following:
Staphylococcus aureus folliculitis
This is a bacterial infection of the hair follicle with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and is one of the most common causes of folliculitis. Small red or white pus-filled pimples show up on the skin. The affected area often gets better within a few days and can be cared for at home.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria that lives in heated, moving water. It can infect the hair follicle and cause a rash. Hot tub folliculitis occurs one to two days after exposure and typically fades on its own within a couple of days.
Malassezia folliculitis
Malassezia is a type of yeast that is normally found on the skin. Sometimes, when the Malassezia gets into the hair follicles, it can cause what looks like an acne breakout. It usually occurs on the upper chest and back. This form of folliculitis is made worse by sweat.
Gram-negative folliculitis
Gram-negative folliculitis can happen after prolonged antibiotics. Over time, resistant bacteria grow and multiply.
This bacterial folliculitis can lead to the acne getting worse and requires treatment from a healthcare provider.
Our Providers
Meet The Team
Our founding team is composed of dermatology expert providers and managers that have been active participants in the dermatology and aesthetic medical industry for over 20 years each.
Treatments
The main treatment we use for folliculitis is laser hair removal. By removing the hair and damaging the hair follicle, we address the problem where it starts. With the help of a laser handpiece, we’ll apply laser energy to the treatment area, removing the hair and addressing the underlying condition.
Consulting with SkinPerfected will help determine the most suitable cosmetic treatment plan tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Schedule A Consultation
Dealing with folliculitis? SkinPerfected provides comprehensive solutions designed to assist you. Our skilled skincare professionals will assess the condition of your skin, listen to your worries and aspirations, and craft a personalized treatment regimen to support you in achieving the results you desire. To explore your eligibility further, reach out to us online or drop by our facility in Naperville, IL to schedule a consultation.
Folliculitis FAQs
How do you get rid of folliculitis?Treatment for folliculitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some milder cases can be resolved with at-home treatments and care. However, in more severe cases, in-office treatments such as laser hair removal may be necessary to address recurrent folliculitis. What can be mistaken for folliculitis?Conditions such as acne, eczema, contact dermatitis, and razor bumps share common features with folliculitis, including redness, itching, and small bumps on the skin. Proper diagnosis by SkinPerfected is essential to distinguish folliculitis from other skin conditions and determine the appropriate treatment plan. What do folliculitis spots look like?The appearance of folliculitis spots can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition– the affected area may be itchy, tender, or painful, and in some cases, the bumps may contain pus. What triggers folliculitis?Folliculitis can be triggered by various factors, including bacterial or fungal infections, friction or irritation, ingrown hairs, “hot tub” folliculitis, and various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or dermatitis. Does folliculitis smell?In some cases, folliculitis may produce a foul odor, particularly if there is a secondary bacterial or fungal infection present. Proper hygiene, along with targeted treatment of the underlying infection, can help alleviate the odor associated with folliculitis. |