skin disorders
Folliculitis and Skin Abscesses
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection of a hair follicle. It looks like a tiny red or white pimple at the base of a hair. There may be only one infected follicle or many. Each infected follicle is itchy or slightly painful, but the person otherwise does not feel sick. Some people develop folliculitis after exposure to a poorly chlorinated hot tub or whirlpool. This condition, sometimes called “hot tub folliculitis” or “hot tub dermatitis,” is caused by the bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosa. It begins anytime from 6 hours to 5 days after the exposure. Areas of skin covered by a bathing suit, such as the torso and buttocks, are the most common sites. Some people develop mild folliculitis in areas subjected to moisture and friction, such as areas under sports equipment or on the buttocks. Infected hairs easily fall out or may be plucked out, but new pimples tend to develop. Sometimes stiff hairs in the beard area (or in any area that is shaved) curl and reenter the skin (ingrown hair) after shaving, causing mild irritation and inflammation. However, there is no actual infection. This is called Ingrown Beard Hairs , but it is not true folliculitis. For severe, recurring folliculitis, doctors may take a bacterial culture (a sample of pus is sent to a laboratory and placed in a culture medium that allows microorganisms to grow). The results of the culture are used to guide the choice of antibiotic. Folliculitis is treated with antibacterial cleansers or antibiotics that are applied directly to the skin (topically). Large areas of folliculitis may require antibiotics taken by mouth. Hot tub folliculitis usually goes away without any treatment. However, adequate chlorination of the hot tub or whirlpool is necessary to prevent recurrences and to protect others from infection. Pseudofolliculitis barbae (caused by ingrown hairs) is treated by a number of methods with varying success. The person may need to temporarily stop shaving. 