5 areas on the body prone to folliculitis

Folliculitis causes itching, pain and affects aesthetics, appearing mainly on the back, face, scalp and private areas.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, a specialist in Dermatology - Dermatology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that folliculitis is a condition in which hair follicles are infected by bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. The disease is common in the summer, when the weather is hot and humid, and sweat glands are active. This condition occurs in areas with a high density of hair follicles such as the back, arms, thighs, scalp, face, private areas, back of the neck, armpits, etc. Each location has different symptoms and causes of infection.

Folliculitis on the face is often caused by infected acne, gram-negative bacteria, or staphylococcus aureus. The skin appears whiteheads, red heads, or blackheads, itching, red rash, and ingrown hairs.

Folliculitis in the beard is mainly caused by fungi, staphylococci, some cases are caused by herpes virus infection, demodex parasites in the skin causing lesions similar to rosacea. The disease is persistent, often recurs, difficult to treat, severe inflammation when the infection spreads deep into the hair follicles leading to abscesses and boils.

Vaginal folliculitis can be caused by allergies to cleaning and care products; wearing damp or tight underwear; waxing; poor hygiene; overactive hair follicles. Inflammation causes discomfort, itching, and burning pain.

Folliculitis on the back is often itchy, more severe forms boils, when cured will leave scars, dark spots. Inflammation caused by bacterial infection, staphylococcus; unclean personal hygiene; allergies or frequent friction with clothes made of rough, poorly absorbent materials... Folliculitis can also occur in the armpits, legs due to fungal infection, yeast...

Folliculitis in the beard, late treatment can form abscesses, boils. Photo: Freepik — Folliculitis in the beard, late treatment can form abscesses, boils. Photo: *Freepik*

Risk factors for folliculitis include people with skin diseases, long-term use of steroid creams or antibiotics to treat acne, creating conditions for anaerobic bacteria to grow, and ingrown hairs. People with autoimmune diseases that reduce resistance, living in hot and humid climates, injuries from accidents or surgery... are also at risk.

Folliculitis is not difficult to treat, however, patients should go to the hospital for examination and accurate diagnosis of the cause. Depending on each case, the doctor will prescribe topical and oral medications to reduce inflammation and redness, inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Light therapy can be applied to systemic folliculitis.

In case of large boils, the doctor will prescribe minor surgery. If the above methods are not effective and the disease recurs frequently, the doctor will combine hair removal with high-intensity pulsed light (IPL) or short wavelength from diode laser. These two methods penetrate deep into the skin, destroy hair follicles, and clean the infected area.

Doctor Kim Dung cautions patients not to stop treatment, as this can cause the condition to persist, recur repeatedly, and lead to serious complications such as abscesses, boils, and cellulitis.

Patients need to keep their bodies clean, choose soft, absorbent clothes, do not wear tight hats or tight clothes. Do not share personal items, especially towels. Limit shaving, waxing arms, legs, and pubic hair.

Avoid using skin care products that cause excess oil secretion. Use medication as prescribed by a dermatologist. People who work in toxic environments and are frequently exposed to chemicals should wear protective gear to protect their skin.

Nguyen Van

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