A person often encounters various diseases and pathological processes. Some of them pass independently, while others require competent treatment. This article will discuss what inflammation of the hair follicles is. Almost everyone can face this pathology. It is worth knowing what a hair bulb is, and how the symptoms of its inflammation appear. We will also find out ways to treat pathology.
Inflammation of the hair follicles
This disease is called folliculitis. It can develop in any person. People have many hairs on their bodies. And in the bulb of each of them folliculitis can develop.
The hair bulb becomes inflamed for several reasons. However, in all cases, it begins the multiplication of bacteria. Most often it is staphylococcus.
Types of Folliculitis
Inflammation of the hair follicles can take several different forms. They are divided depending on what caused the pathology. So, doctors distinguish the following types of disease:
- parasitic form;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- gram-negative form and some other (less common).
Causes of the disease
Inflammation of the hair follicles occurs due to bacteria entering them. This can be triggered by a minor injury or cut. Most often this happens during shaving or hair removal.
The reason for the development of pathology can be the wearing of narrow clothes and underwear. Especially often faced by the fairer sex. This starts inflammation of the hair follicles in the groin.
Elementary non-compliance with hygiene, use of public saunas and pools can lead to such a pathology. In this case, the microbe can penetrate both through damaged skin and into a healthy follicle.
Symptoms of pathology
Inflammation of the hair follicles on the head or in any other places can be superficial or deep. In the first case, there is a slight redness in the hair region and a small abscess, which does not exceed 5 millimeters.
With deep inflammation, an extensive lesion of the upper layers of the skin occurs. The abscess in this case has a size of one to ten centimeters.
The defeat can be either single or multiple. In especially severe cases, pain and itching occur.
Inflammation of the hair bulb: treatment
Whether pathology is to be treated or not should be decided by a specialist. Contact a dermatologist and get a qualified appointment. In most cases, treatment is carried out surgically. However, the use of anesthesia is usually not required. Only in especially severe cases, a representative anesthesia of the affected area is necessary.
The treatment of inflammation of the hair follicle is done with a scalpel or thin curette. The doctor processes the adjacent area and opens the abscess. After this, you need to thoroughly clean the wound from pus and disinfect it. In most cases, hair growing from this follicle is removed completely with tweezers.
After such treatment, you need to treat the affected area with special solutions several times a day. What exactly suits you, the specialist will decide. Most often, zelenka, furatsilin, chlorhexidine or alcohol is prescribed. In especially severe cases, with deep inflammation, it is recommended to use compresses with ichthyol. Apply such lotions several times a day until complete recovery.
Alternative treatment: use of medication
Depending on the cause of the inflammation, additional measures may be recommended. If folliculitis is caused by prolonged use of hormonal drugs, then they are simply canceled. Of course, this takes into account the benefits and possible risks for the patient.
In addition, doctors prescribe antibacterial agents that affect the microorganism. However, before that, it is worth taking an analysis to identify sensitivity to certain drugs. Doctors often use the following medications: Metronidazole, Naxojin, Cefotaxime, and so on. Remember that without a preliminary analysis, treatment may be ineffective.
Disease prevention methods
Is there any method that avoids inflammation of the hair follicle? Of course, yes. For starters, you should reconsider your own lifestyle and observe basic hygiene. Cleanse your body regularly with gels and special scrubs. Take a shower at least once a day.
Try not to use other people's towels, scarves and clothes. Avoid dubious ponds, saunas and pools. If you are swimming, then the water in the enclosed space should be chlorinated. At the same time, its pH should be at least 8.
Avoid wearing tight underwear. Avoid strong friction of clothing in the area of skin folds, for example, in the inguinal zone. When waxing and shaving, always use emollients. After the procedure, apply alcohol softening lotions to the skin. They will help to sanitize the integument and prevent bacteria from entering the wound.
Summarizing
So, we have found out what inflammation of the hair follicle is. You also became aware of the symptoms and causes of the pathology. Do not open the abscesses yourself. Ask for help from a specialist who will provide you the right help and prescribe subsequent treatment. Health to you!