Follicular dermatitis is a pathological inflammation of the skin. Against the background of the latter, a defeat of the epidermis by pathogens is observed. Both processes are combined together. A person has to suffer not only from the formation of foci of acne, but also from constant itching and burning sensation. The complexity of therapy with the development of follicular dermatitis is a mixed nature of the disease, when skin inflammation creates a favorable environment for the development of infection, and pathogenic bacteria re-irritate the epidermis.
Characteristic symptoms
Follicular dermatitis, a photo of the manifestations of which can be found on special resources, is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:
- The formation of inflamed plaques on the skin, which are usually found on the cheeks, buttocks, hips and shoulders.
- The epidermis acquires a dried rough texture.
- Papules are gradually filled with purulent secrets and periodically burst, releasing the contents to the outside.
- Inflamed skin in the foci of follicle formation constantly itches, there is a burning sensation.
- The largest papules, which are not released from purulent contents, cause the appearance of a pain syndrome.
- The above symptoms of follicular dermatitis are often supplemented by fever.
Stages of the disease
Doctors distinguish several stages of follicular dermatitis:
- Initial - irritated epidermis acquires a painfully red appearance. The first foci of papules that have purulent filling are formed. There is a steady burning sensation. Abscesses reach a size of several millimeters. The boundaries of the papules become clearly expressed, acquiring an inflamed rim.
- Acute - without proper treatment, ulcers progressively increase in size. As they mature, the papules acquire a spherical shape. The inner secret of a yellowish tint is clearly visible through a thin shell.
- Chronic - foci of follicular dermatitis cover large areas of the skin. The affected epidermis becomes dense. Inflamed papules darken, a dry yellowish crust forms on the surface.
Follicular Dermatitis: Causes
In the normal course of physiological processes in the body, new cells of the surface layers of the epidermis are formed as a result of division of keratinocyte embryos. Subsequently, their core and organelles increase in size. Epithelial cells are filled with protein content of keratin. Actualization of local structures takes place.
With systemic failures in the body, keratin is layered on the cells, forming plaques. A protein that under normal conditions protects tissues from pathogenic bacteria and toxins forms scaly bodies. There is a blockage of the hair follicles on the skin. The result is the appearance of rough sections of the epidermis.
Doctors have not yet been able to find out the specific reasons for starting the above process. Diagnoses often associate follicular and atopic dermatitis. The latter acts as a genetically determined disease, which is characterized by the appearance of rashes on the skin due to incorrect immunological reactions.
Among the factors that can provoke the development of the disease, it is worth noting a decrease in immunity, malfunctioning of the hormonal background, non-observance of personal hygiene. A certain role is played by vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, uncontrolled medication, regular stress.
Infectious pathogens
As noted above, during the formation of follicular dermatitis in children and adults, skin infections by pathogenic microorganisms join the inflammatory processes. Typically, pathogens that provoke further progress of the pathology become:
- Streptococcus
- Proteus.
- Pneumococci.
- Yeast Mushrooms.
- Staphylococci.
In the presence of favorable conditions, in particular, weakening of the body and a decrease in immunity, pathogenic microbes begin to multiply actively in the structure of inflamed skin. Vital products of pathogenic bacteria cause repeated irritation of the epidermis.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of follicular dermatitis is not an easy task. The identification of the disease is complicated by the similarity of symptoms with other ailments of a dermatological nature, for example, scabies, diathesis, eczema. Given the foregoing, the establishment of a correct diagnosis on the basis of only a collection of anamnesis and visual examination of the patient becomes impossible. To confirm the assumption of the presence of the disease, the doctor must send the patient to undergo a series of studies:
- Blood and urine tests.
- The collection of a sample of purulent contents of papules for research in the laboratory.
- Scraping the skin from the affected areas.
In the case of insufficient informational content of clinical tests, the diagnostician may appoint an examination with other specialized doctors.
Food
The eating habits of a person prone to the development of follicular dermatitis have a significant impact on the progress of the disease and the severity of characteristic symptoms. It is important for people who suffer from pathology to follow a special diet. Doctors recommend eating food, which is a source of an abundance of vitamins A, B, E, and C. Seafood, unrefined cold-pressed vegetable oils, and oily fish are considered useful. Of particular importance for a speedy recovery is the use of multivitamin complexes. In order to saturate the body with ascorbic acid, it is useful to use fresh juices, berries, fruits and vegetables.
Treatment features
One of the main approaches to the treatment of follicular dermatitis is the regular implementation of actions aimed at relieving inflammation and reducing the number of purulent papules. For these purposes, nourishing creams with a moisturizing effect are used. Doctors advise to treat the affected areas of the skin with vegetable oils, petroleum jelly. More likely to get rid of the manifestations of the disease helps the application of funds based on salicylic and lactic acid.
Follicles are removed physically through the use of scrubs and peels. Such funds are recommended to be used on a regular basis. However, extreme care must be taken to avoid further irritation of the epidermis.
Since the disease develops against the background of metabolic processes in the epithelial cells and keratin protein structure keratinization, saturation of local structures with group A vitamins is of no small importance. The drug Neotigazone is considered to be an effective drug that acts as a source of trace elements. The medication is available in the form of capsules intended for oral use. The active substances of a pharmacological composition have the ability to accumulate in the tissues of the epidermis, which ensures the saturation of local structures with an indispensable vitamin. The etretinate, alitretinoin, and isotretinoin drugs, which slow down the growth of epithelium and keratinization of the cells, have a similar effect.
In order to stop the inflammatory processes, appropriate means are included in the therapeutic complex. The use of Levomycetin and Erythromycin medications allows you to relieve irritation and suppress the activity of the causative agents of the disease.
Folk remedies
There are many effective methods of alternative therapy to combat follicular dermatitis. A proven solution is to exfoliate keratinized skin using a scrub based on crushed oatmeal. Prepare a tool according to such a scheme. Take two tablespoons of oatmeal and combine with half a glass of milk. The product is left alone for several minutes, so that the croup is slightly softened. The resulting mass is applied to the foci of papule formation and rubbed into the skin with light massaging movements. The procedure is performed in a few minutes. Then the composition is washed off under running water. Finally, the skin is treated with a moisturizer.
Another effective scrub option is a mixture of baking soda and salt. Use two tablespoons of the components. Water is gradually added here, mixing the composition to a homogeneous consistency. The result should be a thick paste. The product is applied to dermatitis-affected skin areas. After 5-10 minutes, the target area is thoroughly wiped, and then the substance is washed off. The action is repeated 3-4 times a week. The solution makes it possible to delicately remove keratinized surface tissues and disinfect the problem area.
Eliminate the consequences of the development of the disease will allow the use of apple cider vinegar. A few tablespoons of the product is applied to the skin and left for 10-15 minutes. Then the site is wiped with a wet washcloth. Acidic vinegar qualitatively softens papules and provides removal of the stratum corneum.
Finally
Treatment of the disease requires a considerable amount of effort and time. To speed up recovery, it is reasonable to combine procedural methods of therapy, taking medications and using folk remedies. Equally important is the observance of hygiene and a healthy diet, the implementation of actions aimed at strengthening immunity.