Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle caused by bacteria that live on the skin's surface such as Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria and sometimes fungus are introduced into the follicle, where they reproduce.

Men and women who shave are most at risk, so folliculitis is quite common. Most often, it appears as pus filled bumps on the legs and bikini areas of women and the beard area of men. It looks much like pimples or acne. It is more common among women when the weather gets warm and they start shaving more often. It can also be derived from hot tubs. It is caused by a gram-negative bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Shaving more carefully and less often is often helpful. For men who frequently develop this type of infection, a good option might be growing a beard. Razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, which is an infection on the basis of ingrown hairs, produces a painful bump. A curly hair grows out of the hair follicle and then turns and pierces the skin. An infection from S. aureus can then develop within the bump. This also improves when men shaves less often, or even stop shaving, and grow a beard instead.

Shaving in a downward fashion, as opposed to against the hair growth, can help. Shaving with a sharp razor so you only need one pass reduces risk. Using shaving creams that contain antibacterial agents can also help. A natural antibiotic like tamanu oil would be good after shaving.

How are these infections treated?

It is regularly treated with topical and/or oral antibiotics for one to two weeks. Over-the-counter antibiotics like Neosporin can provide a cure in some cases, as it has a mild antibacterial effect.

Hot tub folliculitis usually needs no treatment. Just avoid contaminated hot tubs.