| Irritant folliculitis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pseudofolliculitis barbae: a type of irritant folliculitis | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Small red bumps in skin[1][2] |
| Usual onset | Any age[1] |
| Types | Pseudofolliculitis barbae[2] |
| Causes | Occlusion, friction, hair removal, application of some medications, contact with irritant chemicals[1][2] |
| Risk factors | Obesity[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Visualisation, history, negative microbiological culture[3] |
| Treatment | Avoid trigger, tetracycline[1] |
Irritant folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle.[1] It characteristically presents with small red bumps in the skin at sites of occlusion, pressure, friction, or hair removal; typically around the beard area in males, pubic area and lower legs of females, or generally the inner thighs and bottom.[1][3] An associated itch may or may not be present.[1][2] Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a type of irritant folliculitis in the beard area.[2]
Mechanical factors that typically trigger irritant folliculitis include hair removal by razor, waxing, electrolysis, and by plucking.[2] Repeated rubbing of skin such as friction on the inner thighs, may result in the irritation.[3] Sunlight, and prolonged pressure such as sitting on one's bottom for long periods of time, may also trigger irritant folliculitis.[3] Irritant folliculitis may occur following the use of some medications or contact with irritant chemicals such as cutting fluids and coal tar.[3] Tight hair styles may cause irritant folliculitis on the scalp.[4] Other factors that increase chances of skin friction and moisture include obesity.[1]
Diagnosis is generally by history and visualisation of the rash.[3] The condition is not due to infection and swabs of the spots are typically negative.[5] It may appear similar to acne and other types of infectious folliculitis.[6]
Treatment considers removing the triggering factor, particularly to stop shaving.[6] Prolonged use of the antibiotic doxycycline may be an option.[1] If shaving is necessary, the condition may be prevented by avoiding soap and applying a generous amount of shaving gel.[2] Rubbing may be reduced by using powders.[1]
Any age may be affected.[1] It is common on the lower legs of women who shave there.[2]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Edwards, Libby; Lynch, Peter J. (2022). Genital Dermatology Manual (4th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 899. ISBN 978-1-9751-6147-7.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Folliculitis". dermnetnz.org. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f de Moll, Helen H.; Phelps, Robert G. (2022). "86. Folliculitis". In Lebwohl, Mark G.; Heymann, Warren R.; Coulson, Ian H.; Murrell, Dedee F. (eds.). Treatment of Skin Disease (6th ed.). Elsevier. p. 291. ISBN 978-0-7020-8210-8.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Li2021was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Ferri, Fred F. (2024). "Folliculitis". Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2024. Elsevier. p. 584. ISBN 978-0-323-75577-1.
- ^ a b Bolognia, Jean L.; Schaffer, Julie V.; Duncan, Karynne O.; Ko, Christine (2021). "31. Folliculitis". Dermatology Essentials (2nd ed.). Elsevier. p. 283. ISBN 978-0-323-70971-2.