| Irritant folliculitis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pseudofolliculitis barbae: a type of irritant folliculitis | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Small redbumps 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, negativemicrobiological culture[3] |
| Treatment | Avoid trigger, tetracycline[1] |
Irritant folliculitis is aninflammation of the hair follicle.[1] It characteristically presents with small redbumps in the skin at sites ofocclusion, pressure, friction, orhair 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 associateditch 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 includehair removalby razor,waxing,electrolysis, and byplucking.[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 ascutting fluids andcoal tar.[3] Tight hair styles may cause irritant folliculitis on the scalp.[4] Other factors that increase chances of skin friction and moisture includeobesity.[1]
Diagnosis is generally by history and visualisation of the rash.[3] The condition is not due to infection and swabs of thespots 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 antibioticdoxycycline 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]
Irritant folliculitis is a type offolliculitis, an inflammation of thehair follicle, not caused by infection.[3] Types includepseudofolliculitis barbae andperioral dermatitis.[3][2]
The condition characteristically presents with small redbumps in the skin at sites of occlusion, pressure, friction, orhair 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 associateditch may or may not be present.[1][2]
Mechanical factors that typically trigger irritant folliculitis include hair removalby razor,waxing,electrolysis, and byplucking.[2] Other triggers may include sunlight, prolonged pressure such as sitting on one's bottom for long periods of time, and contact with chemicals such ascutting fluids andcoal tar.[1][3]Lithium,halogens,corticosteroids, ACTH,isoniazid,phenytoin and some TNF-alpha inhibitors may cause irritant folliculitis.[3] Perioral dermatitis typically occurs following prolonged use of topical corticosteroid to face.[2] Tight hair styles may cause irritant folliculitis on the scalp.[4] Thick greasy moisturisers may trigger the condition.[2] Other factors that increase chances of skin friction and moisture includeobesity.[1]
Diagnosis is by history and visualisation of the rash.[3] Aswab for culture does not growbacteria orfungi.[2]
Pseudofolliculitis barbae may be distinguished from infectious causes folliculitis of the beard area by the absence offever andlymphadenopathy and the tendency to be more diffuse than localised.[7]
Treatment involves removing the triggering factor, particularly shaving.[3] Sometimesdoxycycline works as an anti-inflammatory medication.[1] Ceasing to shave for several months may help.[2] If shaving is necessary, the condition may be prevented by avoiding soap and applying a generous amount of shaving gel after a few months of stopping shaving and letting the skin settle.[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]