folliculitis
Folliculitis is a dermatological disease of an infectious nature, in which several parts of the hair follicle are affected, in particular, the lower and middle parts are affected. As a result of the infection pathogen getting into the deep structures of the follicle, its inflammation develops. Externally, folliculitis is characterized by the development of both single and grouped elements, in the center of which there is necessarily a hair. As the disease develops, pustules develop first, then they open up, exposing numerous erosions.
Folliculitis can be both a separate disease and a complication of other infectious skin diseases.
CAUSES OF FOLLICULITIS
As mentioned above, folliculitis is an infectious disease. In this regard, the source of the disease can be bacteria, fungi, viruses. Among the pathogens, some rather specific ones can be distinguished. They are the causative agents of gonorrhea and syphilis, pseudomonads. They can be considered specific for the reason that usually these pathogens cause the development of other diseases (venereal).
Among fungi, folliculitis is most often candidiasis, as well as caused by dermatophytes. Viruses: herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster virus, a virus that causes contagious mollusc. Also, some parasites can cause the disease – for example, demodex, a tick that usually causes demodecosis.
Also, the development of folliculitis can be caused by conditionally pathogenic flora. In this case, the development of the disease should be promoted by provoking factors – weakening of immunity (especially the development of acquired immunodeficiency (as a result of the progression of HIV infection), hypothermia, stress, chronic diseases – diabetes mellitus, transplant therapy.
A separate reason is the long–term use of glucorticosteroids in the form of ointments, as well as the aggressive effect of chemicals on the skin, leads to
SYMPTOMS OF FOLLICULITIS
Like any purulent-inflammatory disease, folliculitis in its development goes through successive stages of the development of an abscess with the difference that with folliculitis, many purulent elements develop on a small area of the skin.
The development of the disease begins with the appearance of hyperemia in the hair area, which then turns into a pustule, in the center of which the hair shaft is contained. After a few days, the surface of the pustule becomes tense, and it opens, suppuration occurs. The opened pustule exposes erosion. The affected area is very sensitive. Since the pustules are located close to each other and can merge, the area of erosion can be quite large.
With folliculitis, pain syndrome is pronounced, erosions ooze with pus and sucrose and represent a large gateway for the attachment of secondary infection and, accordingly, aggravation of the inflammatory process.
Folliculitis with its rather complex course can be complicated by the development of phlegmon, abscess, carbuncle.
DIAGNOSIS OF FOLLICULITIS
Dermatologist’s appointment.
Physical examination, dermatoscopy.
Seeding to determine the pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics.
Serological examination – PCR diagnostics.
TREATMENT OF FOLLICULITIS
Treatment is carried out taking into account the diagnosis. The patient must undergo a course of antibacterial therapy, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. Erosions are cauterized with aniline dyes, the skin is treated with antiseptics to prevent the spread of infection.
In the subacute period, courses of physiotherapy and ultraviolet irradiation are carried out.
