Folliculitis Hair Loss – Causes, Precautions, And Treatment

Folliculitis is the inflammation of the hair follicles and may often lead to hair loss and hairline recession. It is different from general hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata in which receding hairline or baldness occurs in a definite male and female pattern baldness. Folliculitis, unlike these conditions, is generally not genetic and has external causes. If you are unaware of folliculitis hair loss, its symptoms, and treatment, we can help. Keep reading to know more about the condition.

What, Precisely, Is Folliculitis?

Each strand of hair grows out from a pouch-like structure which is known as the hair follicle.

In diagrams of hair, the bulb in which the strand terminates is the follicle. Folliculitis is a condition where this bulb gets inflamed due to certain persisting skin factors like dry skin, or when there is friction between the hair and clothes on a certain area of the body (1). The latter is common in places like the groin or the thigh which is normally covered at all times. However, folliculitis as we understand it is common in the scalp and facial region. The inflamed hair follicles in this case lead to an itchy scalp and hair loss.

In the next section, we will look at a few common types of folliculitis.

Types Of Folliculitis

There are many types of folliculitis categorized based on whether they are bacterial or fungal infections. The following are some common types:

• Bacterial Folliculitis

Typically caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which is known to reside on the skin and is one of the most common culprits of folliculitis.

• Pityrosporum Folliculitis

Caused by the yeast called Pitysporum that moves toward the hair follicles and spreads infection. It can be triggered by humid conditions, tight clothing, oily or greasy skin, etc.

• Hot Tub Folliculitis

Caused by spending a lot of time in hot tubs that might be contaminated by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

These commonly occurring folliculitis can weaken hair at the roots and may have one or more of the following triggers.

Causes Of Folliculitis Hair Loss

There are many causes which tend to irritate the hair follicles and make them irritated and reddish. Some of them are as follows:

• Bacteria and certain types of yeast infections can attack the hair follicles. In such cases, they swell up and become inflamed.
• Sometimes, excessive friction of the hair follicles with clothes can be a reason for them to get inflamed and it can even aggravate into a full case of folliculitis.
• Sweat, dirt, grime can clog the pores of the skin, leading to inflammation and infection of the hair follicles.
• Shaving, especially shaving regularly with a blunt razor, can do massive damage to your hair follicles. They will become visibly red, inflamed and itchy.

Some Other Causes Of Folliculitis And Hair Loss

• Wearing tight clothes which constantly rub against the skin, using water which is not properly treated with chlorine, excessive use of certain products like make up, cocoa butter, motor oil, steroid creams which clog the pores of the skin and damage the hair follicles are some of the other causes of folliculitis. It is a condition which is both avoidable and reversible with a little bit of care.

In case of prior infections or cuts, the damage can spread to the nearby hair follicles. This is why you need to be especially careful with wounds or stitches which have not dried yet. Diseases such as HIV or diabetes which reduces the strength of the immune system of the body also sometimes manifest themselves as folliculitis.

When To See The Doctor?

• You have pimple-like formations all over your skin with a hair in the middle. These are what the inflamed hair follicles look like.
• These inflamed hair follicles tend to burst with blood or pus oozing out of them. This means that it is time to call your dermatologist.
• The hair follicles itch like crazy and you are spending all your time trying to be comfortable in your clothes while your body feels like it is on fire.
• If the folliculitis sets in two days after you have been in a non-chlorinated hot tub or swimming pool, then the inflammations are most likely to occur in the stomach region.

Quick Tip

Always wash your body and scalp thoroughly after using public hot tubs, jacuzzis, and swimming pools to prevent folliculitis hair loss.

Folliculitis Hair Loss Treatment

• Compared to other types of hair loss, this condition may heal on its own. Have patience and give it about two weeks’ time. In case the itching is really getting to you, you can use a warm compress using white vinegar or Burow’s Solution for some immediate relief.
• Medicated shampoo can be used to treat this condition when it occurs on the scalp.

This is a common enough condition which you shouldn’t panic about. However, it can be difficult to live with recurrent folliculitis hair loss or thinning hair. It is best to consult a dermatologist in such cases.

Following a good hygiene helps keep folliculitis at bay. Here are a few things you could do to control the infection from spreading.

• Use antiseptic soap preparations
• Dab on antiseptic and antibiotic lotions on the affected area. This will help treat infected follicles.
• Apply a warm and moist compressor on the affected areas, as this will control spread of the infection to other unaffected areas.
• Use over the counter drugs such as cortisone cream after a shower.
• Sprinkle medicated powder on the affected follicles before donning your clothes.
• Add a few drops of chlorine in your hot bath thrice a week.
• Do not share your towel with others.

Quick Tip

Avoid sharing with others your razors, hair scissors, hair brushes, or any other tool used to manage your hair.

a. Water and hydrocortisone:

1. Use a moist cloth and wet the affected areas with warm water.

2. Lather the area with a generous amount of a reputed anti-bacterial soap. This could be in liquid or soap form.

3. Rub the soapy skin gently with a soft wash cloth for a good 30 seconds. This will exfoliate the dead skin cells near the follicles.

4. Rinse the skin thoroughly using luke warm water and then pat dry.

5. Follow this session by treating the skin with a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream as topical treatment which will relieve both inflammation and acute itching.

b. Vinegar compress:

1. Mix four parts of water with one part of good quality white vinegar. Now soak a clean wash cloth and wring it out till almost dry.

2. Now place this vinegar soaked cloth on the affected area for half an hour. Do this twice a day for best results.

3. Follow this session of vinegar compress by applying a thin layer of hydrocortisone for quick results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can folliculitis be cured completely?

Yes, with the right treatment and care, folliculitis can be managed and treated completely.

Does stress cause folliculitis?

Although stress is a factor in many hair loss cases, it does not cause folliculitis. However, stress is a major causing factor of telogen effluvium.

Which vitamin deficiency can cause folliculitis?

A deficiency in vitamins C and A may cause follicular issues, like bleeding follicles, that lead to folliculitis.

Can you have folliculitis for years?

Without the right medical treatments, hair styling practices, and hair care, folliculitis can be a severe and long-term hair issue.

What happens if folliculitis goes untreated?

Folliculitis can worsen if left untreated. Painful boils can form in the infected area, leading to infection, inflammation, and sometimes traction alopecia.

Illustration: Folliculitis Hair Loss - Causes Precautions And Treatment

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to manage scalp folliculitis. Get tips on how to reduce pain and itching that is resistant to medications. Watch the video below for more information.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Beurena JohnsonCertified Trichologist

     

Beurena is a certified trichologist with 6 years of experience and a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia. She is also the CEO of the Hair and Scalp Treatment Centers in Augusta, Georgia, and the founder of The Trichology School of Business.

Read full bio of Beurena Johnson

Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

Read full bio of Jyotsana Rao

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

Read full bio of Krati Darak