Irritant folliculitis

Irritant folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle. 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. An associated itch may or may not be present. Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a type of irritant folliculitis in the beard area.

Definition and types

Irritant folliculitis is a type of folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicle, not caused by infection. Types include pseudofolliculitis barbae and perioral dermatitis. ==Signs and symptoms==

Signs and symptoms

The condition 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. An associated itch may or may not be present. ==Cause==

Cause

Mechanical factors that typically trigger irritant folliculitis include hair removal by razor, waxing, electrolysis, and by plucking. Thick greasy moisturisers may trigger the condition. Other factors that increase chances of skin friction and moisture include obesity. ==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is by history and visualisation of the rash. ==Treatment==

Treatment

Treatment involves removing the triggering factor, particularly shaving. Sometimes doxycycline works as an anti-inflammatory medication. Ceasing to shave for several months may help. 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. Rubbing may be reduced by using powders. ==Epidemiology==

Epidemiology

Any age may be affected. It is common on the lower legs of women who shave there. == See also ==

Source: Wikipedia ↗

tickerdossier.com tickerdossier.substack.com