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Even if you've never had much trouble with common acne, you can still develop boils due to inflammation and infection of the hair follicles. This condition, folliculitis, can leave you with uncomfortable, unattractive boils that may also cause complications if you don't get them properly treated by a dermatologist.

The more you understand folliculitis, the more easily you can recognize the problem when it strikes, seek out the necessary care, and prevent future outbreaks. Start by familiarizing yourself with the answers to the following frequently asked questions.

What Symptoms Does Folliculitis Produce?

Folliculitis usually occurs because fungi or bacteria have invaded a follicle, the tubular chamber in the skin from which a hair grows. As the infection progresses, the affected skin may burn, itch, or cause pain when you press on it. You'll also see a reddened boil which may or may not have a white, pus-filled head.

You can develop a single folliculitis boil that affects only one follicle, or you can have multiple boils in one area of the body. Dermatologists refer to the latter problem as a carbuncle.

How Does Folliculitis Differ From Acne?

At first glance, you might mistake folliculitis for acne vulgaris, the form of acne that most commonly plagues teenagers. However, folliculitis may affect any part of the body, while acne tends to restrict itself to the back, neck, and face. Additionally, a folliculitis boil typically contains pus, not the sebum found in an ordinary pimple.

Why (and to Whom) Does Folliculitis Occur?

Many cases of folliculitis stem from staphylococcus aureus bacteria. However, if you frequent hot tubs, you may develop folliculitis caused by pseudomonas bacteria instead. Yeast infections produce yet another variant called pityrosporum folliculitis. Mites may cause eosinophilic folliculitis in individuals with HIV or AIDS.

Common risk factors for folliculitis include cuts, topical substances that can clog follicles, ingrown hairs, the use of hairstyles that tug at the follicles, tight clothing that produces skin friction, and exposure to unclean environments such as public pools. A preexisting immune deficiency can make you more vulnerable to folliculitis.

When Does Folliculitis Present Health Challenges?

Most cases of folliculitis resolve on their own in healthy people and in the absence of any factors that might aggravate it. However, severe or deep infections can lead to permanent scarring, discoloration, or follicle damage (with resulting hair loss). The infection can also spread to other parts of the body, causing complications such as cellulitis.

How Do Dermatologists Diagnose and Treat Folliculitis?

Resist the temptation to squeeze or pop a folliculitis boil. While you might manage to express the pus and other infected fluid, you also run the risk of pushing those toxins more deeply into the skin, to the point that they may enter your bloodstream. Instead, let your dermatologist diagnose and treat the problem.

Dermatologists can usually confirm a case of folliculitis simply by looking at it. However, your dermatologist may also want to swab the skin and run lab tests to identify the exact bacteria or fungi responsible for your condition. If doubt exists about the true nature of your symptoms, the dermatologist may also take a tissue sample.

Treatment for your folliculitis will depend in part on the infectious agent. You may receive prescriptions for either antibiotics or antifungal medications. These products may come in the form of oral drugs, shampoos, creams, or lotions. Warm compresses, corticosteroids, or light therapy may also prove useful.

A large boil with a prominent head may benefit from lancing. This procedure, which involves making a tiny incision in the skin, allows the dermatologist to release the trapped fluids in a safe, sterile, controlled manner.

How Can You Avoid Folliculitis?

You may find that lifestyle changes help you avoid future bouts of folliculitis. Whenever possible, wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn't rub your skin, and change out of sweaty clothing at the earliest opportunity. Bathe regularly and shave with clean razors or other shaving equipment. Stay away from dirty tubs or pools.

Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists can help you get over an unpleasant case of folliculitis and put you on the path to healthier skin. Contact us at any of our locations to schedule an appointment.