FOLLICULITIS HAIR LOSS

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, commonly of a bacterial origin.

It is characterised by pustules found in the nape (folliculitis nuchae) which can gradually progress throughout the scalp. It is a progressive condition starting with one pustule and turning into many as adjacent follicles are infected. These pustules can become nodular (tiny scars) and then can form into hard, elevated scars, called keloids. Left untreated this condition can progress into a condition called cellulites/cicatrising cellulite.

This condition is commonly found on the scalp, but can affect other hair growing areas. Such as pubes (pubic hair), and the axillae (armpits). The face may also be affected often, limited to the area in front of the ears.

Folliculitis is common among young black men, but it can occur on the other races and any age group. Black women can also be affected due to the secondry sensitising of the scalp as a result of heavy usage of hairdressing creams, i.e. lanolin, mineral oil and petroleum based products. Folliculitis can also be due to chemical abrasion, causing itching and bacterial infection.

In men folliculitis is commonly due to razor or infected hair clippers especially when hair is shaved very close to the skin. Use of hairdressing creams can further aggravate the infection.

Treatments used are anti-bacterial creams, lotions and shampoos. These products must be used regulary until the infection clears up. Close shaving must be avoided during the treatment period.

There can be many reasons for hair loss please click on the links below to read about hair loss causes.

Celiac Disease associated Alopecia Hair Loss	Psoriasis Hair Loss
Diffuse Hair Loss	Scalp Ring Worm Hair Loss
Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia)	Scarring Alopecia Hair Loss
Folliculitis Decalvans Hair Loss	Scleroderma Hair Loss
Folliculitis Hair Loss	Seborrhoeic Dermatitus / Eczema Hair Loss
Lichen Planopilaris Hair Loss	Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss
Lichen Planus Hair Loss	Trichotillomania Hair Loss
Lupus Hair Loss