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Staphylococcal Folliculitis

Eosinophilic Folliculitis, is the medical term for infections at the base of the hair follicle. There are several types of this skin disorder, including Pseudomonas Folliculitis (also known as hot tub folliculitis or hot tub rash), which is caused by a form of bacteria that lives in hot tubs; Pseudo folliculitis Barbae, a condition from ingrown hairs, which affects the beard area; Pityrosporum Folliculitis, which is caused by yeast; and Staphylococcal Folliculitis.

Staphylococcal is the most common form, and is a result of a staph infection. With this condition, pus-filled, white bumps that are often itchy can appear anywhere there is a hair follicle on your body. It is very rarely a serious condition, however, and will often heal within a few days or weeks.

Staphylococcal Folliculitis Causes

Folliculitis occurs when a hair follicle is damaged, which can happen when rough clothing rubs against the hair. Cuts from shaving or a blocked follicle can also be a cause of Staphylococcal Folliculitis. When the staph bacteria enters through an open cut or other wound, it creates an infection at the base of the hair follicle, and this infection is what results in Staphylococcal Folliculitis. Acne, while it is a separate condition, can sometimes lead to this. People who have a lower tolerance for infections, such as those with immune deficiencies, are more susceptible to this condition, though it can happen to anyone.

Staphylococcal Folliculitis Contagious

Since Staphylococcal Folliculitis is an infection caused by the staph bacteria, it is very contagious. It can be spread through shared clothing or towels, razor blades, or with direct contact with infected skin. Staph is always on your skin, and it is only when it enters through an open cut that it becomes problematic. However, sharing infected personal items greatly increases the risk of being affected by this skin disorder, so it's best to avoid doing so.

You can also reduce the risk of this infection by avoiding tight clothing, regularly replacing your razor blades, and using mild, fragrance-free soaps, shaving creams, and lotions. Clean and completely dry any bathing suit or sport apparel each time you use them, and thoroughly clean hot tubs and bath tubs. Being gentle during shaving, to avoid unnecessary cuts, and applying a disinfectant on any cuts that do occur, will also help.

Staphylococcal Folliculitis Treatment

It is important to begin treatment of Staphylococcal Folliculitis as soon as you realize you have it, since the infection can return, spread, or become worse.

To avoid spreading the bacteria, you should clean the infected area with a gentle soap and water, and wash your hands often. You also can apply salt water compresses and warm, damp cloths, to give the area a chance to soften and drain.

Draining the pus may be the most important part of treating this condition. The warm compresses, or soaking the area, will usually help the infection drain on its own after some time. If this fails, a sterilized needle or syringe can aid in the process--though you should not attempt this method on your own.

Staphylococcal Folliculitis Antibiotics

Oral medications and antibiotics are rarely needed in Staphylococcal Folliculitis treatment, and some claim they have little effect when they are used. Although the focus with these infections is to first drain the pus, topical antibiotics can also be very helpful in the healing process.

These medications should contain sulfamethoxazole, cephalexin, or doxycycline, which can be found in Bactrim, Keflex, and Septra. Look for creams that you can apply directly to the area, as these will bring the strongest result.

Antibiotics are no replacement for avoiding the condition altogether, which can be achieved by adopting a new hygiene routine. Showering twice a day, washing bed linen and towels several times a week, washing your hands frequently, and wearing clothing only once will all help decrease your likelihood of being affected by this skin disorder.