Last updated on May 28, 2024
Folliculitis is a skin condition that affects hair follicles, causing small, red bumps or pustules to appear on the skin. This condition can occur anywhere on the body where hair follicles are present, including the scalp, face, chest, back, arms, and legs.
At Crown Clinic, we offer folliculitis advice and treatment. Melbourne residents can contact us to book an appointment.
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. It results in red bumps, itching, and sometimes hair loss. In some cases, it can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.
Causes of Folliculitis
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of folliculitis, which include:
- Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, can enter the hair follicle and cause an infection.
- Herpes or ringworm are examples of viral or fungal infections that can result in foliculitis.
- Skin irritants such as sweat, oil, and other skin irritants can clog hair follicles, leading to inflammation and infection.
- Tight clothing or clothing that rubs against the skin can also cause folliculitis.
People with medical conditions such as weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing folliculitis.
Symptoms of Folliculitis
Symptoms of folliculitis include:
- Itchy skin or tender skin around the affected area
- Swollen or inflamed hair follicles
- Scarring or hair loss in severe cases
- Redness or rash around the affected area
- burning or stinging sensation around the affected area
More severe cases of folliculitis can cause larger, painful bumps that are filled with pus.
How is folicululitis treatment performed?
The treatment for folliculitis will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
- Bacterial infection: Antibiotics may be prescribed, usually topical or oral antibiotics.
- Viral infection: Antiviral medications may be prescribed if the folliculitis is caused by a viral infection.
- Fungal infection: Antifungal medications may be prescribed if the folliculitis is caused by a fungus.
- Hot compresses can be applied to the affected area to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
- Incision and drainage may be necessary to remove pus from the affected area.
- Laser hair removal treatments: Laser beam treatment is a great solution for people who are prone to folliculitis, as it destroys the hair follicle at its root and stops hair growth.
Recovery After Folliculitis Treatment
The recovery time after folliculitis treatment will depend on the severity and type of treatment. In mild cases, the symptoms of folliculitis may clear up within a few days without any treatment. In more severe cases, it may take several weeks for the symptoms to completely resolve.
If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms of folliculitis have improved. This will help prevent the infection from recurring or becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Advantages of Folliculitis Treatment
Treating folliculitis can provide several benefits, which may include:
- Relief from symptoms: Treatment can alleviate the pain, itching, and discomfort associated with folliculitis.
- Prevention of complications: Treating folliculitis can help prevent the development of more serious skin infections or scarring.
- Improvement of overall skin health: Treating folliculitis can help improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Risks of Folliculitis Treatment
Some of the potential risks of folliculitis treatment may include:
- Allergic reactions to medications: Some people may be allergic to the medications used to treat folliculitis, which can cause serious side effects.
- Antibiotic resistance: Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it more difficult to treat bacterial infections in the future.
- Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the treatments used to treat folliculitis.
- Side effects of medications: Some medications used to treat folliculitis can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, or headaches.
How Much Does Folliculitis Treatment Cost in Melbourne?
Folliculitis treatment costs at our Melbourne clinic will depend on the treatments recommended. In some cases, more than one treatment may be required for the best results. Depending on the severity, recurring appointments may also be advised. Review our prices here.
After your initial consultation, we advise on the best course of action and provide a detailed quotation.
Please contact us at 02-9134-4788 or book online via our website.
Crown Clinic for folliculitis treatment
The Crown Clinic is a leading medical practise that diagnoses and treats various hair and scalp conditions, including folliculitis. The clinic is staffed with experienced hair transplant surgeons who use the latest techniques and technologies to provide effective and personalised folliculitis treatments for their patients.
Please contact us at 02 9134 4788 or book online via our website.
Our Doctors
Dr Tony Prochazka
MBBS (Melb) FACCSM (Med) FCPCA / Cosmetic Doctor
Dr Tony Prochazka has over 20 years of experience with various hair restoration techniques and scalp micropigmentation treatments being one of them.
Dr Prochazka was also the Inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and a former vice-president of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia.
How to schedule a consultation
To schedule a consultation at our Melbourne clinic, please contact us at 02 9134 4788 or book online via our website.
Should you require more information before making an appointment, please use our live chat available on our website. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have.
Our Melbourne location
Level 1, 9 Claremont St.
South Yarra, VIC 3141
Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
If you require more information on folliculitis treatment, please read our most frequently asked questions:
What is the best treatment for folliculitis in Australia?
The best treatment for folliculitis in Australia may vary depending on the severity of the condition, but common treatments include antibiotics, antifungal medications, or topical creams.
What is the fastest way to heal folliculitis?
The best way to fast-track the folliculitis healing process is to identify the cause and treat it accordingly with the help of a healthcare professional. Mild cases of folliculitis can often be treated with self-care measures such as warm compresses and over-the-counter creams.
Does folliculitis damage hair follicles?
Yes, folliculitis can damage hair follicles. It can cause inflammation, infection, and scarring of the follicles, leading to hair loss and bald patches. Additionally, if folliculitis is left untreated, it can lead to permanent hair loss.
Are ingrown hairs that harm the hair follicle to blame for folliculitis?
Ingrown hairs commonly cause folliculitis by harming the hair follicle and resulting in inflammation, infection, and scarring. In some cases, this damage can lead to permanent hair loss.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.