Back folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles in this region, which can cause symptoms such as redness, itching or discomfort in the skin and small blisters with pus at the base of the hair.
This inflammation of the hair follicles is usually caused by infection with bacteria or fungi and is more common in people who shave or shave their hair frequently, for example.
Read too: Folliculitis: what it is, types, symptoms, causes and treatment
In case of folliculitis on the back, especially when it is extensive or does not improve within a few days, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. Treatment may involve measures such as avoiding shaving/shaving your hair and the use of antibiotics, for example.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of back folliculitis are:
- Redness of the skin, especially around hair follicles;
- Bubbles on the skin or small blisters of pus with a hair in the center;
- Itching and/or discomfort in the affected region.
Typically, folliculitis begins with symptoms such as itching and redness of the skin. Then, it is common for a small ball to appear at the site of the inflamed hair follicle, which can sometimes contain pus.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of folliculitis on the back is made by a dermatologist or general practitioner based on the symptoms presented, the person’s health history and changes in the skin in the affected region.
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Although it is normally not necessary, in some cases the dermatologist may also recommend other tests, such as analyzing a skin scraping sample or biopsy of the lesions, to identify the cause of the folliculitis.
Possible causes
Back folliculitis is typically caused by infection of the hair follicles with bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus. However, fungal infections are also common in adolescents, such as Malassezia furfurdue to the effects of hormonal changes during puberty on the skin.
Read too: Staphylococcus aureus: what it is, symptoms and treatment
Furthermore, back folliculitis tends to be more common in people who sweat excessively in this part of the body, wear very tight shirts, shave or shave their hair in this region or have diseases that affect the skin, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
In most cases, back folliculitis improves without the need for specific treatment within a few days. However, it can sometimes involve the use of medications, such as antibiotics, antifungals or antivirals, in the form of ointments or tablets, for example.
Some recommended measures in case of back folliculitis include:
- Dry your back well after bathing or if you sweat;
- Avoid wearing very tight shirts;
- Stop shaving/shaving the region for 30 days;
- Prefer to use gel instead of soap when shaving your hair.
Furthermore, if there are diseases that affect the skin, it is important to carry out treatment according to the doctor’s instructions and, if the person is taking any new medication, consult the doctor who recommended it to see if folliculitis could be associated. to its use.
