Leg folliculitis is an inflammation that occurs in the hair follicle, which is the structure responsible for the formation and growth of hair, causing symptoms such as small balls that look like pimples, itching, pain and small blisters filled with pus.
Folliculitis on the leg can arise due to inflammation of ingrown hairs, but it can also be caused by infections caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or fungi, such as Candida albicans,for example.
The treatment of folliculitis on the leg must be guided by a dermatologist, who may recommend cleaning the region with water and antiseptic soap, or the use of antibiotics, antifungals or corticosteroids, in the form of creams, ointments or tablets. Check out the main treatments for folliculitis.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of leg folliculitis are:
- Small red dots that look like pimples;
- Itch;
- Small blisters with pus;
- Pain and sensitivity in the region.
In some cases, when inflammation affects deeper regions of the skin, folliculitis can cause the formation of a boil, an infection that causes the formation of a lump with pus, pain, redness and permanent hair loss in the affected region. Learn more about the boil.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of leg folliculitis should be made by a dermatologist or general practitioner, through evaluation of the symptoms and signs presented, and the person’s health history.
To check the possibility of leg folliculitis, make an appointment with the dermatologist closest to you:
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In addition, the doctor may also request a culture test, carried out by collecting a sample of the liquid from the ball on the skin to be evaluated in the laboratory, the KOH test, or the Wood’s lamp test. See how it is done and examine the Wood’s lamp.
Possible causes
Leg folliculitis can be caused by infections caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ou Klebsiella, for example.
Although less common, leg folliculitis can also be caused by fungi, such as Candida albicans or Pityrosporum ovale, or viruses, such as herpes simplex.
Furthermore, some factors that can increase the risk of developing leg folliculitis are:
- Wearing very tight clothes;
- Frequent hair removal with razors or wax;
- Ingrown hairs;
- Use of hot tubs, swimming pools or saunas that are not adequately sanitized;
- Wearing clothing that increases skin temperature, such as jeans;
- Taking medications such as antibiotics, lithium or cyclosporine for long periods.
Furthermore, leg folliculitis can also appear in people with a weakened immune system or chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, obesity, HIV or cancer.
How the treatment is carried out
The simplest cases of leg folliculitis usually resolve within a few days. However, when symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days, or when the lumps contain pus and hurt, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist, who may recommend the following treatments:
- Antibiotics, in the form of tablets or ointments, such as tetracycline neomycin or cephalexin, which are indicated to combat bacterial folliculitis;
- corticosteroids, in the form of an ointment or tablets, such as hydrocortisone, to relieve redness and itching of the skin;
- Antifungals, such as itraconazole and fluconazole, may be prescribed to treat folliculitis caused by fungi;
- Oral antivirals, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir, which are indicated in cases of folliculitis caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Furthermore, it is also important to wash your legs with warm water and neutral or antiseptic soap during baths, after physical activities, using a swimming pool, saunas or bathtubs. See all treatment options for folliculitis.
How to remove folliculitis spots on the leg?
To remove folliculitis spots on the leg, the doctor may recommend the use of some whitening ointments, such as kojic acid, hydroquinone, or Vitamin C, for example.
The doctor may also recommend laser or pulsed light sessions to help lighten the skin. See other treatments recommended to lighten the skin.
How to avoid leg folliculitis
Some measures that help prevent leg folliculitis are:
- Perform laser or pulsed light hair removal;
- Wear loose-fitting pants made of light fabrics;
- Avoid sitting for a long time;
- Don’t scratch or you’ll burst the balls.
Furthermore, exfoliating once a week also helps to remove dead skin cells, preventing the appearance of ingrown hairs and folliculitis on the legs. Find out how ingrown hairs are treated.
