Introduction Hair follicles are a common place for infection in the training room.
Hair follicles are a common place for infection in the training room. Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle and is typically found on patients in areas densely populated with hair or in areas where hair removal has just occurred. Folliculitis is seen in all age groups.
Due to ease of transmission of staph aureus, folliculitis can rapidly spread through a team and within multiple teams in a league. Folliculitis differs from a furuncle, which is a localized subcutaneous abscess within the hypodermis, and carbuncles, which are a coalescing of multiple furuncles. Case A 16 year old football player has developed a localized rash underlying his thigh pads.
On examination the provider visualized multiple pinpoint pustules overlying an erythematous base. No abscess was visualized. Which organism most commonly causes this infection?
A) Staphylococcus aureus B) Pseudomonas C) Streptococcus D) Clostridium The most common types of folliculitis include staphylococcus and streptococcus folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and pseudomonas folliculitis. Staphylococcus is the most common bacterial cause of folliculitis and its treatment will be the focus of this review. However, providers may also come into contact with hot tub folliculitis, which presents with pruritic papules after exposure to hot tubs or saunas.
Illustration of folliculitis Diagnosis Diagnosis of folliculitis is typically a clinical diagnosis. Inflammation of the hair follicle typically presents as a small pustule with an erythematous base. These lesions will usually look “pimplelike” due to the inflammation of the hair follicle.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to recognizing and treating bacterial folliculitis, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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