Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a pimple -like skin lesion that is seen when hair follicles become inflamed for any reason.  Folliculitis could be seen anywhere in the skin.  Follicle and their surrounding tissues may become infected with different bacteria often Streptococcus aureus.

Certain variations of folliculitis are also known as hot tub folliculitis and barber’s itch. Sever cases of infected folliculitis can cause permanent damage to the hair follicles and lead to local hair loss on the area of infection.

Folliculitis After Hair Transplantation

Folliculitis is one of the common complications of a hair transplant surgery due to blockage of hair or its sebaceous gland when a newly transplanted hair is growing.  Folliculitis after hair transplantation usually appears as small, red or white-headed pimples around one of more follicular units.  Folliculitis may present with itching, mild pain and discharge. Most cases of folliculitis (especially the ones occurring after hair restoration surgery) clear spontaneously in a few days, however more extensive types may need medical or surgical treatment.

Folliculitis may be seen a few days or even months after a hair transplant surgery. They are generally difficult to be differentiated from common pimples or acne. Presence of simple folliculitis usually does not affect the growth of transplanted hair.

Treatment

Simple folliculitis generally does not need any treatment and the lesions tend to clear up on their own within a few days.  Occasionally, they may become infected and that is seen with the spread of redness and inflammation of skin around the original inflamed follicles.  A physicians evaluation can best determine whether or not you need antibiotics for the treatment of your folliculitis.  Occasionally, as a way to avoid use of medication or continuing infection, your doctor may decide to drain them.  Draining the folliculitis collections is a simple procedure and can be easily done in your doctors’ office.