{"id":16975,"date":"2024-06-06T09:45:10","date_gmt":"2024-06-06T14:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goldenstatedermatology.com\/?p=16975"},"modified":"2024-06-06T09:45:10","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T14:45:10","slug":"busting-the-myths-of-folliculitis-a-guide-to-smooth-skin-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goldenstatedermatology.com\/blog\/busting-the-myths-of-folliculitis-a-guide-to-smooth-skin-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Busting the Myths of Folliculitis: A Guide to Smooth Skin this Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
As the summer sun beckons us to enjoy its warm embrace, many of us eagerly anticipate poolside parties, beach outings, and outdoor adventures. However, the increase in heat and humidity can sometimes lead to unwanted skin issues, including a common condition known as folliculitis. If you\u2019ve ever experienced those tiny red bumps on your skin, especially after shaving or sweating, you might be dealing with folliculitis.<\/p>\n
Folliculitis is a common skin condition related to the hair follicle (hence the name). When the follicle (a small hole or cavity that surrounds the roots of each hair) becomes infected with bacteria, the skin can get red and\/or be itchy, and small bumps can appear. Those bumps could look like a rash, or they can become filled with fluid, or be inflamed and painful.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s such a common condition because so many different situations contribute to it: daily activities like shaving, hot tubs, sweating, or not drying off enough from the pool or beach.
\n\u201cFolliculitis tends to worsen in the summer months because heat and humidity create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, increased sweating and friction from tight clothing or swimsuits can exacerbate the condition,\u201d said Marwa Hakimi, MD of Golden State Dermatology in Brentwood. \u201cMany people tend to ignore it, but like any skin abnormality, don\u2019t assume it will automatically resolve on its own. Avoid self-diagnosing or self-medicating, as any skin rash or eruption could be a sign of something else.\u201d<\/p>\n
While summer does tend to increase the risk of folliculitis, it\u2019s also linked to:<\/p>\n
The summer or hot weather conditions that increase the chances you\u2019ll develop some type of folliculitis are:<\/p>\n
Preventing folliculitis involves good hygiene and skincare practices. Here are some tips to keep those pesky bumps at bay:<\/p>\n
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For those already dealing with folliculitis, treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition.<\/p>\n
While it can be painful, irritating, or just look unpleasant, the good news is that folliculitis usually goes away without treatment. Mild cases of folliculitis may resolve on their own with proper hygiene and over-the-counter treatments. But if you also have a fever, a rash that spreads, or raised bumps that have an odor or are filled with a liquid, consult with a dermatologist. Dr. Hakimi<\/a> states, “Persistent or severe folliculitis can lead to more serious infections or scarring if left untreated. A dermatologist can provide the necessary interventions to manage the condition effectively and prevent complications.”<\/p>\n If the diagnosis is acute folliculitis, your dermatologist may suggest over-the-counter medications or treatments. For example, with Malassezia folliculitis, one treatment is using anti-dandruff shampoo.<\/p>\n In other cases, depending on the duration or severity, the doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the cause of your infection, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like aspirin) or antihistamines to relieve pain or itching.<\/p>\n \u201cAs with any other kind of skin condition, the key is to know what\u2019s normal for you,\u201d said Dr. Hakimi. \u201cWhen you see something developing on your skin that isn\u2019t usually there \u2014 like raised, red bumps \u2014 that\u2019s something to pay attention to.\u201d<\/p>\n Summer should be a time of fun and relaxation, not worrying about skin problems. By understanding folliculitis and taking proactive steps to prevent and treat it, you can enjoy the season with confidence. Remember, the team at GSD is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful skin all year round.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let folliculitis put a damper on your summer plans. With the right care and guidance, you can keep your skin smooth and free of irritation.<\/p>\nEmbrace a Folliculitis-Free Summer<\/h2>\n