Bacterial folliculitis develops when bacteria enters the body through a cut, scrape, surgical incision, or multiplies in the skin near a hair follicle. The bacteria can get trapped and the infection may spread from the hair follicles to the other parts of the body.

 

Bacterial folliculitis may be superficial or deep. Superficial folliculitis, also called impetigo, consists of pustules which are small-circumscribed elevations of the skin containing pus. The pustules are often surrounded by a ring of redness. Deep folliculitis results when the infection goes deeper and involves more follicles to produce furuncles and carbuncles. These are more serious than folliculitis and can cause permanent damage and scarring to the skin. Bacterial folliculitis usually occurs in children and adults. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common of bacterial folliculitis causes. It also causes sycosis, a deep chronic infection that involves the entire hair follicle.

 

Besides the species of streptococcus, pseudomonas, proteus and coliform bacteria have also been indicated as of bacterial folliculitis causes. ?Hot Tub? Folliculitis is a condition caused by the pathogen pseudomonas aeruginosa. This disease is often caused due to unsanitary conditions at a spa. The pathogens identified in Gram-negative folliculitis include Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Proteus species. This type of folliculitis sometimes develops in people receiving long-term antibiotic treatment for acne.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture have 2 main patterns of disease to describe folliculitis:

1. Damp-Heat accumulation with External Wind attack – In this pattern, we see short-duration folliculitis with lesions that are swollen and either red or moist. Application of pressure will cause the pustule to be expressed, releasing pus. Pain and scarring are common. Acupuncture treatment focus on transforming dampness and clear heat. The guiding herb formulas are Feng Fang San and Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin.

2. Dual deficiency of Qi and Blood – In this pattern, there are chronic and mild lesions. Swelling is non-distinct. When pus is expressed from a lesion it will be clear of opaque-white. Lesions will be painful with pain increasing upon pressure. Acupuncture will focus on tonifying Qi and Blood. The guiding herbal formula is Huang Qi Zao Xiu Yin. Continue to read Chinese medicine Treatment for Acne.