Monday, February 11, 2008

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. Each pubic hair on your body grows out of a tiny pouch called a follicle. You can have folliculitis pictures on any part of your body that has pubic hair. But it is most common symptoms on the face, scalp, and areas rubbed by clothing, such as the thighs and groin. What causes folliculitis pubic symptoms? See the folliculitis pictures.

It is usually caused by bacteria, especially the type called staph (Staphylococcus). It can also be caused by yeast and another type of fungus. Folliculitis caused by a symptoms fungus is most often seen in people who have trouble fighting infections because they have an impaired immune system.

Often folliculitis pubic develops because you have auto damaged your hair follicles. Shaving or wearing clothes that rub the skin can irritate the follicles. They can also become blocked or irritated by substances like sweat, machine oils, or makeup. When the follicles are injured, they are more likely to become infected.

Eating a balanced diet, including protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day may stimulate the body's immune system and shorten the course of the infection. Garlic (Allium sativum) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), both antiseptic agents against staph infections, may be taken. The daily dosage would vary from person to person and is based on the severity of the infection. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) is helpful in modulating immune function. Again, the dosage would vary.

Daily doses of 30-50 mg zinc and 1,000-5,000 mg Vitamin C (taken in equal amounts at several times during the day), and 300-2,000 mg bioflavinoids can also strengthen the body's infection-fighting ability. High doses of vitamins and minerals should not be used without a doctor's approval.

Anyone who has a tendency to develop folliculitis should cleanse the skin with antibacterial soap twice a day and before shaving and should not use oily skin lotions. Men should not shave while the beard area is infected. When they begin shaving again, they should use a new blade each time. Women who have had fungal folliculitis should use depilatory creams instead of razors. Daily shampooing can help prevent folliculitis in the scalp. The spread of infection can be prevented by not sharing towels or washcloths.