Folliculitis

Hair loss is, for many patients, a major emotional problem.  Their once youthful looks appear to rapidly descend as they lose their hair, and with some, their self-confidence.  However, there are more causes for concern with hair loss, such as the presence of other conditions which may be causing the symptoms, which subsequently must be diagnosed and treated effectively.  It is of vital importance to consult an expert physician to assist with diagnosis and help organise an effective programme of treatment for the symptoms, and any potential underlying causes of the hair loss, or irritation.

A particular condition which can give rise to hair loss is that of flocculates.  This is the infection and inflammation of hair follicles, which can take course anywhere there is hair, particularly on the scalp, legs and in the nose, and can cause significant itching ad discomfort for those who suffer from it.

Resembling small red pimples, folliculitis can cause itchiness and soreness, and result in crusty sores.  To treat this condition, it is common for a prescription of antibiotics to try to eradicate the bacterial cause of the symptoms.  If patients suffer from recurrences of this condition, it is less beneficial to take a course of antibiotics, and more advisable to ingest some more targeted medication, such as minocycline, which can be taken for up to five weeks, or some form of active lotion to calm the infected area.  If the patient has sensitive skin, it is important to avoid friction from clothing or from excessive rubbing of the area, as this will serve to further aggravate the condition and lead to further hair loss and damage.  Additionally, moisturising cream in the area may also help to cool the itching and soreness, and prevent the scratching which causes excessive hair loss, which will ultimately help keep the condition at bay until further medical assistance and treatment can be sought. 

The condition can be found in any one of any age, although is often the result of shaving on sensitive skin, or similar.  The hair loss caused by this condition is the result of the scratching and itching brought on by the infection.  Additionally, the damage caused to the hair by the infection makes it more brittle and far more susceptible to damage and sudden loss.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, self help measures such as moisturising and avoiding frictional contact can go a long way to reducing the hair loss this condition induces.  However, it is undoubtedly of most benefit to consult your physician over the matter.  Your physician will be trained to competence in all matter surrounding hair loss, and will be able to effectively diagnose your condition and propose treatments.  He will also help calm your fears, and sooth your symptoms until effective recovery can take place.  If you are at all worried about the symptoms you are experiencing it is always advisable to visit your physician for a general health check, and analysis of your physical state at that time.

Hair loss news on the Web

Stress increases risk of hair loss CORRECTION: The dermatologist quoted in this article is named Christina Kim, not Cristina Kim. Although hair loss is attributed to genetics, health professionals believe stress can exacerbate hair loss by triggering the release of certain hormones in the body which can damage hair follicles.

Belichick glad to keep Brady as QB Tom Brady walked into the New England Patriots locker room, his hair fashionably combed over his forehead in a Justin Bieber style as a pair of jeans, pre-ripped and faded, hung neatly over the back of his chair. Even when it looks messy, everything is in place for the Patriots and their biggest star.

Oilers’ ‘hair’ apparent gets first real taste of NHL If the VO2 test wasn’t enough of a welcome to the NHL for Taylor Hall — and it was — then the Edmonton Oilers young star realized he was fast tracking up the hockey ranks when he saw that there was a hairdresser on hand for the players photo shoot.

Locks of love donor Alex Mendenhall, a Sanfordville Elementary School fifth grader, recently donated 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love, which uses the donations to create hair pieces for children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Brenda from Vincent’s Salon was her stylist.

Seen At 11: Age-Proofing Your Hair As we get older, we spend more time and money on products that help keep us looking young – but it’s not only our skin and body that show signs of aging. What can we do to recapture that youthful sheen to our hair?

Out to lunch with Diana Foote: In Florida, hair today may be frizz tomorrow My hair has gone rogue, like Sarah Palin’s grammar. Yoooou betcha! In the Florida steam bath we call “weather,” every time I wash it, I long for Alaska — where I wouldn’t have to spend an hour or so every day wielding a blow dryer and flat iron and the 10 products it takes to tame my hair. Do nothing, and I’m a human frizz ball.

Video: World's Highest Ice Rink: Raw Video John Hancock Center officials announced that a skating rink made of synthetic "xtraice" will be installed in the 94th floor observatory deck early next year making it the world's highest ice skating rink, at over 1000 ft in the air.

No More Gray with Catalase Dietary Supplement Developed to Prevent Gray Hair and Restore Natural Hair Color Supplement Replenishes Enzymes Lost During the Aging Process and Helps Stop the Chain Reaction Leading to Gray Hair

ESPN hires Ross Hair to replace Lynne Frank The sports broadcaster ESPN is preparing to announce the appointment of Ross Hair, who joins from Sony Pictures Television and will take over as head of its operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Hotel revenue from calls, movies drying up More guests are bringing their own devices, taking a small but significant bite out of the bottom line as the hospitality industry struggles to pull out of a deep slump The nation's hotel industry, struggling to pull out of its worst slump in decades, is now suffering from another loss in revenue because of the booming popularity of cell phones and laptop computers.