Ostiofolliculitis: treatment, symptoms, prevention, photo

Purulent-inflammatory diseases of the upper part of the hair follicles, as well as the sebaceous glands, which belong to pyoderma, are classified as ostiofolliculitis (staphylococcal impetigo).

Such a disease can occur at any age, however, most often with ostiofolliculitis such a branch of medicine as pediatric dermatology is faced.

In childhood, most often, the symptoms of ostiofolliculitis are localized in open areas of the skin, in places of scratching, open abrasions, bites and scratches. Among men, the most common skin lesions are the chin and mustache. As a rule, a superficial inflammatory process of a single follicle can become the initial stage of the development of sycosis (a pustular skin disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus).

The reasons for the development of the disease

The development of ostiofolliculitis is provoked by Staphylococcus aureus or white, which in small quantities present on a healthy skin surface, without causing the patient any discomfort in the absence of the following factors:

• decrease in the body's immune forces;
• frequent development of ARVI;
• systemic diseases (hepatitis, meningitis, tuberculosis, etc.);
• the presence of chronic diseases in the patient's body;
• metabolic disorders;
• any form of diabetes mellitus;
• increased sensitivity of the body to the development of purulent infections;
• improper work of the central nervous system;
• ostiofolliculitis can develop with increased production of sebaceous secretions;
• non-observance of hygienic rules of care;

• increased acidity of the skin;
• adverse weather conditions (hypothermia and overheating).

In addition, trauma to the skin during shaving, frequent rubbing and contact with harmful chemicals can lead to the activation of the inflammatory process.

Diagnostics of the ostiofolliculitis

At the initial detection of pustules on the skin that are common throughout the body, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist.

As a rule, a visual examination under high magnification (dermatoscopy) is sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. At the same time, the absence of infiltration around the conical pustules and the purulent contents at the top of the pustules indicate the superficial nature of the inflammatory process and the staphylococcal nature of development.

The involvement of staphylococcus and the determination of the sensitivity of pathogens to a specific antibiotic is carried out using bacteriological studies of pustular contents. This is necessary, first of all, in order to identify the recurrent form of ostiofolliculitis and choose the most effective treatment.

In addition, to clarify the diagnosis, it is recommended to perform a bacterial blood test and determine the level acidity of the skin, as well as to confirm the generalization of the process, blood is taken to determine sterility. It is important to distinguish ostiofolliculitis from deep folliculitis, pseudofurunculosis, and streptococcal impetigo.

Symptoms of the disease

In the initial stage of the disease, a small pustular formation is formed. A hair runs in the center of the pustule. After a week, the purulent contents dries up with the formation of a crust, which disappears over time, leaving no traces. The inflammatory process can spread into the deep subcutaneous layers, causing complications in the form of a boil or folliculitis. At the same time, there is an increase in body temperature and general intoxication of the body.

Ostiofolliculitis is accompanied by redness of the inflamed area in the area of ​​exits of the sebaceous ducts or hair follicle. There is slight soreness in the area of ​​localization of the pustules. Rashes, as a rule, appear in multiples. Pustules are located singly or form in separate groups with extensive skin lesions. However, even when closely spaced, the pustules never coalesce.

A separate form of ostiofolliculitis can be attributed to staphylococcal impetigo (Bockhart), accompanied by an increased pustule size and localized on the skin on the back of the hand. Most often, impetigo occurs as a complication of scabies. As a rule, the disease occurs in women and in men and women in the area of ​​hair growth and, especially on the head.

Manifestations of the disease on the scalp

When a disease appears on the head, the follicle resembles a bag filled with serous-purulent secretion (pictured). When the inflammatory process is localized in the head area, it is able to spread to the sebaceous glands.

In this case, there is a certain cyclicality:

• development;
• height;
• transitional stage;
• peace.

Folliculitis of the scalp is superficial and deep, but most often it is a deep type of lesion that can be provoked by poor hygiene, diabetes mellitus, prolonged use of steroid drugs and immunosuppressants, and others provoking factors. In addition, physical damage to the skin can be a provocateur of ostiofolliculitis.

Folliculitis classification

The causes of the infectious process in ostiofolliculitis are all kinds of pathogens (fungi, viruses, bacteria, and sometimes even ticks). Therefore, there are various clinical forms of ostiofolliculitis with characteristic specific symptoms.

The most common are:

FOLLICULITIS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS - develops as a result of exposure to staphylococcal bacteria. Most often, such symptoms are observed after shaving hair on the face and head, therefore, most often the staphylococcal form of ostiofolliculitis is observed among men. With deep skin lesions, a complication in the form of furunculosis and the formation of abscesses is possible.

DECALVING OSTIOPHOLLICULITIS - this form of the disease has a staphylococcal nature of development and, as a rule, has a chronic course. The disease contributes to the development of atrophic changes in the skin and persistent alopecia. The decaltivating form of ostiofolliculitis affects the temporal and parietal regions. Very rarely, similar symptoms are observed in the armpits and on the pubic region.

SUBMITTING FOLLICULITIS (Hoffmann) - This is a fairly rare pathological condition, the etiology of which has not yet been studied. This form, as a rule, is sluggish and prolonged. Hoffmann's ostiofolliculitis can affect, in addition to the hair follicle, closely spaced tissues, forming an extensive inflammatory zone. At the same time, hair growth is impossible on the affected areas, since the growth zone of the hair shaft is completely destroyed. This leads to irreversible consequences in the form of baldness. On the surface of the skin, purulent foci are formed, which, after healing, form coarse scar tissue. An interesting fact is that most often this form of ostiofolliculitis occurs in African Americans aged 25 to 40 years.

CANDIDOUS FORM OF OSTIOPHOLLICULITIS - This type of disease is caused by Candida. Most often, this form occurs after the application of occlusive dressings, especially if they are performed using corticosteroid ointments. A characteristic symptomatology is the appearance of large pustular rashes with the formation of a hair follicle in the center of the formation. Most often, this form of ostiofolliculitis is observed in patients with limited mobility in the back. As a rule, acute symptoms are accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

HERPETIC FORM - provoked by an attack of viral herpes with the characteristic appearance of a fine-bubbling rash in the hair follicle. Subsequently, a scab forms at the top of the follicle. Most often, such folliculitis occurs in men in the nasolabial region and on the chin (pictured).

ELEVATIVE SYPHILID (SYPHILYTIC) - is a manifestation of the secondary development of syphilis and is accompanied by a hyperemic papular rash that can group into oval groups. The disease is characterized by baldness, scalp, beard and mustache.

PARASITIC TYPE OF DISEASE - manifests itself as a result of the activity of Demodex folliculorum mites. With this form of ostiofolliculitis, the affected areas of the skin are covered with hyperemic papules and pustules, and peeling of the skin is noted at the base of the hair follicles.

As a rule, ostiofolliculitis is mild and does not pose a mortal danger to the patient. In some cases, with inadequate treatment or its absence, as well as non-observance of basic rules of personal hygiene possible complications of ostiofolliculitis in the form of boils, carbuncles, abscesses, dermatophytosis and the formation of scar tissue.

Ostiofolliculitis treatment

Treatment of acute ostiofolliculitis is carried out on an outpatient basis using antibacterial therapy.

The most commonly used:

• antiseptic solutions (manganese solution, Fucocin, boric and salicylic alcohol, brilliant green, methylene blue, etc.). It is important to remember that only 2% and 1% salicylic alcohol can be used. In addition, Salicylic acid is contained in many hygiene products from the Clerasil series;
• antibiotic external therapy in the form of emulsions, gels and ointments for external use (Syntomycin, Tetracycline, Colimycin, Heliomycin ointments, etc.);

• with deep forms of ostiofolliculitis, it is recommended to apply compresses with Ichthyol ointment at least 2 times a day;
• in common forms of ostiofolliculitis, when multiple lesions are present, the pustules can be opened, followed by washing with 3% hydrogen peroxide or any aniline dyes. After drying, local antibiotics are applied or the affected area is treated with disinfectant aerosols;
• in cases where ostiofolliculitis often recurs, general antibiotic therapy is performed (Cephalexin, Erythromycin, Diclosacillin, etc.), taking into account staphylococcal sensitivity;
• chronic development of the process requires the use of stronger antibiotics and sulfonamides (Sumamed, Madribon, etc.). In addition, immunotherapy has shown good efficacy.

In addition, quite often with ostiofolliculitis, UFO is prescribed in courses of 6-10 sessions. If the development of the disease is observed against the background of diabetes mellitus, then a corrective low-carbohydrate diet is required.

Treatment with folk remedies

A positive result can be achieved using the treatment of ostiofolliculitis using traditional medicine recipes:

• processing the affected skin with celandine juice;
• wiping with chamomile solution is recommended. This method is most suitable for the treatment of children and women;
• effectively relieves the acute symptoms of ostiofolliculitis tincture prepared from dandelion roots. To do this, you need to take 50 grams. dry root, pouring 200 ml of hot water into it. After cooling, the solution is taken orally, 50 ml. daily;
• onions must be baked in the oven and mixed with chopped laundry soap (2: 1). The prepared mass is applied to the affected area and kept for a day;

• A good wound healing anti-erosion effect is exerted by freshly squeezed cranberry juice in the form of lotions on the pustule area.

In addition, for all forms of ostiofolliculitis, it is recommended to wash the affected area with a warm solution (1 tsp per 200 ml of water) of sea salt.

Disease prevention

Ostiofolliculitis can be prevented if certain prevention rules are followed:

1. Water procedures should be performed regularly, focusing on areas of increased sweating.
2. It is recommended to wear only cotton clothing to prevent local irritation and provide the skin with good air exchange.
3. It is necessary to avoid various injuries to the skin and use protective equipment (gloves, masks, etc.).
4. It is important to prevent hypothermia and overheating of the body due to climatic conditions.
5. It is recommended to strengthen the immune system with a fortified diet.

It is important to remember that with the development of any form of the disease in the acute stage, contact of the skin with water is prohibited, including visiting saunas, swimming pools and baths. Compliance with these simple rules can contribute to the fastest possible recovery from ostiofolliculitis and long-term remission.