Inflammation on the surface of the hair follicle on a human’s skin is known as folliculitis. It manifests with small white outbreaks surrounded by red skin. These outbreaks can arise in any part of the skin, although they appear more commonly on the face, neck, buttocks and thighs. It’s common to find this around a bearded area (pseudofolliculitis) and along the line where the scalp begins, surrounding the face.
These outbreaks should not be confused with common acne because these outbreaks occur because of a bacterial infection due to staphylococcus aureus.
Symptoms
- White or pus filled cutaneous outbreaks surrounded by irritated skin.
- Itching around the breakout area, which could be very annoying.
- Irritation that could, at times, bleed or produce a white liquid (pus) when it is scratched or when the blister ruptures.
- Sometimes these “pimples” could swell and hurt, creating discomfort.
Causes
- Minor injury to the follicles which could be caused by friction from very tight clothing or frequent rubbing on clothing borders. It could also be due to hair follicle obstruction from something external.
- The way in which some men shave could cause this condition in their beards.
- Ingrown hairs around the beard area (for men).
- Fungal infections, which could be caused by exposure to water that is contaminated by those fungi or bacterial organisms (Staphylococcus aureus) which is the most common cause of this condition.
- The yeast Pityrosporum ovale is another common cause for folliculitis. In this case, the infection looks fairly similar to acne and is known as pityrosporum folliculitis.
- Mycotic folliculitis is caused by a fungus and is usually contagious.
Natural treatment
- Diet is undoubtedly indispensable because the body needs its defenses to be as high as possible in order to eradicate bacteria, fungi and yeast from thriving. For this, we recommend avoiding all processed food, white or refined flours and sugar, cow’s milk and its byproducts, as well as fried and packaged food and red meats. All these foods only serve to block the intestines and promote pathogen incubation in the body.
- You should include raw garlic, either before breakfast or at night. Eat one clove of garlic a day.
- You must include fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, like oranges, lemon, broccoli, etc.
- Chlorophyll is an excellent tonic for the body. Drink one glass of warm water before breakfast with a squeezed lemon and one teaspoon of liquid chlorophyll.
- Drink enough water throughout the day to keep the body well cleansed. 2 Liters a day are the minimum required.
- Keeping the area perfectly clean and dry is recommendable. But do not go overboard with the cleanliness because this could be counterproductive. It’s recommended to wash the area with water and propolis, honey, or a neutral soap. Apply a very little bit and rinse with fresh water alone.
- Garlic and extra-virgin olive oil paste: it is not recommendable to apply creams nor ointments because in a lot of cases, all this does is block the follicle. It’s best to prepare a crushed garlic paste with one clove of garlic with one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Moisten a towel with the juice from this mixture and apply it once or twice a day over the affected area.
- You must avoid scratching yourself, even though it may itch a lot. If the follicles are on your buttocks, you need to keep it well ventilated. Avoid wearing tight or synthetic clothing. You should use cotton clothing for good ventilation. Your clothing should be loose.
- If you have folliculitis on your beard, you must avoid frequently shaving, or better yet, use a new blade every times you shave.
- If necessary, use a new razor or a new electric razor.
- Avoid contact with oil or oily creams.
- Use green clay to apply a mask two or three times a week on the affected area.
Stress, anxiety and dissatisfaction
These three energetic states noticeably influences the appearance of folliculitis or skin outbreaks that cause itching and irritation. Poorly managed stress, as well as irritation, anxiety, or feelings of dissatisfaction or constant regret not only lower the body’s defenses, but it drains energy and causes the skin to become sensitive and irritable. For this, you need to keep an eye on how you feel and avoid judging yourself. Work on new emotional understanding and cultivating new ways of seeing and understanding your experiences. If you feel irritated, anxious or restless, your skin and body will definitely reflect it.
References/strong>
Cavallito, C. J., & Bailey, J. H. (1944). Allicin, the Antibacterial Principle of Allium sativum. I. Isolation, Physical Properties and Antibacterial Action. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 66(11), 1950–1951.
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