Every hair on the human body grows from a follicle, the tiny skin pouch that anchors each strand of hair. Candida folliculitis is the condition caused when the yeast Candida invades the hair follicles. It may be deep in the skin or superficial and localized to the follicle. The infection may be limited to the arm pits, scalp, groin or beard area. At times it can be generalized, invading the hairy areas of the body as well as occluded areas such as under the breasts, and skin folds of obese people. Since Candida folliculitis involves the deeper parts of the skin, there is always a risk of the infection spreading to the internal areas of the body.
The
human skin is a host to an assortment of microorganisms
including bacteria and fungi. Some are useful to the
body; some cause no harm or benefits, and a small number
are pathogenic, causing harmful infections. One of them
is Candida folliculitis characterized by tender, swollen
areas around the hair follicles. It usually looks like
red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. They
may have pus in them, and often cause itching and
burning.
Mild
cases of Candida folliculitis sometimes resolve
spontaneously, but often return or spread to other areas
and get worse. Candida folliculitis may be treated with
antifungal medications like fluconazole (Diflucan),
itraconazole (Sporanox), or terbinafine (Lamisil). A
corticosteroid is normally prescribed to reduce
inflammation. A shampoo containing selenium sulfide,
selenium, or propylene glycol is also effective.
Recalcitrant cases may be treated with laser. It
destroys the hair follicle and reduces the scarring from
folliculitis. But on the negative side, hair will not
grow back in the treated area and its cost is
prohibitive. Warm, wet compresses help folliculitis heal
faster and ease the itching and burning. White vinegar
compress is also very effective.
Prevention
of Candida folliculitis is easy and cheap. Avoid sharing
towels, washcloths, or other personal items. Do not
scratch infected areas. Wash hands and fingernails as
frequently as possible. Avoid shaving
the infected area, tight clothes, using oils on the
skin, and bathe regularly with antibacterial
soap.
The
etiology of Candida is very complex involving a range of
physical, mental, emotional and other factors. To rid
the body of Candida
folliculitis, a small puzzle in the Candida
overgrowth, requires holistic approach. Healthy
lifestyle habits, personal hygiene, weight maintenance,
choice of food, stress control are all modalities of the
holistic treatment. This will create an unfriendly
environment for the yeast and other pathogens to
proliferate leading to health.
