Clogged Hair Follicles
Clogged Hair Follicle is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The follicles the shafts through which hair grows out of the skin get blocked that causing breakouts or pimples. These blocks are present where the skin rubs together.
Infections can worsen over time and spread to other parts of the skin. Bleeding can cause boils to harden and become pustules. Even though there is currently no cure for this condition, preventive measures, home remedies, and medical treatments can help reduce the chances of the condition occurring.
Causes
The exact cause of Clogged Hair Follicles is not yet known. Medical experts are conducting various studies to understand the cause of this condition. Even though the cause is unknown, a few factors can increase your risk of developing the condition.
- Gender: Women suffer from Clogged Hair Follicles more often than men. The condition usually hits after puberty due to hormones.
- Age: The condition mostly occurs in women aged between 18 and 29.
- Genetics: A family history of Clogged Hair Follicles increases your risk. If one of your birth parents has suffered from blocked hair follicles, there are possibilities of inheriting the genes that cause this condition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Clogged Hair Follicles differ in many cases. Deep cysts or pimple-like bumps can form in the affected area. Before noticing a lump, you will feel a sensation in the skin area where the lump will appear. People may also experience skin itches, burns, or excessive sweating. If the condition is left untreated, the symptoms can worsen and develop into the following:
- Growing lumps
- Blackheads
- Scars
- Abscesses
Diagnosis
Clogged Hair Follicle is diagnosed by looking at your skin and reviewing your medical history. A microscopic examination of the skin may be carried out by the doctor.
A swab may be used by your doctor if your infection doesn’t clear up after initial treatments. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis to help determine what’s causing the infection. To rule out other conditions, skin biopsies are rarely done.
Treatment
Clogged Hair Follicles treatment depends on your condition, what self-care measures you’ve already tried, and your preferences. Medical and surgical interventions are available, like laser hair removal. However, the infection may return despite treatment.
Medicine
- Topical Creams
Symptoms of clogged hair follicles may be treated with topical medications by the doctor. Inflammation is reduced, bacterial infections are cured, and new breakouts are prevented with these medications.
To relieve discomfort caused by breakouts of the skin, the doctor can prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Retinoid
To clear up the skin after taking these medications for blocked hair follicle symptoms, it may take 6 to 12 months. Side effects such as dry skin can occur when using these drugs, and they are not safe to use during pregnancy.
- Steroids
A doctor may prescribe steroids to reduce swelling and prevent new breakouts in some cases. A side effect of steroids is increased weight, upset stomach, and mood swings.