Conditions
Folliculitis
‘Barber’s itch’ sounds like something you might catch after an ill-advised sexual encounter with your hairstylist, but it’s actually another name for folliculitis. Also known as ‘hot tub folliculitis’, this condition manifests itself as small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles, which, although itchy, cause little pain. However, deep or recurring folliculitis may need medical treatment. There are some simple treatments you can apply yourself, such as placing a warm, moist flannel over the affected area; trying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help soothe itchy skin; and avoiding shaving the irritated skin altogether. A superficial case of folliculitis will usually clear by itself in a few days, but if there’s no improvement after two or three days, then you should go and see your GP.
Watch the Live from the Clinic interactive case video on folliculitis >
Comments and Questions
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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
I am a 46 year old male. At the age of three months old I had my right limb amputated just below the knee. Since being fitted with artificial limbs as with other users I have suffered with a variety of sores etc. These are some thing we just learn to live with. The problem I have and hoping you'll be able to help me with is the following. I wear a silicone liner and have done for many years. The problem I have is severe sweating. Especially in the summer. I can literally take off my liner and pour the sweat out. This environment then causes a lot of localised infections and sores. I have been to the doctors who have perscribed Co-Amoxiclav for the infections and various treatment applied topically for my skin to try and stop the sweating. None have worked. On the show tonight 15/05/12 at 2100hrs you gave advise to a young lady suffering with acute armpit sweating. You informed her she could get a machine or piece of equipment that would be fitted under the armpit to give non painful electrical impulses that would stop the sweating. Would this help me at all if I used it on my leg. The problem I have is causing immense problems especially with work as I am taking time off sick. So any help would be very gratefully appreciated!
I have had folliculits for about 18yrs,I have had a couple of hospital appointments with a dermatologist And the outcome has being the same.It affects mostly my scalp and occassionally my face I have had loads of tablets over the years to control it and I have had long term with good results and bad,now I am 44 british born my parents are both jamaican,all this is now becoming very stressful for me it makes me feel like not going out and feeling very paranoid thinking that people are looking at my face,I can't sleep properly,at times it feels like burning on my scalp it's that bad ill feel like I'm losing the will.
i have been suffering with folliculitus for over twelve months , mainly on my legs and buttocks . The doctor has give me 3 courses of antibiotics but as soon as i finish the course the spots reappear. Can you suggest any other treatment
hi i have suffered with this condition for meny years now and it has badly scared me just dont seem to be able to get rid of it .
I may have follicullitis two days prior to rash I had severe headache, general weakness. Three days later rash develops and still feel weak flu like symptoms but left side of face feels hot so does left side of. Eck is this part of follicullitis. Been walk in centre who mentioned this condition but not sure going Gp Friday that's the earliest I could get in.
I am 35 and have has some weird kind infection on both legs for the past 4 years - I have tried steroid and atibiotic creams but nothing seems to work. I end up with purple botches on my legs as well as scabs and ingrowing hairs. Ican sent picture if needed. Many thanks.
I am 28 and for the last 7 years I have developed really bad ingrown hairs/folliculitis. I have also bald patches on my head and had people who have bullied and made fun of me. I have shown my family and everyone who sees my legs are actually horrified and disgusted by this. I am 28 and never have wore a skirt in summer and believe that I will never be able to. Socially I cant even date anyone as I am too scared I can send a pitcher to show how bad this is.
my sister has lost her hair its thin she has a several bald patches and has scabs on her head thie is causing concern regarding her health - to me its like ezyema but the folicals of hair as like candy floss so weak and brittle - what can be causing this has visited the doctos and been under a dermologist they have prescibed lotions and diff shampoos but nothing seems to be working - she is feeling so low in herself and I do not know what to do for her I have taken Pictures and the condition is getting worse can you please help with urgency
It does not affect the eyes, mouth, palms, or soles, where there are no hair follicles. Folliculitis is estimated to affect more 10%-20% of people at some point in their lives.
i have itchy bite like sores on my head that scab over but never heal.Ive had them for years but its really driving me mad now. They seem to appear in clusters either on top of scalp or at the back of my head.
Hi, im 19 and have terrible ingrown hairs/folliculitis on my legs below my knees all the way to my ankles. I started getting ingrown hairs about 2 years ago from studying beauty therapy at college and having to use wax. I found waxing extremely painful and only had it done around 3-4 times altogether (only because i had to for my learning) Ever since then, I have used shaver, hair removal creams, epilator, and even a hair removal buffing pad. All of these have not stopped nor, made the cause any better. My legs have been in so much pain in the past, and now I just seem used to the pain and scratch away. I also try not to squeeze out the hairs as I have been told it makes them worse and causes more ingrown hairs. I really need a solution as this is embarrassing and I hate the look and the feel of my legs. Please help
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