Follicultitis is otherwise known as Barber’s itch or Barber’s rash. It is a common problem in many of us and yet we do not know much about it. Those affected with folliculitis get a lot of pimples on their face, scalp, thighs or buttocks. On the face it is normally mistaken for acne and is treated like normal pimples with no effect. It offers an embarrassingly itchy and uncomfortable experience with the risk of permanent hair loss or scarring.

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a primary inflammation of the hair follicle (superficial or deep) occurring as a result of various infections. It can also be secondary to follicular trauma or occlusion. The infection is mostly bacterial caused by staph but in some cases it is fungal. Each strand of hair in our body grows from a tiny sac called follicle, into which the sebaceous glands open. Follicles are present wherever there is hair growth. Thus, follicultitis can occur in all areas like face, scalp, axilla, and inguinal area and areas rubbed by clothing, such as the thighs and groin. Folliculitis can affect anyone of any age group though certain conditions make people more prone to it:

• Diabetes, chronic leukemia, organ transplantation or HIV/AIDS
• Obesity
• Inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis, acne or eczema.
• Tight clothing
• Friction from shaving
• Lack of hygiene
• Heat and humidity
• Staphylococcal infection in the nasal passages
• Excessive perspiration
• Injuries to your skin, such as abrasions or surgical wounds
• Covering skin with plastic dressings or adhesive tape
• Exposure to coal tar, pitch or creosote

And since it is bacterial it is contagious! Non infectious forms of folliculitis is caused by tars, oil and greases that come in to contact with the skin.

Superficial staphylococcal folliculitis is the most common while Deeper staphylococcal folliculitis is the least. Gram-negative folliculitis usually affects people using a contaminated tub or those who have been treated for a long time for acne. Fungal follicultitis are generally three types Trichophyton folliculitis, Pityrosporum folliculitis and Candida folliculitis.

Help yourself

You can nip it in the bud.

1. Always use loose clothing and cotton undergarments.
2. Use an electric razor or use new blades always. Keep the area clean and devoid of cuts and scratches.
3. Use hot tubs well cleaned and sanitized.
4. Use an antibacterial soap and loofahs. If you have it on the scalp, shampoo regularly.
5. An oatmeal lotion or hydrocortisone cream can soothe itchy skin.
6. Use warm compresses several times a day.
7. Do not share your razors, towels and washcloths. Use antibacterial liquids, soap and hot water to clean your clothes.

Do not hesitate to get medical help if you develop a fever, pain or if the symptoms worsen.

-Aparna K V

Neem, the bitter health.

Some people like my uncle can have a tiny ball of fresh Neem for great health. Neem is known for its curing powers since time immemorial. Neem is perhaps the only tropical evergreen that withstood the scientific researches and proved its mettle as a panacea. Neem is one of the main ingredients in Eastern medicine. Various parts of the plant (fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and bark) are used to treat various illness in ancient medicines like Ayurveda and Unani. Hence its name the “village pharmacy”, the provider of good health in the rural. Diseases and disorders which succumb to neem include worms, diabetes, piles, dysentery, jaundice, vomiting, wounds, eye disease, blood disorders, paraplegia, female genital diseases and all kinds of fevers.

Skin, Hair and Nails

Neem takes up different roles in various medical formulas due to its antiviral, anti-allergic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Hair problems like dandruff, scaling and hair loss can be checked by using neem extracts. Neem oil can get rid of head lice if applied regularly on the scalp. The extracts of Neem can heal skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, leprosy, herpes, (yes!) warts, athlete’s foot, acne and chicken pox. It can also take care of ringworm, scabies and skin rashes. Pale, yellow or brittle nail can get back its natural color and condition with the use of neem. Thus neem and neem oil became a primary ingredient in many herbal bath and beauty products.

Ulcers and Viruses

Ulcers can be treated with Neem as it can reduce the secretion of acids in th stomach. Neem can prevent viral and bacterial infections without destroying the beneficial intestinal flora. It can further prevent inflammation with its antihistamine and antibacterial compounds. No serious side effects have been reported.

Oral Health

Oral health problems like dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease are caused by certain bacteria in the mouth. Regularly use of neem toothpaste and mouth rise (with real extracts) can prevent and cure infection, tooth decay, tender and bleeding gums and so on. You can also chew neem leaves for the same purpose. Beware of the bitterness, though!

Diabetes and Heart Disease

We see many herbal capsules and powders with neem in the market which claim to treat Diabetes. Neem can reduce insulin requirements for diabetics by half without altering blood glucose levels.

Cancer and AIDS

Many types of cancer including lymphocyte cancer and skin cancer can be treated by ingesting neem or by applying neem ointments and creams topically.

Neem can fortify your body, ward off infections and enhance your immunity with its immune-modulating polysaccharides compounds. Neem increases the production of antibodies while stimulating the immune function side by side.

Chronic fatigue, Arthritis and Rheumatism

By enhancing your immunity Neems also gets rid off chronic fatigue and candida