Although you might not like to think about it, millions of microorganisms, including bacteria, are living on the surface of your skin. Most of the time they are harmless, but, if you get a cut or even an insect bite everyday bacteria may take the opportunity to slip under the skin and cause an infection.
Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are two types of bacteria that may sound familiar. They are responsible for a wide range of infections seen throughout the body including strep throat and toxic shock syndrome. But when focusing on the skin, the most common infections caused by these bacteria are folliculitis, cellulitis and impetigo.
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle caused by
Staphylococcus bacteria. It causes inflammation when the bacteria leaves the surface of the skin and enters the hair follicle where it begins to reproduce.
Men and women who shave are most at risk for folliculitis. Most often, it appears as pus bumps on the legs and bikini areas of women and the beard area of men. But folliculitis is more common among women when the weather gets warm and they start shaving more often.
How can folliculitis be prevented?
It's helpful if people can stop shaving. If people do choose to shave, shaving in a downward fashion, as opposed to against the hair growth, can help. Shaving with a sharp razor so you only need one pass reduces risk.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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