Folliculitis in children is when a child’s hair follicles get inflamed due to an infection. The infected follicles usually have an acne-like appearance and may cause slight pain and redness. Folliculitis is most commonly caused by bacteria and may resolve spontaneously within seven to ten days. However, the infection could sustain for longer in some children, causing boils to rise. In such cases, the child may require medications (a course of antibiotics) to manage the condition (1). The common areas where the infection occurs are on the scalp, legs, arms, and buttocks. Keep browsing as we tell you about the possible causes, diagnoses, and treatment options for folliculitis in children.
Symptoms Of Folliculitis In Children
Folliculitis infection looks like red bumps and could be mistaken for acne. These red bumps would resolve or gradually turn into pus-filled boils known as furuncles. When a group of hair follicles gets infected and forms large painful swellings with multiple pus-discharging boils known as carbuncles, it is an indication that the infection has spread to deeper layers and might even cause fever (1). Some of the symptoms of folliculitis include (1):
Red pimples with a hair at the center Pimples predominantly on the arms, legs, buttocks, and back Gradual development of pus in the pimples Fever and an upset stomach in some rare cases
What Does Folliculitis Look Like, And Is It Contagious?
Folliculitis is often mistaken for acne. Here are a few images to help you identify this condition. Since folliculitis is caused due to microbial infections, it could spread through personal contact or sharing of towels, clothes, and other personal accessories. However, this is usually more common when the infection has turned into furuncles or carbuncles (2).
Causes Of Folliculitis In Children
Folliculitis is usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. However, the infection can also occur due to viruses, such as herpes, and fungi, such as yeast (3) (4). Many microorganisms dwell on the surface of the human skin without causing any harm, but when the skin gets bruised or cut, these microorganisms may enter the skin and cause infections, such as folliculitis. Children often play outdoors and get hurt, which could be one of the reasons for them to get folliculitis. One study found that 25% of high school athletes who participated in football and basketball developed furuncles (5). Children with compromised immunity may also be at a greater risk of the infection. Here are some other ways your child could get folliculitis (4) (6).
Wearing tight-fitting clothes that might cause friction and damage the skin
Swimming in pools that are not treated with chlorine
Excessive scratching or skin injuries
Blockage of hair follicles due to certain skincare products
Plucking the hair, especially in children who have densely curly hair
Oily skin, which may cause blocked hair follicles
Diagnosis Of Folliculitis In Children
Physical examination is usually enough for a doctor to diagnose the condition. In cases where there is a discharge from a boil, the doctor may send the discharge for laboratory culture to determine the infective microorganism.
Treatment For Folliculitis In Children
In immunocompetent children, folliculitis tends to go away on its own in seven to ten days. But, if it turns into boils or carbuncles, then you might need to take your child to a doctor. Here are the available treatment options for folliculitis in children (1).
Home Care For Folliculitis In Children
Home care may help in reducing the healing time and relieving the symptoms of folliculitis.
Natural Remedies For Folliculitis In Children
You may consider a few natural remedies to relieve the symptoms of folliculitis in children. Do note that there are inadequate scientific studies to prove the effectiveness of these remedies, especially among children. If the folliculitis has progressed into a furuncle or carbuncle, pus or blood oozes from the boil/acne, or the child has developed fever, then consult a doctor before trying any home or natural remedies.
Can You Prevent Folliculitis In Children?
The following precautionary measures might help prevent folliculitis in children.