Actinic folliculitis usually spontaneous resolves with cessation of sunlight exposure, for persistent cases topical retinoids such as adapalene can be helpful, but, occassionally oral isotretinoin therapy may be required for refractory cases.
Actinic folliculitis is a rare pustular dermatosis occurring in some people after intense sun exposure. This typically appears within 24 hours after sun exposure and usually resolves within 7-10 days, but it can take up to three weeks.
If these symptoms linger or cause you severe discomfort, your skin care provider may recommend light therapy for folliculitis. At Kessel Dermatology, we offer Narrowband Ultraviolet B (NbUVB) light therapy, a treatment which is clinically proven to reduce symptoms of folliculitis.
Sunlight boosts resistance to infection, with older studies suggesting potential roles for surface decontamination.
Because eczema is a type of inflammation, and the sun provides an anti-inflammatory effect. More specifically, its ultra-violet (UV) rays may help improve eczema. This is the concept behind phototherapy, used to minimize flare-ups.
In dark rooms, about 12 percent of bacteria, on average, were able to reproduce, the researchers at the University of Oregon found. But in sunlight, only 6.8 percent thrived. That was down to 6.1 percent for bacteria exposed to UV light.
Sometimes, when Malassezia gets into the hair follicles, it can cause an itchy condition that looks like an acne breakout. It usually occurs on the upper chest and back. This form of folliculitis is made worse (aggravated) by sweat.
Essential Oils. Tea tree oil, neem oil, geranium oil, grapefruit seed oil are very effective in treating folliculitis. Tea tree oil can be added to your shampoo, lotion or body wash. Rub it gently onto the affected area and let it sit.
Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph). It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. Sometimes the cause isn't known.
But sometimes, folliculitis can be more stubborn. It could take longer to clear up if you're not sure what's causing it. It might not respond right away to a certain type of medicine, or it might go away and come back. In some cases, it may take a few months before your skin is back to normal.
Antibacterial soap: Use antibacterial bar soaps such as Dial® or Cetaphil®. Use skin washes that contain benzoyl peroxide. If these bumps are bothersome or painful. If they are not improving or continue to appear.
Severe vitamin A and C deficiency may cause folliculitis. [1] In vitamin A deficiency the skin shows follicular hyperkeratosis, dryness and generalised wrinkling. [11] It requires about 2 months of vitamin C deprivation to produce mucocutaneous signs, including perifollicular petechiae and follicular hyperkeratosis.
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with staphylococci (staph) bacteria.
Viral infections
Folliculitis may be caused by the herpes simplex virus. This tends to be tender and resolves without treatment in around ten days. Severe recurrent attacks may be treated with aciclovir and other antiviral agents.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports skin health and can help prevent folliculitis. Foods high in vitamins A, C and E can promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Malassezia folliculitis: Also known as pityrosporum folliculitis, this fungal folliculitis is caused by Malassezia fungi. It's more common in adolescents and people assigned male at birth. It often appears after sun exposure and forms a "cape" of bumps around your neck, back, and shoulders.
Superficial folliculitis usually presents with multiple small spots and pustules, on an inflamed base, pierced by a central hair, although this might not always be visible. Deeper lesions present as painful, often pustular, inflamed lumps. Persistent or recurrent lesions may result in scarring and permanent hair loss.
The science behind sunlight and bacteria
UV rays are known for their germicidal properties, meaning they can kill microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. The most effective type of UV rays for killing bacteria is UV-C, which has the shortest wavelength and highest energy among UV rays.
Bacteria and temperature
Generally, temperatures above 149°F (65°C) are effective in destroying most bacteria, while temperatures above 165°F (74°C) are even better and can eliminate a wider range of potentially harmful bacteria.
Just 30–60 minutes is all that's needed to get the benefits of some old-fashioned solar cleaning. In that time, the sun will kill the bacteria on a number of common household items. And this isn't just an old wives' tale. Science backs up the idea of solar cleaning.