Folliculitis (Inflammation of Hair Follicles)
What is Folliculitis (Inflammation of Hair Follicles)
Folliculitis is a common condition where the hair follicles become inflamed. It usually appears as red, pimple-like eruptions around hair roots on the scalp or body. While often mild, it can be itchy, painful, or leave scars if neglected.
Causes / Risk Factors
- Bacterial infection (commonly Staphylococcus aureus)
- Fungal infection (yeast like Malassezia)
- Irritation from shaving, tight caps/helmets, or blocked follicles
- Prolonged sweating and poor scalp hygiene
- Weakened immunity (diabetes, chronic illness)
- Oily skin and dandruff tendency
Symptoms
- Small red or white pus-filled bumps around hair roots
- Itching, burning, or tenderness in affected area
- Crusting or oozing in severe cases
- Sometimes hair breaks easily or falls out from infected spots
- Chronic/recurrent folliculitis may cause patchy hair loss and scarring
Conventional Management:
- Antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics for bacterial type
- Antifungal shampoos or medicines for fungal type
- Antiseptic washes
- Steroid creams (for inflammation, though temporary)
Homeopathic Perspective
In homeopathy, folliculitis is seen as a sign of internal imbalance and lowered vitality, not just an external infection. Homeopathic medicines help by:
- Controlling infection naturally
- Reducing itching, burning, and inflammation
- Preventing pus formation and scarring
- Strengthening the immune system to stop recurrence
- Helping scalp and hair return to natural health
Common Homeopathic Medicines:
- Hepar Sulphuris – Painful, tender, pus-filled eruptions; very sensitive to touch.
- Mercurius Solubilis – Folliculitis with offensive discharge, itching worse at night.
- Silicea – Recurrent folliculitis with slow healing and tendency to form boils.
- Graphites – Thick, sticky, honey-like discharge with itching and burning.
- Arsenicum Album – Burning eruptions, restlessness, worse at night, with dry scaling skin.
- Sulphur – Chronic folliculitis with intense itching, unhealthy skin, tendency to relapse.
Precautions & Lifestyle
- Keep scalp and hair clean; wash regularly with mild, natural cleansers
- Avoid scratching lesions to prevent spread/scarring
- Don’t share combs, towels, or helmets
- Avoid tight headwear and excessive sweating
- Eat a healthy, immunity-boosting diet (fruits, green vegetables, proteins, zinc-rich food)
- Manage diabetes or chronic illnesses (as they increase recurrence risk)
- Adequate hydration and sound sleep for better skin healing
With the right homeopathic treatment, folliculitis responds well. Medicines not only clear current eruptions but also reduce the tendency to recurrent infections, giving long-lasting relief without side effects.
