Barber’s itch or folliculitis is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed. This condition is caused by an infection with bacteria. In it’s initial stages, barber’s itch looks like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows called hair follicles. It is important to note that the condition is somehow itchy, sore and embarrassing. This kind of an infection has the capacity to spread and turn into crusty sores. Mild barber’s itch more often heals without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. However, when the infection is at its advanced stages, it needs prescription medicine. When ir is left untreated it can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
The symptoms of barber’s itch or folliculitis include small pimples around hair follicles, itchiness, burning skin, painful and tender skin, inflamed bump and pus-filled blisters. Patients with this condition should be advised to make an appointment with their health care provider for prescription-strength antibiotic or antifungal medication to help control the condition. There are two main types of folliculitis including superficial and deep. The superficial type involves part of the follicle, and the deep type involves the entire follicle and is usually more severe.
The most probbale cause of barber’s itch is bacteria infections such as Staphylococcus aureus. Other common causes of the condition include viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. The factors that increase the development of the condition include wearing clothes that traps heat and sweat, soaking in a hot tub, using a public pool that’s not well maintained, damaging hair follicles through shaving, wearing tight clothes, traction, wigs and oils. Other risk factors include medications, such as corticosteroid creams, having dermatitis, and having diabetes.
Barber’s itch can be prevented through regular skin washing using a clean washcloth, avoidning pressure on the skin caused by tight clothes and helmets, using dry rubber gloves, and avoiding shaving when not necessary. When shaving is imminent, individuals should wash their skin with warm water, apply a good amount of shaving lotion before shaving, shaving in the direction of hair growth, avoiding shaving the same area more than twice, and avoid sharing of razors, towels and washcloths. APA