What Is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, from which the hair grow. Folliculitis is not the same as acne (Picture 1). Acne primarily involve only oil (sebaceus) glands that are clogged with oil (sebum) and shed skin cells. Acne may subsequently get infected and affect the whole hair follicle, though.

Folliculitis

Acne

Picture 1.In folliculitis (left), a hair follicle is inflamed;
in acne (right) a sebaceus gland is filled with oil
but the hair follicle is intact

continue reading Folliculitis

1. Non-Washed Hair

When hair (especially oily hair) is not washed frequently enough, skin cells build up on the scalp and cause itch and dandruff. Prevention is by washing hair at least once a week.

2. Dry Scalp Skin

Dry scalp skin lacking the protective oil layer, is vulnerable to infections, and easily gets irritated. From the top of the head or hairline skin cells in the form of white dust (dry dandruff) may shed. Common causes of dry flaky scalp are:

• Frequent hair washing with hot water and aggressive shampoos
• Holding hair dryer close to the head
• Cold windy weather in combination with dry air from indoor heating

Prevention is by using “shampoos for dry hair”.

continue reading Itchy Scalp – Pictures, Causes and Treatment

General Causes of Neck Itch

Itchy conditions that may affect the neck:

• Sunburn
• Acne
• Staphylococcal folliculitis
• Insect bite
• Allergies to food or medications, cholinergic urticaria
• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Liver disease with jaundice, kidney disease with uremia and other causes of itchy skin

Allergies and Neck Itch

Allergy to Jewelry and Clothes

Jewelry containing nickel can trigger an allergic reaction, typically appearing as a red, itchy rash at the points of contact with the jewelry.
continue reading Itchy Rash on the Neck

ITCHY LEGS

Leg itch, which provokes a desire to scratch, is not the same as leg tingling.  

Causes of itchy legs are listed below:  

Poor Hygiene

Dried sweat and shed skin cells that were not washed off for prolonged period can irritate the skin and cause leg itch.  

Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin, “Leg Acne”)

In keratosis pilaris (<< picture), thickening of the hair follicles result in small, skin-colored, red, or brown bumps (goose bumps, chicken skin, leg acne) on the thighs, arms or other parts of the body. Heat and irritation by clothes can provoke itch. Bumps in this non-harmful, genetically predisposed condition can be rubbed off, but they usually recur.   

continue reading Itchy Legs – Causes and Treatment