Folliculitis describes the superficial infection of a hair follicle with certain bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). In addition to redness, swelling and pain, pustules occur in the affected area. The condition is often caused by an inflammation, bacteria or fungus infection. Diagnosis and treatment are usually not difficult. The symptoms can be treated with medication prescribed by a dermatologist.
Staphylococcus aureus is a skin bacterium that can sometimes infect the upper parts of hair follicles. It is commonly referred to as pimple. Folliculitis mainly occur in the face (especially in the beard area), on the buttocks and the thighs. Folliculitis can also be caused by fungus infections or by mechanical strains (e.g. shaving, friction, smaller injuries), or thermic strains (cold, heat). The symptoms are best examined by a dermatologist, who can differentiate the causes.
All hairy parts of the skin can be affected. As mentioned above, folliculitis mainly occurs in the face, on the buttocks and the thighs. Suddenly appearing redness, swelling, pain and overheating together with small pustules are symptoms of folliculitis. Patients also commonly suffer from itchiness, dry and sensitive skin. In severe cases of folliculitis, the psychological distress caused by shame must not be neglected, but should be treated as well. Folliculitis caused by bacteria can spread to deeper structures and lead to furuncles.
If only few folliculitis appear occasionally, they usually heal without any consequences. It is important to avoid the irritation that causes them. If a large amount of folliculitis appears, disinfectant soaps or solutions can be used. Antibiotics (for the bacteria) and antifungals (for fungi) are only necessary in exceptional cases. Treatment is strictly determined by the cause. External antibiotics or an antifungal creme can reduce mild symptoms. If the symptoms are more severe, treatment can include a combination of external ointments and oral medication (tablets). It is also important to avoid skin irritations and further infections.
Several years of work in academia, medical practice and finally commercialization make it possible to provide an end-to-end process to help users to “find the appropriate medical help based on their present symptoms”. Below you will find a short explanation, showing you which part of the platform will help you best in finding the appropriate medical support.
Proceed as follows to enter your current symptoms.
Click on the appropriate body part on the picture. Select one/multiple symptoms corresponding to your complaint.
You can also add symptoms by typing your medical complaint in the search box and selecting the best matching suggestion.
Note: Your information will be kept anonymously.
Once you have selected all applicable symptoms, click the “analyze disease pattern”-button.
Accordingly, you will get a list of possible diseases and matching doctor categories who can further help you.
You can inform yourself about the possible diseases by reading the related information. But you can also return to the previous step and add more symptoms or delete already added ones to further narrow down your disease pattern.
Click on the desired doctor category to find a doctor who can help you.
If you are logged in with your profile, you will be displayed the appropriate doctors in your area. Otherwise you can enter an address in the “address” field and you will be displayed a doctor’s list around that specified address.
You will receive further information about the displayed doctors when you press on “details”.
Online bookable doctors in your area will be indicated with the notation “Book appointment” or “Book externally”, additionally they will be displayed on top of the list for your convenience.
Click on “Book appointment” to start the online appointment booking process with the desired doctor.
Please select an available appointment. “Green“ appointments are booked directly. “Red“ appointments need to be confirmed by the doctor.
Enter your general personal and health information.
Enter your present medical symptoms.
Enter your mobile phone number to identify yourself and you can finalize the appointment booking.
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