- I would do my best to see a dermatologist, perhaps a different one.
- However, if it doesn’t go away in a few days, then I would see your doctor/general practitioner.
- Obviously, if things get worse quickly then go to the ER right away.
- When did it start?
- Is it getting better or worse?
- Does anything make it better or worse?
- Have you used any new products on your skin? (Lotion, soap, etc?).
- Any new clothing?
- Is it related to shaving there?
- Is it worse when it is hot and humid outside?
- Have you spent any time in a hot tub or heated swimming pool?
- Do you have any other symptoms (fever, chills, lumps/bumps under the skin in your armpits)?
- Were there ever little pustules associated with the red dots (white heads)?
- Has it crusted over?
- Has this ever happened before?
- Is it one side or both?
- Make a list of all your medications, vitamins, supplements.
- Make a list of any other symptoms even if they seem unrelated.
Diagnosis:
- A doctor would have to see you to provide an accurate diagnosis. However, from what you’re telling me, I suspect it is folliculitis.
- Folliculitis is a general term that means there is the inflammation of hair follicles.
- Anyone can get folliculitis
- Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged
- (Damage can happen from friction with clothing, shaving, blockage of the follicle, excessive perspiration, irritating lotions/creams, etc.)
- After the follicle is damaged it can continue to be irritated by whatever got it upset to begin with. Or it can get infected. Infection is often from bacteria such as staph, but many different things can infect the skin such as other types of bacteria and less commonly fungal infections.
- An important goal is to get to the root of the problem and try to figure out what started the problem to begin with, so you can stop it and prevent it from happening again (lotions, shaving etc).
- Since the irritation/follicle damage can lead to infection, this is the most important thing to think about. Some of the most common symptoms of infection at the site of concern are warmth, pain, hardness, and redness. Some common general symptoms of infection are fever, chills, night sweats, feeling tired, irritability, and weakness.
- To avoid infection, keep the area dry and clean.
- Do not over clean the area, b/c over scrubbing and drying soap can further damage follicles leading to more problems. Use a gentle mild soap no more than once a day, (unless instructed otherwise by your doctor).
- Your doctor may put you on an antibiotic. However, different antibiotics are used for different types of infections. Therefore, they will have to see you for the right medication.
- Sometimes topical lotions are also prescribed to help with the inflammation/redness. These can be over the counter or prescribed. Some have steroids in them to help lower the amount of irritation. I would caution going out and getting over the counter lotions on your own. The right choice depends on the right diagnosis of what’s going on. The wrong lotion can make things worse.
