Hair follicles are small structures. Hair grows from hair follicles. There are bumps under the skin that are blocked hair follicles. They may be red in color.

When hair follicles become blocked in areas of the body containing sweat and oil glands, they can turn into hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition. Hidradenitis suppurativa is also known as acne inversa. This condition affects areas of the body that sweat and have skin folds.

In this article, we explain how to prevent and treat blocked hair follicles.

“Poor hygiene isn’t the cause of blocked hair follicles. They are not infectious. The cause of blocked hair follicles is not fully understood.”

It is thought that blocked hair follicles form.

  1. Hair follicles become blocked with a naturally occurring hair growth factor.
  2. The sweat is trapped inside the hair follicle.
  3. The hair follicle is filled with a lot of germs.
  4. The hair follicle is filled withbacteria.
  5. A lump of skin is swollen and filled with a foreign substance.
  6. More follicles are blocked and more pimples are formed when the burst follicle spreads.

Some risk factors may make you more vulnerable to hair loss. They include:

  • Being assigned female at birth.
  • having a health condition that causes insulin resistance or a hormonal imbalance, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • having psoriasis
  • Being black, Hispanic, or biracial.
  • There is a family history of hidradenitis suppurativa.
  • Excess weight.
  • smoking
Illustration of healthy hair follicles and blocked hair follicles
Healthy hair shaft versus blocked and inflamed hair shaft. Illustration by Wenzdai Figueroa

The areas of the body that have sweat glands and have skin folds are where blocked hair follicles form.

  • There are armpits.
  • Under the breasts.
  • The groin and thighs.
  • The buttocks.

There are hair follicles that are blocked and they range in severity. They start out looking like red bumps. They may look like cysts, or even lump. They may have an issue with blood and blood vessels.

If the hair is blocked, it can cause pain if the skin is not dry. They may itch.

When cysts and pimples form in areas that rub together, your skin may feel sore and irritated.

Black dots that look like blackheads are often in pairs.

“If you notice an odor, it’s because of abscesses.”

Over time, Hidradenitis suppurativa can come and go. The hair follicles that are blocked can become connected under the skin. These tunnels may leak blood or pus.

The healing process can cause scar tissue to form. The scar tissue may turn red.

Over time, the skin on your groin or undergarment may be filled with a lot of scar tissue and large lump.

Chronic pain can be caused by the tunnels and scar tissue.

Mild hidradenitis suppurativa can resemble folliculitis, a common skin condition.

A dermatologist can help determine what condition you have. If you get a rash, a cyst, or a boil, you should seek medical help. Early or ongoing treatment can help prevent problems.

If you have hair that is not growing, try these tips.

  • “Don’t wear clothes that restrict your skin’s movement.”
  • Use antibacterial soap to wash the area.
  • “Don’t pop or squeeze any of the small bumps.”
  • “You can use a black tea bag to make a warm compress, but it’s best to use warm water.”
  • Try to keep your skin dry and cool.
  • “Don’t wax the area or do anything that could cause irritation. If you must shave, wash the area first with antibacterial soap, protect your skin with gel shaving foam, and use a fresh blade.”
  • Alcohol, baking soda, dyes, fragrance, or other harsh ingredients are not recommended for use in deodorants.

Treatments for mild or moderate blocked hair are available.

  • There are oral and topical antibiotics.
  • The body wash has a medication in it.
  • anti-Inflammatory drugs
  • steroids
  • Pain medications.
  • Isotretinoin is oral.
  • The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of humira.

Severe hidradenitis suppurativa may require surgery to remove scar tissue and deep lump.

It can be difficult to eliminate hair that is blocked. These strategies may help.

  • The American Academy of Dermatology says 70 to 90 percent of people with hidradenitis suppurativa smoke cigarettes. If you try to stop or limit smoking, you may reduce flareups or even eliminate this condition completely.
  • Reducing sugar in your diet can help. White bread, desserts, and white potatoes are some of the simple carbohydrates that you can cut out.
  • Laser hair removal may be beneficial.
  • Stress may exacerbate this condition. Stress-relieving activities, such as exercise, meditation, and yoga, may help.
  • Stay cool when you exercise. If your clothing becomes sweaty, you should change into dry clothes.

What’s the difference between a blocked hair follicle and folliculitis?

A blocked hair follicle is a condition that causes inflammation. It can be treated and prevented, but it has no cure.

Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles. It can become chronic, but is often self-resolving.

Folliculitis is more common than hidradenitis suppurativa. Both hidradenitis suppurativa and folliculitis may respond to the same treatments.

Are blocked hair follicles contagious?

No. There are hair follicles that are blocked. You will not get this condition if you come into contact with someone with it.

Are blocked hair follicles caused by poor hygiene?

No. The cause of blocked hair is not known. The role of hygiene is not played by it. Doctors recommend not to clean the skin if you have this condition.

Does diet affect blocked hair follicles?

It may. There appears to be a link between insulin resistance and blocked hair follicles. Reducing your simple carbohydrate intake may help reduce or eliminate flareups.

Being overweight may also be a risk factor. Maintaining a moderate weight and eating a balanced diet may help.

If I have this condition, will it definitely cause scarring and become unsightly?

No. It can be difficult to treat blocked hair follicles, but early treatment can help to reduce the severity of the condition.

Find a doctor you trust, and do whatever you can to reduce your personal risk. If you smoke cigarettes, try to quit.

Hair shafts in your skin become blocked.

Blocked hair follicles that occur in areas where the skin rubs together — such as the groin or There are armpits. — can turn into a chronic skin condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa. This condition can cause painful lumps and scarring.

“Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of this condition. If you have a rash or a problem that doesn’t go away, you should see a doctor.”