Folliculitis is a skin condition characterized by the inflammation of hair follicles. The spelling of "folliculitis" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, which is /fəˌlɪkjuˈlaɪtɪs/. The first syllable /fə/ is pronounced like "fuh," followed by the stressed syllable /lɪk/ pronounced as "lick." The next two syllables are pronounced as /ju/ ("you") and /laɪ/ ("lie"), respectively. The final syllable is pronounced as /tɪs/ ("tiss"). The spelling of the word follows typical English pronunciation rules, with the stress falling on the second syllable.
Folliculitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of one or more hair follicles, the small sac-like structures from which hair grows. It is commonly caused by bacterial or fungal infections, but can also result from other factors such as shaving, friction, or blockage of the hair follicles.
Symptoms of folliculitis typically include small, red bumps or pustules that may be itchy or tender in the affected areas. The condition can occur on any part of the body where hair is present, but it most often affects the scalp, neck, face, armpits, and groin. In severe cases, the inflammation can spread and form larger, more painful boils or cysts.
Diagnosis of folliculitis usually involves visual examination of the affected area by a healthcare professional. In some cases, a culture or skin biopsy may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment options for folliculitis depend on the severity and cause of the inflammation. Mild cases can often be managed by keeping the affected area clean, applying warm compresses, and avoiding further irritation. Antibacterial or antifungal medications may be prescribed in cases where an infection is present. In more severe or recurring cases, oral antibiotics or other medical interventions may be necessary.
Overall, folliculitis is a common and treatable condition that typically resolves with proper care and treatment. However, it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist, as severe infections or complications can occur.
An inflammation of any follicles, specifically of the sebaceous follicles, folliclis, acne agminata.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "folliculitis" is derived from two main components: "follicle" and "-itis".
1. "Follicle": The term "follicle" is derived from the Latin word "folliculus", meaning a small sac, bag, or pouch. In anatomy, a follicle refers to a small hollow or depression, often associated with hair growth. The word "follicle" specifically refers to the structure from which hair grows.
2. "-itis": The suffix "-itis" is derived from the Greek word "itis", which means inflammation. It is commonly used in medical terminology to denote inflammation of a specific organ or body part.
Combining the two components, "folliculitis" literally means "inflammation of the hair follicles". It is a skin condition characterized by the inflammation and infection of hair follicles, often caused by bacteria, fungi, or other factors.