Facts about blocked hair follicles
Hair follicles tend to block from time to time however, they block in areas where you have many oil and sweat glands. You may first notice them as pimple-like bumps on your skin. They may be in places where you normally don’t have breakouts and over time they can become painful or get infected and turn into scars.
The condition is also called hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or acne inversa. It happens when the shafts where hair grows out of your skin, called follicles, get blocked.
There’s no cure for the condition, but treatments can make flares happen less often. A healthy lifestyle can help a lot, too.
Causes of blocked hair follicle
The cause is not known for sure but, most doctors think that hormones might play a role since the condition usually hits after puberty. The breakouts tend to flare up for women around the time they have their periods.
The problem is three times more common with women than men.
Also Read: Excessive sweating? 5 Tips to stay dry and fresh
It may also happen because of your immune system. Most people get clogged hair follicles from time to time, but if you have HS, your body may be overreacting to those blockages.
Your genes may make a difference, too. One-third of people who have the condition are related to someone else who has it.
However, it is important to note that the condition is not communicable (cant get it from another person).
Some of the most common triggers include; smoking, hormonal imbalance, sweating, menstruation for women, heat and obesity.
Blocked hair follicles usually look like breakouts of pimples or boils. They usually form in places where your skin rubs together, like your armpits or groin.
In woman, you’re more likely to have them on your genitals, upper thighs, or under your breasts. For men, they happen more on your genitals and around your anus. The bumps may come and go or just stay the same. You might get them in the same spot every time, or they might move around your body.
Once you start to notice these breakouts, it is advisable to see your doctor as soon as you can to start tackling the problem. You can get treatments that can help clear your skin and maybe prevent more breakouts and complications.
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