Blocked Hair Follicles: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hair follicles are small tube-like structures found under the skin. It is in the shape of a cylinder with a rounded bottom on the skin. Hair follicles are responsible for the growth of all hair on the face, body, and head. Blocked hair follicles are pimple-like lumps that form under the skin. They may be red in hue and painful. If they get worse, they can penetrate deep into the skin and cause cysts or boils.

This article explains why blocked hair follicles occur and how they can be prevented and treated. 

What Causes Blocked Hair Follicles?

Blocked hair follicles are not caused due to poor hygiene nor are they infectious. The exact cause of blocked hair follicles is still unclear. However, some of the common causes that are thought to cause blocked hair follicles are as follows:

• Hair follicles get blocked with keratin, a protein found naturally in hair, skin, and nails.

• The plugged hair follicle retains sweat.

• The plugged hair follicle is filled with bacteria, which reproduce and multiply.

Blocked hair follicles can also arise from lifestyle patterns and environment. These can include weight, diet, and pollution.

Symptoms of Blocked Hair Follicles

Blocked hair follicles are often formed in places of the body with sweat glands and skin folds, such as:

• Armpits

• Inner thighs

• Groin

• Buttocks

Blocked hair follicles vary from minor to severe. They start as small, tiny red pimples. Over time, they can become pus-filled tumours, cysts, or boils.

Blocked hair follicles can be related to other scalp conditions like folliculitis and scalp buildup but it has different characteristics. Folliculitis occurs when blocked hair follicles become inflamed or infected, while scalp buildup is a buildup of dead skin, oil, and sweat in the hair follicles can lead to folliculitis.  

Risk Factors Affecting Hair Follicles

There are certain risk factors including demographic, genetic and health links that make people more susceptible to blocked hair follicles. They include:

• Females suffer from blocked hair follicles more often than men

• Common among hispanic, black, or biracial populations

• Have a family history of hidradenitis suppurativa (a skin condition that causes skin abscesses and scarring on the skin)

• Smoking cigarettes

• Having a disease or a condition that causes insulin resistance or a hormonal imbalance, like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).

Diagnosis of Blocked Hair Follicles

Diagnosing blocked hair follicles, or folliculitis, usually involves:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare professional checks the skin for signs of inflammation, which might have raised lumps, pustules, or hair follicles.

• Medical History: The clinician will look at the patient's medical history to look for previous skin diseases, family history, cleanliness, and the usage of certain goods or medicines that may cause follicular blockages.

• Skin Scraping or Culture: A skin scraping or culture of the affected region can confirm if an infection exists.

• Blood Testing: In rare circumstances, blood tests may be performed to rule out underlying disorders like autoimmune diseases or hormone abnormalities that might be causing blocked follicles.

Prevention Strategies for Blocked Hair Follicles

It can be challenging to prevent blocked hair follicles. However, adopting certain prevention strategies generally helps:

• Maintaining a certain weight and limiting sugar intake can help

• Laser hair removal

• Stress can cause blocked hair follicles

• Avoiding activities that produce a lot of sweat

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 70–90% of people with hidradenitis suppurativa (which can result from blocked hair follicles) smoke cigarettes. Restricting or quitting smoking can help to lessen or even eliminate flare-ups.

Treatment Options for Blocked Hair Follicles

The treatment of blocked hair follicles depends on the severity and the cause of the blockage. The treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and clearing the follicles.

Patients are generally asked to follow the given precautions:

• Do not pinch or pop pimples or boils

• Keep the skin dry and cool, and try to limit sweating

• Dress loosely and comfortably, allowing the skin to breathe

• Clean the affected area with antibacterial soap

• To cure uncomfortable lumps, use warm water compresses

• Avoid waxing or doing anything that may irritate the skin. While shaving, first clean with antibacterial soap, then protect the skin with gel shaving foam and use a new blad.

• Avoid deodorants that include alcohol, parabens, or other harsh substances

Some over-the-counter medicines include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines

• Steroids and pain medicines

• Topical and oral antibiotics

• Oral isotretinoin

• Benzoyl peroxide acne medication body wash

Severe hidradenitis suppurativa may necessitate surgery to remove scar tissue and deep lumps.

Potential Complications Arising from Blocked Hair Follicles

Blocked hair follicles can cause a variety of problems if left untreated. These issues may have an immediate impact on the skin and hair. These issues may also impact hair growth and scalp health, such as:

• It can block hair from growing properly and may lead to hair thinning or shedding

• Painful ingrown hairs occur when the hair starts growing sideways under the skin, due to clogged follicles

• If the follicles are blocked for a long period, inflammation can occur. This inflammation can irritate the scalp and impede its ability to nurture healthy hair growth

If blocked hair follicles are not treated, the long-term effects can be more severe and have long-term consequences for both skin and hair health, such as:

• Chronic Folliculitis

• Permanent Hair Loss

• Skin Scarring

• Development of Cysts or Abscesses

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes to Consider

There is no precise food plan for avoiding clogged hair follicles. However, the following decisions can help:

• Eating fish rich in omega-3 acids, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel

• Cutting back on dairy goods like milk and cheese

• Eating less sugar can lower insulin levels

• Cutting back on red meat

Several lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of blocked hair follicles, such as:

• Quitting smoking

• Shaving rarely or don’t at all

• Wearing loose clothes

• Staying clean and cool

• Taking a sitz bath

Conclusion

Blocked hair follicles can lead to hair thinning, discomfort, and skin complications if left untreated. Proper hygiene, stress management, and lifestyle adjustments are key to preventing more severe conditions. Adopting proactive scalp care with regular cleansing and avoiding irritants can also help reduce the risk of long-term damage.

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