Sycosis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. The condition often affects the mustache and beard growth areas, although sometimes sycosis may manifest around the scalp. The symptoms include an occurrence of skin eruptions and bumps filled with pus. The disorder is more prevalent in men, and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Typically, sycosis starts off with skin eruptions, small and reddish in color, that appear around the hair follicles. Men may also experience irritation in the affected region. The condition usually progresses gradually, and the eruptions may look as if they are grouped together. Pustules, which are basically pus-filled pimples, may develop, and the area may become encrusted.
The condition can cause weakening of the hair follicles. The duration of flare-up varies, and the problem may show up again after some months. A severe form of sycosis may cause scarring, and considerable damage to the follicles that can result in hair loss.
Sycosis barbae, or barber's itch as it is commonly referred to, is usually seen on the upper lip, the chin and around the jaw. It is typically caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. The infection could originate from the bacteria residing inside a person’s nose, or from an unhygienic shaving device. Often, the bacteria that trigger inflammation at the hair follicles are spread through shaving.
Some people with curly hair have a tendency to develop redness and eruptions in the beard area. Although the symptoms appear similar to those seen in sycosis barbae, the inflammation could be due to ingrown hair. This typically happens when hair in the shaved part regrows inwards into the skin and causes irritation. Preventive measures suggested for this problem include shaving in the direction of beard growth and not shaving very close to the skin.
Generally, a doctor can diagnose sycosis from the distribution, location, and the type of skin eruptions, and the extent of inflammation. The most frequently prescribed treatment is the topical application of an antibiotic cream that works on bacterial skin conditions. In addition, a course of oral antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, a cortisone preparation may be recommended. Warm salt water compresses may be used to help relieve pus-filled eruptions.
People with this condition are advised to avoid further irritation to the inflamed areas of the skin. Several precautions can help prevent recurrence. These include keeping one’s shaving devices thoroughly clean and germ-free, and washing the shaved area properly.
