Hair follicles are blocked, why?

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Thu Hang - Dermatologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Obstruction of hair follicles easily occurs in places that are often subjected to friction. Over time, it can cause pain, infection, or turn into a scar. Therefore, when painful swelling due to hair follicle blockage or recurrence, you should see a doctor for advice on appropriate treatment measures to help skin look healthier and firmer.

Blocked hair follicles can occur due to the following reasons:
Puberty or menstruation when hormonal changes make the sebaceous glands active. The risk of hair follicle blockage due to this cause is 3 times higher in women than in men. People with prostatitis may have an overactive immune response to blocked hair follicles. Genetics also play an important role, 1 in 3 people with the disease have genetic factors. You should note, clogged hair follicles or blocked sweat glands do not occur due to unclean bathing and also do not get infected from other people.
Several other factors can also contribute to an increased risk of clogged hair follicles including:
Smoking Being overweight Working in high or low temperatures Sweating MORE: Factors that cause folliculitis hair

Clogged hair follicles appear like pimples, often forming in areas of friction, such as the armpits and groin. When acne occurs, the clogged hair follicle is causing folliculitis.
In women, clogged hair follicles usually occur on the genitals, upper thighs, or below the breasts. In men, blocked hair follicles often appear in the area above the genitals and around the anus.
Swelling due to blocked hair follicles may disappear on its own or may persist for a long time, and one or more swellings may exist at the same time.
Symptoms of blocked hair follicles can change rapidly. During the first week, the blocked hair follicle may swell and ooze pus, but in the following week it heals and is no longer painful.

Long-term blocked hair follicles can cause conditions such as:
Acne, red boils, pain Fester and foul-smelling discharge Scar formation after wound healing. Repeated recurrence can cause the scar to thicken. Worsening skin condition due to the formation of large pores Infection In rare cases, blocked hair follicles can cause skin cancer Therefore, when a blocked hair follicle or blocked sweat gland is detected Inflammation, persistent or recurrent condition, you should see your doctor for advice on treatments to help clear skin, prevent more acne and other skin complications.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases, including Dermatology. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.

Reference source: webmd.com