Folliculitis

Folliculitis is usually diagnosed during a physical exam with your healthcare provider. This can be done during an appointment and in most cases, you do not need to see a skincare specialist. Your primary care physician is usually able to diagnose folliculitis and provide a treatment plan. In certain, severe or persistent cases, an appointment with a dermatologist is recommended.

Your healthcare provider will go over your medical history and ask you about your habits. Some questions might include:

Have you been sweating more than normal lately or doing activities that cause you to sweat a lot?
Have you been in a hot tub or sauna?
Do you shave every day?
Are you currently taking any medications, including acne treatments?

The answers to these questions often confirm a diagnosis of folliculitis and help your provider determine which type it might be.

In some more severe cases, your provider may refer you to a dermatologist for additional tests to make sure your folliculitis isn’t another medical condition. One test that can be done is a biopsy. This is a test where a small sample of your skin is removed and then taken to a lab where it’s studied.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.