What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• OF (Oil Folliculitis)

What is Oil Folliculitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Oil Folliculitis (OF) may be described as an occupational hazard that results in the inflammation of hair follicles anywhere on the body from long-term contact with crude oil, gasoline, or diesel, in one’s working environment. Oil Folliculitis may also develop from exposure to mineral oil (petroleum distillate), which is used in certain therapies
• A hair follicle is a sac that holds the hair root into the skin; the oil glands open into the hair follicle. Any damage to or clogging of the hair follicles from exposure to the oil can result in Oil Folliculitis. The condition is characterized by the appearance of pus-filled blisters that may present pain and irritation. The skin lesions may result in permanent scarring; the condition can also recur
• The treatment measures for Oil Folliculitis may include a complete avoidance of the causative agent (oils), and the use of topical applications, oral medications, and antibiotics, as necessary. The prognosis is improved with adequate treatment and self-care

Who gets Oil Folliculitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Oil Folliculitis may affect individuals of any age category, but is mostly observed in adults
• Both males and females are affected, but a greater number of cases are observed in men due to the nature of their occupation
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Oil Folliculitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The following risk factors for Oil Folliculitis may be noted:

• Individuals working in the following industries:
  • Petroleum exploration
  • Oil and refinery
  • Engineering works involving gasoline and diesel
  • Road laying works using bitumen and coal tar
  • Construction industry using various oils
  • Cutting oils to lubricate metal working 
• Therapy using mineral oils (such as for body and scalp massage)
• Sheep shearers are at risk for the condition due to exposure to wool fat (lanolin)
• Any topical application containing coal tar used for skin conditions, may result in Oil Folliculitis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Oil Folliculitis? (Etiology)

A clogging of the hair follicles from continuous or chronic exposure to various oils causes Oil Folliculitis. In some cases, the occluded (blocked) follicles may be infected by bacteria (such as Staphylococcus epidermidis).

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oil Folliculitis?

The signs and symptoms of Oil Folliculitis may vary from one individual to another and may be mild or severe. In some individuals, it may be asymptomatic and painless.

The signs and symptoms may include:

• Formation of small or medium sized pustules on skin, due to inflammation of the hair-follicles
• The skin around the region is tender and present a reddish discoloration
• The lesions may be in the form of whiteheads or blackheads (comedones)
• Most of the lesions are noted on the forearms and thighs
• Individuals may feel pain and burning sensation
• Some cases are mild, with the presence of a few lesions; sometimes, they may be numerous
• The pus-filled blisters may turn sore and crusty (yellow scabs)

How is Oil Folliculitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Oil Folliculitis may involve the following:

• Physical examination and a complete medical history (including a history of one’s occupation); a dermatologist will visually examine the lesions to help in the diagnosis
• Blood tests, analysis of pus, culture of the fluid being drained, as needed
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Oil Folliculitis?

Oil Folliculitis can cause the following complications:

• Emotional and psychological stress
• Secondary bacterial and fungal skin infections, which may result in fever and other associated signs and symptoms
• Scarring of the affected region leading to cosmetic issues
• Permanent scarring
• Oil Folliculitis may recur after completion of treatment

How is Oil Folliculitis Treated?

The treatment of Oil Folliculitis may involve the following measures:

• Suitably protect the exposed skin areas from further contact with the offending substances (oils)
• Use of topical applications, such as anti-inflammatory gels, lotions, and creams
• Administration of medications such as oral retinoids
• Use of topical antibiotic creams, in case of bacterial infection
• Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion
• Phototherapy
• Laser therapy

Self-care (home) remedies may include:

• Wash the lesions with mild soap (antibacterial), as often as needed
• Apply warm compress
• Wash hands before applying topical applications
• Keep nails trimmed; do not pick at the lesions
• Change work suits regularly

How can Oil Folliculitis be Prevented?

Oil Folliculitis may be prevented by considering the following measures:

• Protect skin areas that are exposed to the offending substance (oils)
• Consider changing job roles or jobs if the condition gets worse

What is the Prognosis of Oil Folliculitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Oil Folliculitis depends on the severity of the condition. Typically, mild cases have better prognosis than severe conditions.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Oil Folliculitis:

Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition.