Sycosis is an itchy and painful pus-filled eruption of hair follicles.
It is also known as sycosis barbae. This occurs in areas that are prone to shaving such as beard-line in men.
It can also occur in women who shave their legs and bikini area. It is a deep-seated infection which causes scarring and permanent hair loss.
It is similar to a condition known as pseudofolliculitis barbae which is a foreign body reaction to curved and coarse hair follicles.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is more common in people with curly and coarse hair.
Both sycosis barbae and pseudofollicultis barbae can co-exist.
It is more commonly found in recently shaved hair areas in people with lighter skin.
It can occur after laser hair removal or in people who do not shave.
Sycosis Types
There are two similar conditions of folliculitis with similar symptoms. This is required to know in order to differentiate between these two.
Let’s take a look at them one by one.
Folliculitis barbae:
Folliculitis barbae is a chronic hair follicle infection caused by staphylococcus bacteria.
It causes persistent irritation in shaving areas. It is most commonly found in men who are between 20-40.
There are pus-filled eruptions pierced by hairs. The base is red and swollen. It can be painful or without pain.
Sycosis barbae:
If folliculitis barbae is left untreated the infection extends to deeper layers causing sycosis barbae.
There are scars surrounded by pus-filled eruptions and crusts.
In severe cases, associated infection in eyelids and eyelashes and inflammation in the eyes can be present.
Sycosis Causes
Sycosis barbae can occur secondary to viral infections, mycological infections and people who have eosinophilia.
People who are competitive athletes and those who are suffering from immunosuppressed conditions can get sycosis barbae.
Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative agent of sycosis barbae.
Recurrence of sycosis barbae after successful treatment suggests the presence of the infective organism in shaving equipment e.g., razors or in the body such as the nasal cavity.
Sycosis Symptoms
Sycosis barbae can affect a person’s day-to-day life. the symptoms include,
Itchy and painful pus-filled eruptions in hair containing skin parts such as the neck, beard-line, armpits and groin.
The symptoms become worse after shaving.
There is a discharge of pus or a sticky fluid from the eruptions.
In some cases, sinuses, abscesses and deep inflammation can occur.
There are pustules pierced by hairs with a red and swollen base.
There is a loss of hair in the affected area. The eruptions leave deep scars.
Risk Factors for Sycosis
Certain risk factors make a person more to get sycosis barbae. Let’s take a look at them one by one.
Gender:
Sycosis barbae is more common in men as compared to women. It mainly affects hair-bearing areas.
People with lighter skin types develop sycosis barbae easily.
Laser hair removal:
It is seen that sycosis barbae can occur after laser hair removal treatments.
Weak immunity:
People who are already suffering from any immunosuppressive disease are at a higher risk of developing sycosis barbae.
Athletes:
Competitive athletes are also at a higher risk of developing this disease.
High eosinophil count:
People with eosinophilia may develop sycosis barbae.
These are the risk factors for developing sycosis barbae.
Diagnosis of Sycosis
The doctor will diagnose sycosis barbae clinically. He will examine the affected area and ask about the symptom history in detail.
If needed, a dermoscopy can be used for proper examination.
In some cases, pustules and nasal cavity swabs can be taken to detect the presence of the exact causative organism.
It will help to decide the proper treatment plan.
Sycosis Management
Certain management tips can be followed to help to fasten the recovery process and also in preventing further recurrence.
Avoid shaving:
Shaving should be avoided till the eruptions clear completely. As repeated shaving may hinder recovery.
Warm compress:
Applying warm compress help to reduce the pain and provide relief.
Avoid using cosmetics:
Stop using any type of cosmetic as it may worsen the symptoms.
Use mild facewash:
Use a mild and soothing face wash so that it may not aggravate the condition.
Best Homeopathic Medicines for Sycosis
Homeopathy has several wonderful healing agents for the treatment of sycosis barbae.
These medicines are completely safe and free from any adverse effects.
Homeopathy offers a gentle and quick treatment option for patients of sycosis barbae.
These medicines are prepared from natural sources and are very effective.
Let’s take a look at the topmost indicated remedies in homeopathy for the treatment of sycosis barbae one by one in detail.
1. GRAPHITES: For sycosis with eruptions oozing out a sticky fluid
Symptoms:
Graphites is a top-indicated medicine for the treatment of sycosis in homeopathy.
The characteristic feature of this medicine is that the eruptions ooze out a sticky liquid.
The skin of the patient is rough hard and persistently dry. The patient complains of pimples and acne on his face.
The skin is unhealthy, every little injury suppurates. There is swelling and hardness in the affected area.
There is a burning and stinging pain in the affected area. The symptoms are worse at night.
Potency and dosage:
Graphites 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Graphites 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Graphites in 30CH can be taken as four pills twice daily till improvement occurs.
2. CALCAREA SULPH: For sycosis that does not heal readily
Symptoms:
Calcarae Sulph is a very helpful medicine for cases where healing is not taking place readily.
The eruptions are pus-filled and ooze out pus. The affected become red and painful.
There are yellow purulent discharge and crusts. The skin gets covered with yellow scabs.
There are many matterless pimples under the hair. The eruptions bleed when scratched.
The beard area becomes itchy and dry. The pus-filled eruptions do not heal readily.
Potency and dosage:
Calcarea Sulph 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Calcarea Sulph 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Calcarea Sulph in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
3. SILICEA: For sycosis with offensive pus
Symptoms:
Silicea is used for the treatment of sycosis in which there is a collection of offensive pus in the affected areas.
The skin of the patient is delicate, pale and waxy. The eruptions are rose-coloured.
The scars suddenly become painful. Silicea promotes the expulsion of foreign bodies from the tissues.
The patient complains that every little injury suppurates. There is the formation of long-lasting suppuration and fistulous tracts.
The areas itch in the daytime and evening. Silicea hastens the suppuration and helps in draining pus.
Potency and dosage:
Silicea 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Silicea 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Silicea in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
4. RHUS TOX: For sycosis with intense itching
Symptoms:
Rhus Tox is a very helpful medicine for the treatment of sycosis with intense itching.
The affected area becomes red and swollen. There is burning and a tendency to scale formation.
The eruptions start as small red eruptions after shaving. These eruptions itch intolerably.
The patient becomes restless due to the disease. The symptoms are worse in cold, wet weather, especially after rain.
The symptoms are better by dry weather and warm application.
Mentally the patient is extremely restless and apprehensive.
Potency and dosage:
Rhus Tox 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Rhus Tox 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Rhus Tox in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
5. SULPHUR: For sycosis with unhealthy skin
Symptoms:
Sulphur is considered a skin leader in homeopathy. It has a wide range of beneficial powers capable of treating many affections.
The skin of the patient is dry, scaly and unhealthy, every little injury suppurates.
There is itching and burning in the affected area which is worse on washing and scratching.
There are pimply eruptions and pustules in the beard area. Sycosis after local application can be treated by this medicine.
The symptoms of a Sulphur patient are worse from warmth and in the evening.
The cases of sycosis that recur in damp weather can be easily treated by Sulphur.
Potency and dosage:
Sulphur 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Sulphur 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Sulphur in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
6. PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA: For early stages of sycosis
Symptoms:
Phytolacca Decandra is a well-known remedy for treating the early stages of sycosis.
The affected area itches, becomes dry, shrunken and pale. The beard area gets covered with papular and pustular eruptions.
There is a disposition to boils when sloughing (shedding of a layer of dead skin) occurs.
The patient additionally suffers from warts and moles. The eruptions are pus-filled and painful.
Exposure to damp, cold weather can make the symptoms worse. The symptoms are better by warmth and dry weather.
Potency and dosage:
Phytolacca Decandra 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Phytolacca Decandra 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Phytolacca Decandra in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
7. TELLURIUM MET: For sycosis with an offensive odour
Symptoms:
Tellurium Met has a great anti-fungal healing properties.
It is known for its beneficial effects in the treatment of skin affection.
The patient complains of itching in the hands and feet. There is an offensive odour coming from the affected parts.
There is stinging and burning pain in the beard area. There are circular patches of red and swollen areas on the beard.
The eruptions and painful and itchy. The symptoms are worse by touch and friction.
It is also helpful for patients who develop eyelid inflammation along with sycosis.
Potency and dosage:
Tellurium Met 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Tellurium Met 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Tellurium Met in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
8. SULPHUR IOD: For obstinate cases of sycosis
Symptoms:
Sulphur Iod has a special affinity for sycosis barbae. The cases that do not heal readily.
There is a discharge of sticky fluid from the eruptions in the beard area.
The patient complains of itching in the ear and nose along with the affected area.
There are papular eruptions on the face of a Sulphur Iod patient.
There are boils on the neck and cold sores on the lips. The hair feels erect.
The arms of the patient are covered with itching rashes.
Potency and dosage:
Sulphur Iod 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Sulphur Iod 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Sulphur Iod in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
9. THUJA: For sycosis with a sensitivity to touch
Symptoms:
Thuja is a very popular skin remedy for the treatment of sycosis in patients who are prone to develop warts, epithelioma, tubercles etc.
The face of the patient is covered by freckles and blotches. There is a sweetish and strong perspiration.
The patient complains of dry skin with brown spots on his hands and feet.
The affected area becomes red and swollen. There are numerous pus-filled painful eruptions in the beard area.
The symptoms of a Thuja patient become worse after scratching.
Potency and dosage:
Thuja 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Thuja 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Thuja in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
10. HEPAR SULPH: For chronic and recurring sycosis
Symptoms:
Hepar Sulph is a great remedy for the treatment of sycosis which is chronic and recurring.
The affected area becomes very sensitive to contact. The eruptions on the beard area are prone to suppurate and extend.
The eruptions are suppurating with prickly pain and they easily bleed.
The eruptions are filled with pus smelling like old cheese. The patient cannot bear to be uncovered, he wants to wrap up warmly.
It is helpful for cases that recur after successful treatment.
The patient complains of sticking and pricking pain in the beard region.
Potency and dosage:
Hepar Sulph 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Hepar Sulph 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Hepar Sulph in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
11. BELLADONNA: For sycosis with marked redness of the skin
Symptoms:
Belladonna is a very helpful remedy for the treatment of sycosis with marked redness of the skin.
The affected become dry, hot, swollen and sensitive. The eruptions suddenly spread and cover a large part of the beard.
There are red boils and pustules on the face. The eruptions are suppurating with pain.
There is an alternate redness and paleness of the skin. The eruptions make the skin indurated and hard.
The symptoms of a Belladonna patient get worse with touch.
Potency and dosage:
Belladonna 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Belladonna 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Belladonna in 30CH can be taken as four pills twice daily till improvement occurs.
12. LEDUM PAL: For sycosis with sticking pain
Symptoms:
Ledum Pal is a well-known homeopathic medicine for the treatment of sycosis barbae with sticking pain.
The patient complains of excruciating pains in the affected area.
The beard area is filled with large red and painful boils. The eruptions are pus-filled.
The affected area becomes red and swollen with numerous red bumps.
The symptoms are worse at night and from the heat of the bed.
When these symptoms match, Ledum al can completely cure the case and also prevent further complications.
Potency and dosage:
Ledum Pal 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Ledum Pal 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Ledum Pal in 30CH can be taken as four pills twice daily till improvement occurs.
Remember that homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics.
It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.