Folliikulist

Folliikulist is the Estonian genitive form of folliikul, meaning “of the follicle.” In medical and anatomical contexts, the term refers to structures or conditions relating to a hair follicle. It is not a disease by itself, but it can appear in phrases describing pathology or anatomy of the follicle.

A hair follicle is a skin-rooted organ from which a hair grows. It extends from the epidermis into the dermis and includes regions such as the infundibulum and the bulb. Each follicle is associated with sebaceous glands, a small muscular structure (arrector pili), and the hair shaft. The follicle undergoes cyclical changes—anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting)—which regulate hair production and shedding.

Follicles can be involved in various conditions. Folliculitis is an inflammation of one or more hair follicles, often due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses, or irritation from friction or occlusion. Other related conditions include acne (which affects pilosebaceous units), and, in more extensive cases, hidradenitis suppurativa. Management depends on the underlying cause and severity, ranging from proper hygiene and topical antimicrobials to systemic antibiotics or antifungals when indicated.

In medical writing in Estonian, folliikulist may appear in phrases describing location or pathology, such as “folliikulist põletik” (inflammation of the follicle). For general understanding, the term anchors discussions about the follicle’s anatomy, function, and conditions affecting the hair-follicle unit. See also: hair follicle, follicle, skin conditions.