Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. It can appear anywhere on the skin where hair is present, except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Folliculitis can be caused by a variety of infectious organisms, but it can also be sterile and induced by irritating chemical substances, drugs, occlusive clothing, and physical irritants like shaving. Some types of folliculitis are more likely to happen in particular groups of people, such as pseudofolliculitis barbae and sycosis barbae, which are closely linked to shaving and are much more common in men who frequently cut beard hairs.
Symptoms of folliculitis include red bumps, itching, burning, soreness, tenderness, and rough, dry, or flaking skin. Individual lesions of folliculitis include pustules (pus-filled bumps) and papules (small solid bumps) centered on hair follicles. Mild and moderate cases of folliculitis usually clear up quickly with treatment and leave no scars. More severe cases of folliculitis may lead to complications such as cellulitis (an infection of the deeper skin tissue), scarring, and permanent hair loss in the affected area.
There are different types of folliculitis, and treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Mild folliculitis can be treated at home with self-care measures such as warm compresses, antibacterial soap, and avoiding tight clothing. More serious or recurrent infections may require prescription medication, such as antibiotics or antifungal creams. It is important to see a dermatologist to make sure you have folliculitis, as the infected hair follicles can look like another skin condition, such as acne.
