What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. Each hair on your body grows out of a tiny pouch called a follicle. You can have folliculitis on any part of your body that has hair. But it is most common on the face, scalp, and areas rubbed by clothing, such as the thighs and groin.

What causes folliculitis?

It is usually caused by bacteria, especially the type called staph (Staphylococcus). It can also be caused by yeast and another type of fungus. Folliculitis caused by a fungus is most often seen in people who have trouble fighting infections because they have an impaired immune system.

Often folliculitis develops because you have damaged your hair follicles. Shaving or wearing clothes that rub the skin can irritate the follicles. They can also become blocked or irritated by substances like sweat, machine oils, or makeup. When the follicles are injured, they are more likely to become infected.

What are the symptoms?

Folliculitis usually looks like red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. The pimples may have pus in them, and they often itch or burn.

What increases my risk of developing folliculitis?

You are more likely to get folliculitis if you:

• Use a hot tub, whirlpool, or swimming pool that is not properly treated with chlorine.
• Wear tight clothes.
• Use antibiotics or steroid cream for long periods.
• Use or work with substances that can irritate or block the follicles. Examples include makeup, cocoa butter, motor oil, tar, and creosote.
• Have an infected cut, scrape, or surgical incision. The bacteria or fungi can spread to nearby hair follicles.
• Have a disease such as diabetes or HIV that lowers your ability to fight infection.

How is folliculitis diagnosed?

To diagnose folliculitis, your doctor will examine your skin and ask questions about your health and activities. For instance, recent use of a hot tub or swimming pool may suggest that you have "hot tub folliculitis."

Your doctor may do tests to find out what is causing your folliculitis and to make sure that what you have is not a different problem, such as impetigo or heat rash. Examining a sample of the fluid in the pimples can help your doctor learn whether bacteria are causing the infection. If a fungus is suspected, your doctor will take a tissue sample, or biopsy, of the infected area.

How is it treated?

Usually mild folliculitis heals on its own in about 2 weeks. Warm compresses made with white vinegar or Burow's solution may help relieve itching and aid healing. If the infection does not go away, an antibiotic or antifungal cream will usually clear up the condition. Medicated shampoos are available to treat folliculitis on the scalp or beard.

For deeper, more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal pills.

Sometimes the infection is stubborn and requires a long course of treatment. In some cases, laser hair removal may be an option. Laser treatment destroys the hair follicles so they can't become infected.

Frequently Asked Questions