Folliculitis: Pictures, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of hair follicles, causing redness, pus-filled bumps & itching. It usually subsides easily with appropriate treatment.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an umbrella medical term describing various types of this particular skin condition. Folliculitis is an inflammation that develops in the hair follicles due to infection, injury, or irritation. Folliculitis is generally considered a benign condition, often self-limiting, while in more severe, recurrent infections, medication may be necessary.

What is folliculitis? It is an inflammation of the hair follicle, which can often also affect the skin around it. Inflammation in the hair follicle is the result of infection by various germs, or injury (physical-chemical). This results in the appearance of various skin lesions, depending on the stage of folliculitis.

Who does folliculitis affect? It is a common skin condition and can affect men, women, and children. Also, although there are no data on the epidemiological profile of folliculitis in the general population, scientists find that individuals with a history of diabetes, obesity, or who take oral antibiotics long-term, are more likely to develop folliculitis.

Key Areas of Appearance Folliculitis can appear anywhere on the body, face, and scalp. Common areas where it is found include: Buttocks - Thighs Scalp - Neck Face Armpits Genitals Trunk

Symptoms Folliculitis and the inflammation it causes, which can affect the superficial or deeper layers of the skin, appears with symptoms such as: Red or white bumps, around the hair. Pus-filled blisters that may open, forming a crust Discomfort, itching, or pain in the area. Sensitive skin. However, you may also have no symptoms at all. Superficial folliculitis Small red bumps around the hair follicle Irritation and sensitivity of the skin around the follicle Sensation of pruritus (itching) Small blisters with pus Deep folliculitis Hard swelling that may develop into an abscess Pain Edema - swelling

Images of folliculitis

Causes of Appearance Folliculitis finds fertile ground to develop when hair follicles are “blocked or damaged, which then opens the way for microbes to enter and cause infection. Folliculitis can be infectious, meaning it is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, or non-infectious, for which friction or a blockage of the follicle is responsible. We can also cause damage to hair follicles through our habits, such as wearing tight clothing, skin-on-skin friction, and shaving. When the skin is hot and humid, damage to hair follicles occurs much more easily. Among the common causes of folliculitis are: Poorly maintained hot tubs Herpes simplex virus Shaving Tight clothing Topical medications applied to the skin Medication Weight gain

Types of Folliculitis The most common types of folliculitis are: The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for one of the most common causes of folliculitis, which appears as small red or white bumps with pus. In hot tubs, waterslides, and heated pools, etc., the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa thrives, causing folliculitis with a rash similar to that of staphylococcus. Folliculitis barbae and sycosis barbae are types of folliculitis that refer to persistent irritation that occurs after shaving and is mainly found in men aged 20 to 40. In the latter case, folliculitis can become more severe and requires immediate medical attention. Gram-negative folliculitis can occur after prolonged use of antibiotics for acne treatment. In this case, bacteria become resistant and acne worsens. Malassezia folliculitis is caused by yeasts that normally live on our skin and creates a type of folliculitis that resembles acne, which is exacerbated by sweat. Eosinophilic folliculitis, the cause of which is not fully understood and mainly occurs in immunocompromised individuals.

Diagnosis The diagnosis of folliculitis is made with a clinical examination and a detailed medical history taken by the dermatologist. Generally, diagnostic tests or radiological examinations are not required. A visit to a specialist doctor is necessary to confirm that it is folliculitis and not another skin condition.

Folliculitis: Management & Treatment Mild cases of folliculitis may sometimes resolve on their own without medication. The treatment recommended by your dermatologist depends on the severity of the folliculitis symptoms. Often, in mild cases, it can resolve with topical treatment such as antibacterial skin cleansing products, creams, ointments, etc. In more severe cases, the doctor may recommend oral antibiotics, while for deeper infections, drainage may be necessary to remove pus and heal the area. With laser hair removal, hair growth is permanently removed , so without the presence of hair, there is no folliculitis. Furthermore, a major factor in the appearance and worsening of folliculitis, which is shaving, no longer needs to be done.

Folliculitis & Prevention

By changing your daily habits, you can get rid of or better manage folliculitis: Shave carefully, as shaving is one of the most common causes of folliculitis. Your dermatologist can give you advice so that you don't create problems on your skin. Keep your skin clean, it significantly helps in prevention and in the healing process. Choose loose and comfortable clothing when it's hot and humid to avoid friction, which can injure hair follicles. Wash your swimsuit every time after use and let it dry. This way you reduce your exposure to bacteria, which can cause folliculitis. Change clothes after exercise or showering. Do not share personal items such as towels. Before using the pool or hot tub, make sure the chemicals in the pool are at the correct levels.

Written by Facemed Clinic Scientific Team on Jun 25, 2020 - Reviewed by Dr. Christoforos Loizidis last updated on May 21, 2025

Can folliculitis recur after treatment?

Yes, folliculitis can recur if basic hygiene conditions are not maintained, and if the cause is not identified and avoided.

If I already have folliculitis, can I undergo Alexandrite laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal will remove hair from the area, so shaving will no longer be necessary. By stopping a practice that exacerbates folliculitis, if it is in a mild stage, it may resolve on its own.

Which folliculitis symptoms should prompt me to see a dermatologist immediately?

You should seek immediate medical advice if the folliculitis you are experiencing is spreading to other parts of the body, if you notice hard and painful bumps with fluid, or if you feel chills, fever, or fatigue.