Folliculitis
Infected or inflamed hair follicles causing red, tender bumps. Common from shaving, tight clothing, or hot tubs.
What to look for
Side-by-side comparison
Normal follicles
Smooth around hair
Folliculitis
Red bumps around follicles
Folliculitis is inflammation or infection of hair follicles, presenting as small red or white-headed bumps or pustules clustered around hair follicles. It can occur anywhere hair grows but is most common on the face (shaving area), scalp, thighs, buttocks, and trunk.
The most common cause is bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus), but folliculitis can also be caused by fungi (Pityrosporum/Malassezia), viruses (herpes), or non-infectious irritation. Hot tub folliculitis (Pseudomonas) occurs 1-3 days after exposure to contaminated warm water.
Mild folliculitis often resolves on its own with good hygiene. Treatment includes topical antibiotics (mupirocin), antifungal agents for fungal folliculitis, warm compresses, and avoidance of the causative factor. Recurrent folliculitis may require culture to identify the organism and chronic folliculitis may need oral antibiotics.
Quick self-check
Does this look like folliculitis? Answer 2 questions.
Are there small bumps or pustules centered around hair follicles?
Is it in an area of shaving, friction, or recent hot tub use?
Risk factors
- Shaving (razor bumps)
- Tight clothing causing friction
- Hot tub or pool use
- Diabetes or immunosuppression
- Prolonged antibiotic use (predisposes to fungal folliculitis)
- Obesity (skin fold friction)
When to see a dermatologist
- ⚠Folliculitis that does not improve in 1-2 weeks
- ⚠Deep, painful, or spreading infection
- ⚠Recurrent episodes
- ⚠Folliculitis after hot tub use with fever or malaise
Often confused with
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How is folliculitis different from acne?
Folliculitis bumps are centered on individual hair follicles and are often triggered by a clear cause (shaving, friction, hot tub). Acne involves comedones (blackheads, whiteheads) which folliculitis lacks, and acne is driven by hormones rather than external irritation.