Folliculitis vs Eczema

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Folliculitis
Eczema
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Infected or inflamed hair follicles causing red, tender bumps. Common from shaving, tight clothing, or hot tubs.
Red, itchy, inflamed skin - the most common chronic skin condition in children. Part of the atopic triad with asthma and hay fever.
Risk factors
Shaving (razor bumps); Tight clothing causing friction; Hot tub or pool use
Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever; Filaggrin gene mutations (skin barrier dysfunction); Living in dry or cold climates
Action needed
Folliculitis that does not improve in 1-2 weeks
Eczema not controlled with regular moisturizing and over-the-counter hydrocortisone

Folliculitis

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.

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Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing red, itchy, dry, and sometimes weeping or crusting patches. It is the most common chronic skin disease in children, affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.

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Does yours look more like folliculitis?

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?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →