Scabies vs Folliculitis

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

Feature
Scabies
Folliculitis
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Intensely itchy rash from microscopic burrowing mites. Worse at night. Spreads through prolonged skin contact.
Infected or inflamed hair follicles causing red, tender bumps. Common from shaving, tight clothing, or hot tubs.
Risk factors
Close personal contact with an infected person; Crowded living conditions (dorms, nursing homes, shelters); Immunosuppression (risk of crusted/Norwegian scabies)
Shaving (razor bumps); Tight clothing causing friction; Hot tub or pool use
Action needed
Intense itching worse at night, especially in typical locations
Folliculitis that does not improve in 1-2 weeks

Scabies

Scabies is caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows into the outermost layer of skin to lay eggs. The resulting immune reaction causes intense itching that is characteristically worse at night and can be severe enough to disrupt sleep.

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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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Does yours look more like scabies?

Quick self-check

Does this look like scabies? Answer 2 questions.

Is the itching intensely worse at night?

Are there bumps between the fingers, on wrists, or waistline?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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