Folliculitis
What is
it?
Folliculitis is an infection in a hair follicle, which
is an opening in the skin that contains the hair root.
Who gets
it?
Folliculitis can affect anyone, at any age.
What
causes it?
Folliculitis occurs when Staphylococcus bacteria or a
fungus is able to enter the skin around a hair
follicle. This can occur after using a hot tub that is
not well chlorinated or when an in-grown hair
irritates the follicle.
Other factors that increase the risk of folliculitis
include:
- Diabetes
- Chronic
skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis
- Wearing
tight clothing
- Living in
unsanitary conditions
- Heat and
humidity
-
Staphylococcal infection in the nasal passages
Folliculitis can be spread from one person to another
because the bacteria that cause it are contagious.
What are
the symptoms?
Folliculitis looks like a small, pus-filled pimple,
usually around the base of a hair. Pus seeping from
this pustule can be tinged with blood. While
folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body, it is
most likely to appear on the arms, armpits, legs, or
on the scalp. Men who shave are more likely to develop
folliculitis on the face. Folliculitis caused by an
unsanitary hot tub is more likely to occur on the
areas covered by a bathing suit, such as the buttocks.
In some cases, folliculitis can result in a painful
skin abscess called a boil. A boil is a pocket below
the skin’s surface that contains pus and feels warm to
the touch. It is rare, however, for folliculitis to
cause a serious skin infection.
How is it
diagnosed?
Folliculitis is diagnosed by its appearance. Your
doctor will study your medical history for any
recurring Staphylococcus infections. He or she can
determine if the infection is from bacteria or fungus
by draining some of the infected fluid from the hair
follicle and studying it in a laboratory.
What is
the treatment?
Bacterial
folliculitis infections are usually mild and can be
cleared up by applying an over-the-counter topical
antibiotic cream or ointment to the affected area as
directed by your doctor. If the infection covers a
large area or multiple areas, your doctor may
prescribe an oral antibiotic. If you have repeated
occurrences of folliculitis, your doctor may recommend
bathing with an antibacterial soap. If the
folliculitis is caused by a fungal infection, your
doctor will prescribe antifungal drugs and topical
treatments.
Self-care
tips
If you have
folliculitis, do not share a razor, towel, or
washcloth with anyone because the condition is
contagious. If the infected hair follicles are in an
area that you shave, you may need to take a break from
shaving until the condition has cleared up. Always
make sure the blade in your razor is new and clean to
avoid infecting the area again. You can help prevent
scalp folliculitis by shampooing your hair regularly.
If you are prone to folliculitis, avoid hot tubs and
whirlpool spas, which are frequently breeding grounds
for bacteria. Call your doctor if you develop fever,
warmth or pain in the infected area, or any other
symptoms that worsen or spread during treatment.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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