Overview Of Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the skin.
Commonly Associated With
Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Tinea barbae; Barber’s itch
Causes Of Folliculitis
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with staphylococci (staph) bacteria.
Barber’s itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area, usually the upper lip. Shaving makes it worse. Tinea barbae is similar to barber’s itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder that occurs mainly in African American men. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation.
Folliculitis can affect people of all ages.
Symptoms Of Folliculitis
Common symptoms include a rash, itching, and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle in the neck, groin, or genital area. The pimples may crust over.
Exams & Tests
Your health care provider can diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Lab tests may show which bacteria or fungus is causing the infection.
Treatment Of Folliculitis
Hot, moist compresses may help drain the affected follicles.
Treatment may include antibiotics applied to the skin or taken by mouth, or antifungal medicine.
