Folliculitis is a common skin condition commonly triggered by bacterial or fungal infections. The resulting rash of raised bumps can be itchy and painful, but it is treatable with topical medications. There are several types of folliculitis, the difference is determined by the cause of the infection or inflammation. Basic skin hygiene practices can help lower your risk of developing folliculitis, but if the condition does appear, it’s helpful to know how to recognize it and how best to respond.
1. What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection that can affect one or more hair follicles. Your hair follicles are the small cavities that surround the roots of your hair.
Folliculitis can occur on your skin wherever hair grows, including your scalp. It’s most likely to occur on your thighs, buttocks, neck, and armpits — places where friction is common. It usually appears as small bumps.
It may look like acne or a rash and can be isolated to one hair follicle or affect many. It can be acute (occurring for a short time) or chronic (ongoing).
Folliculitis is relatively common. People who have obesity are more likely to experience it.
2. How is folliculitis treated?
Folliculitis is usually minor and goes away on its own without treatment. If you have skin irritation that’s accompanied by a fever, a spreading rash, or pus-filled and smelly bumps, seek medical help.
To treat acute folliculitis that’s severe or slow to heal, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications. For example, they may recommend:
oral or topical antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the cause of your infection
NSAIDs or antihistamines to relieve pain or itching
Chronic folliculitis can be more difficult to treat. Antibiotics and other medications may not clear up chronic cases. If other treatment options fail, your doctor may recommend laser hair removal.
3. What causes folliculitis?
Folliculitis is usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria (Staph) or types of fungi. While you can contract Staph bacteria through bodily contact with someone who has it, folliculitis caused by fungi is not passed through physical contact.
You can also contract folliculitis caused by Staph bacteria through contact with items, such as razors, towels, or clothing used by someone who has bacterial folliculitis.
You can pick up bacteria or fungi at pools or spas that are not well-sanitized.
4. How is folliculitis diagnosed?
To diagnose folliculitis, your doctor will examine the inflamed or irritated areas of your skin. They will also ask:
how long you’ve had bumps on your skin
what other symptoms you’ve been experiencing
whether you have a history of folliculitis
Your doctor may be able to diagnose folliculitis based on appearance alone. To identify the cause, they may remove or take a small sample of one of the bumps for testing.
During treatment, you should refrain from removing hair by plucking, waxing, or shaving. Allowing your hair to grow may help your follicles to heal. For chronic folliculitis, your doctor may advise you to grow your hair for up to 3 months.
5. Can you prevent folliculitis?
To help prevent folliculitis:
Shave only in the direction that hair grows, or use an electric razor.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially rough fabrics such as denim.
Use lotions that don’t clog your pores to keep your skin moisturized.
Avoid sharing personal care products, such as razors and towels.
Shower after heavy sweating.
To help prevent complications and lessen the severity of folliculitis when you have it:
Avoid friction caused by shaving or rubbing the infected area.
Use a warm compress to calm irritation and reduce pain.
Wash your towels and washcloths every day until your symptoms have subsided.
Ask your doctor for more tips on preventing folliculitis. If you experience it regularly, they may refer you to a dermatologist to help you learn how to avoid and manage the condition.