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What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of one or more hair follicles, caused by an infection. The inflammation appears on the skin as red bumps that are also sometimes itchy. These bumps may be filled with pus or they may burst and develop a hard crust. It can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows, but is most commonly found on the legs, armpits, buttocks, face, scalp or groin.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What causes folliculitis?

Folliculitis is caused by an irritation of the hair follicle, which leaves it open to infection and then inflammation. Most cases of folliculitis are caused by the subsequent infection of the hair follicle with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Less commonly, …

What does folliculitis look like?

Common symptoms of folliculitis include red bumps, clusters of pus-filled bumps, red skin, itchiness and crusting when the pus-filled bumps burst.

How is folliculitis treated?

Mild folliculitis often clears up on its own, or simply by keeping the area clean. In more severe cases, treatment options depend on the cause and location of the infection. These include the use of medicines that target the cause of infection.

Can folliculitis be prevented?

General measures for preventing folliculitis involve keeping the skin clean, dry and free from factors that aggravate the condition. You may also try changing shaving habits, wearing loose clothing, keeping the skin moisturized and not sharing personal items, …

What is 'spa pool folliculitis'?

The medical name for 'spa pool folliculitis' is pseudomonas folliculitis. It tends to occur hours or days after bathing in warm water with low chlorine levels. A particular type of bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, thrives in this environment. Folliculitis …

Can complications arise from folliculitis?

Complications from folliculitis are rare, but most commonly include spread of infection or large, itchy patches on the skin, known as plaques. In more severe cases scarring, permanent hair loss, or boils can occur.

How long does folliculitis take to heal?

The outlook for folliculitis is generally very good, as most cases tend to clear without treatment in about 7 to 10 days. In some situations, folliculitis may cause permanent hair loss or scarring, which can be embarrassing and distressing. However, …

Is folliculitis contagious?

Folliculitis cannot be directly passed on from one person to another. However, sometimes the infection that causes the inflammation can be contagious. For example, a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus may be passed on through direct contact with …

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About this article

Author: Lauren Donley BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 821 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Hives

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