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Folliculitis is an inflammatory disease of the hair follicles caused by infection or irritation. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses and often manifests as red, painful bumps or pustules around the hair follicles. This inflammation can lead to itching, burning and discomfort.
A common cause of folliculitis is hair ingrowth, where the hair enters the follicle but is unable to grow out of the skin and instead grows back into the skin. This can lead to irritation and inflammation causing folliculitis. Ingrown hairs often occur after shaving, waxing, sugaring or epilating when dead skin cells clog the hair follicle and prevent the hair from growing freely.
A similar reaction can occur with acne, where the sebaceous glands of the skin become clogged and lead to inflammatory lesions. In both cases, folliculitis can lead to red, swollen bumps that may be filled with pus and can be painful.
Treatment of folliculitis may include the use of topical or oral antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral medications, depending on the underlying cause of the infection. It is also important to identify and adjust potential causes such as shaving or other hair removal methods to reduce the risk of folliculitis.
Related terms: Folliculitis keloidalis
