Folliculitis
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - L73.9
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles (the structures where hair grows from) become inflamed. This inflammation is usually caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. Folliculitis can affect any part of the body that has hair, including the scalp, face, neck, chest, back, legs, buttocks, and genital area.
An image compares a normal hair (left), which grows without obstruction, to an ingrown hair (right), which causes inflammation in the follicle, resulting in redness and pus formation—characteristic of folliculitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of folliculitis may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but generally include:
- small red bumps: a common feature that may be accompanied by pus in some cases
- swelling: the affected area may become swollen due to follicle inflammation
- itching or burning sensation: the condition is often associated with itching or discomfort in the affected region
- skin peeling: in some forms of folliculitis, the skin around the affected area may peel
Causes
Folliculitis can be caused by various factors. The main ones include:
- bacterial infections: staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common bacteria involved. These bacteria can enter hair follicles through cuts or ingrown hairs
- fungal infections: certain types of fungi can infect follicles, especially in warm and humid areas
- viral infections: viruses like Herpes Simplex, can also cause the condition
- skin conditions: such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne, which may increase susceptibility to folliculitis
Diagnosis
Folliculitis is usually diagnosed based on clinical evaluation of symptoms and the patient’s medical history. Common steps include:
- physical examination: the healthcare provider examines the skin lesions, noting their appearance, distribution, and signs of infection
- secretion analysis: if bacterial infection is suspected, a sample of pus or discharge may be collected and sent to a lab to identify the specific bacteria and guide treatment
- blood tests: in some cases, especially if systemic infection is suspected, blood tests may be performed to assess signs of folliculitis
- skin biopsy: in rare or complicated cases, a skin biopsy may be done to analyze a tissue sample and confirm the diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment for folliculitis depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Common approaches include:
- skin care: avoiding irritating products like scented lotions or harsh shaving gels can help prevent recurrence
- topical antibiotics: for bacterial folliculitis, antibiotic creams or lotions may be prescribed
- oral antibiotics: in more severe cases or if the infection spreads, oral antibiotics may be necessary
- laser treatment: may be considered to reduce inflammation and pigmentation associated with the condition
Prevention
Preventing folliculitis involves practices that reduce the risk of infection:
- maintain proper hygiene: clean the skin thoroughly, especially in areas more prone to folliculitis
- avoid excessive shaving: refrain from shaving or waxing the same area repeatedly, as this can increase irritation
- avoid irritating products: scented lotions or creams may irritate the skin and trigger folliculitis
- protect the skin during sports: wear appropriate sportswear made of moisture-wicking fabrics
References
Brazilian Society of Dermatology