Folliculitis

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What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of a number of hair follicles of the skin. (Most of the skin is covered with tiny hairs which grow out of hair follicles.) Most cases are due to an infection with a bacterium (germ) called Staphylococcus aureus. The affected hair follicles swell into small pus-filled pimples.

Each individual pimple looks like a small, rounded, yellow-red spot. They occur in crops, usually at sites where hair follicles are damaged by friction or shaving, or where there is blockage of the follicle. Sometimes using a steroid cream on the face can trigger a bout of folliculitis. The most common site affected is the beard area of men. Other common sites for folliculitis are the arms, legs, armpits and buttocks.

The difference between folliculitis and boils is that: boils tend to be larger and single. Folliculitis is a crop of small infected spots. (See separate leaflet on boils.) Also, acne can look similar to folliculitis. The difference is that acne is not just a straight-forward infection of the hair follicle. (See separate leaflet on acne.)

What is the treatment for folliculitis?

Mild cases
Most cases or folliculitis are mild and do not need any treatment. It often clears within 7-10 days. It may be helpful to use an emollient (moisturiser) which contains an antibacterial agent. For example, Dermol, Emulsiderm, or Oilatum Plus. This may help the folliculitis to clear more quickly and reduce the risk of it becoming worse. You can use one of these emollients as a soap substitute until the folliculitis has cleared.

Localized folliculitis
For localized areas of folliculitis, an antibiotic cream may be useful.

More severe cases
If the folliculitis is more severe or widespread then a course of antibiotic tablets may be needed.

Can folliculitis be prevented?

Some men find that shaving causes repeat bouts of folliculitis. It may help to always shave in the direction of the hair growth and to use an emollient (moisturiser) which contains an antibacterial agent as a soap substitute (as described above). However, some men resort to growing a beard to cure the problem.

Tight fitting clothes can trigger a bout of folliculitis in the covered area of skin. So, avoiding tight clothes may help.

If you have folliculitis, do not share towels, flannels or razors.

© EMIS and PIP 2007   Updated: January 2007   PRODIGY Validated

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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