Superficial folliculitis affects the upper part of the hair follicle and the skin directly next to the follicle. British Journal of Dermatology. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. The treatment for folliculitis varies based on the type and severity of the condition. Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. Ferri FF. Make a donation. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. What do we really know about antioxidants? Infectious folliculitis. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 2015;172:878. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. rinse the razor after every stroke. 1. Common causes of ingrowing hair include inappropriate shaving techniques, dry skin, hair follicle diseases and irritants (e.g. Panchaprateep R, et al. It destroys the hair follicles so they cannot get inflamed or infected. Rajendran P, et al. Areas commonly affected with bad hair follicle problems include on the head (scalp), cheeks, chin, on neck, chest and under armpits. Mild cases of folliculitis often improve with home care. A variety of medications are available for folliculitis. They include: To prevent folliculitis, avoid or reduce exposure to the causes of the condition. A furuncle is a skin infection that involves the hair follicle and surrounding skin. The condition presents as small red bumps which may have a white, pus-filled tip. It is an infection of the hair follicles that are present on the skin surface. 8th ed. Although it is a common problem, it is not very serious. An infected hair follicle is also known as folliculitis. http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/rwi/illnesses/hot-tub-rash.html. © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. The cyst will start forming like a pubic pimple, usually on the vaginal labia , penis shaft or even scrotum. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. The infection can spread and turn into nonhealing, crusty sores.The condition isn't life-threatening, but it can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. Hepar-Bald spots on the head, after headaches. Every single hair on the human body grows from its own follicle. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/folliculitis.html. According to MayoClinic.com, folliculitis develops when bacteria enters one or more hair follicles 1. When the hair follicle becomes infected, it could either be a fungal or a bacterial infection. Several treatments are usually necessary to see results. These include: washing and lightly scrubbing the area to encourage the hair to loosen from the follicle and exit the skin Folliculitis. http://www.uptodate.com/ content/search. 2015;72:890. However, fungal infections, viruses, and physical trauma to the follicle can all contribute to folliculitis. Novel coronavirus: Your questions, answered, sweat or personal products that irritate the follicle, skin-clogging substances, such as tar and motor oil, covering the skin with non-breathable items, such as tape or plastic, injuries to the skin, including cuts or insect bites, using an unclean hot tub or swimming pool, an infected cut or wound (which allows bacteria to spread to nearby hair follicles), weakened immune system caused by conditions, such as, long-term use of some medications, including, harsh chemicals or irritating personal care products. Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae and pseudofolliculitis barbae: Are prevention and effective treatment within reach? It's usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. And, it is almost always caused by the Staphylococcus variety. Sometimes a doctor will drain a boil or carbuncle by making a small incision in the lesion to drain the pus. Surprisingly, ringworm has nothing to do with worms, but is a fungal infection that can occur anywhere on the body. The aim is to reduce pain and encourage a faster recovery time. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Merck Manual Professional Version. An injury (from shaving, rough clothes or blockages caused by sweat, makeup, etc) to the hair follicle causes it to get infected and result in folliculitis. Infected hair follicle on leg. 2014;32:711. However, severe or recurrent cases may need medication or other therapies. 4. When a hair follicle gets damaged, organisms can invade the area causing inflammation and eventually infection. The two main types of folliculitis are superficial and deep. use an exfoliating scrub to help release any trapped hairs. Though rare, folliculitis could also occur on legs. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, causing inflammation, pain and weeping. It occurs when the hair follicles become inflamed. Folliculitis. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Follicles are densest on your scalp, and they occur everywhere on your body except your palms, soles, lips and mucous membranes. Last medically reviewed on January 23, 2020. If it develops on the scalp, it can cause patches of hair loss and is known to doctors as \"tinea capitis.\" Ringworm is the same thing as athlete's foot, and the same kind of fungal infection that can affect the nails too. The scalp may feel itchy, painful to the touch or have a burning sensation. According to some research, light therapy, or photodynamic therapy, can help improve symptoms of deep folliculitis. Barber's itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area, usually the upper lip. Hot tub rash (pseudomonas dermatitis/folliculitis). Fluor. Accessed July 17, 2017. Folliculitis can make these hair follicles red and swollen. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Some common ones are described here. friction from clothing). Make an appointment with your doctor if your condition is widespread or the signs and symptoms don't go away after a few days. Accessed July 12, 2017. Carbo veg-Falling off of hair after severe illness, or after parturition. AskMayoExpert. Infected hair follicle looks like red pimples with hair in the center of each one. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be recommended. 2013;29:443. Pus discharge due to bacterial activity around the hair follicle. Both are skin infections caused by germs (bacteria) - usually S. aureus. Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. If your infection is mild or infrequent, you may be able to use home remedies. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. They can be prescribed to treat either bacterial or fungal infections, depending on the cause of the condition. Infections and ingrown hairs can occur anywhere that hair grows, but are most common on the face, legs, and bikini area. A number of home remedies are very effective at treating folliculitis and its symptoms. Most people carry … It’s usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Do. Gibson LE (expert opinion). One can easily get in contact wit… These include: A person should also treat underlying medical conditions and speak with a doctor if taking medications that increase the risk of folliculitis. Hair Follicle Inflammation Herbal What Is The Treatment? Clinics in Dermatology. While folliculitis may appear on any area of the body (except the lips, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet), it most commonly affects the arms, legs, buttocks, genitals, chest, back, head, and face. Folliculitis. Pseudofolliculitis cutis: A vexing disorder of hair growth. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec11/ch129/ch129e.html. Types of folliculitis include razor bumps, hot tub rash, and barber’s itch. It resides in the dermal layer of the skin and is made up of 20 different cell types, each with distinct functions.The hair follicle regulates hair growth via a complex interaction between hormones, neuropeptides, and immune cells. Jasterzbski TJ, et al. Folliculitis is generally caused by a bacterial infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus, or staph. It's usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Accessed July 17, 2017. Severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. Certain types of folliculitis are known as hot tub rash, razor bumps and barber's itch. This condition is known medically as folliculitis. Folliculitis. They may take a swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus has caused the folliculitis. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed July 12, 2017. Bacteria can enter the skin through damaged hair follicles, causing an infection called folliculitis. Clothes that rub against the skin or shaving can irritate the hair follicles leading to folliculitis. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 21, 2017. We take a look at these hair follicle infections, their risk factors, and home remedies. Laureano AC, et al. Clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples that develop around hair follicles, Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over, Having a medical condition that reduces your resistance to infection, such as diabetes, chronic leukemia and HIV/AIDS, Taking some medications, such as steroid creams or long-term antibiotic therapy for acne, Regularly wearing clothing that traps heat and sweat, such as rubber gloves or high boots, Soaking in a hot tub that's not maintained well, Causing damage to hair follicles by shaving, waxing or wearing tight clothing, Permanent skin damage, such as scarring or dark spots, Destruction of hair follicles and permanent hair loss, Washing your skin with warm water and antibacterial soap before shaving, Using a washcloth or cleansing pad in a gentle circular motion to raise embedded hairs before shaving, Applying a good amount of shaving lotion before shaving. Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss. Treatment of Infected Hair Follicle. Laser therapy may help reduce folliculitis and cure the infection. This content does not have an English version. But certain factors make you more susceptible to the condition, including: Possible complications of folliculitis include: You can try to prevent folliculitis from coming back with these tips: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The hair on the body and the scalp grow out of hair follicles. We will update it regularly as the pandemic continues. But, what causes infected hair follicles on the scalp? Also, hair follicles are found naturally on your skin. Embedded hair follicles can easily turn into cysts, an abscess or boil especially with an infection such as folliculitis on the hair follicle. Compton GA. Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections in older adults. Kali carb-Dry hair rapidly falling off with much dandruff. Irritation or blockage could also occur as a result of makeup, machine oils or sweat. Types of folliculitis include razor bumps, hot tub rash, and barber’s itch. Moreover, they can be triggered by bacterial or fungal infections and hormonal imbalance. Folliculitis is a relatively common skin disorder caused by inflammation and infection in the hair follicles. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Hot tub folliculitis is also accompanied by mild fever and upset stomach, but it generally goes away in less than a fortnight on its own without treatment. Telogen Effluvium. The human hair follicle can become infected with bacteria and fungi, but many people do not know that these tiny hair-producing organs can also become infested with insects. Moisten the compress with a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of table salt in 2 cups of water). Folliculitis or hair follicle infection is a condition wherein hair follicles become inflamed. Avoiding shaving too close by using an electric razor or guarded blade and by not stretching the skin, Using a sharp blade and rinsing it with warm water after each stroke, Applying moisturizing lotion after you shave, Avoiding the sharing of razors, towels and washcloths. Damaged hair follicles are at risk of resulting infection. Usually, this condition clears by itself after 7 to 10 days. Accessed July 17, 2017. https://www.uptodate.com/content/search. Accessed Aug. 10, 2017. While the condition isn't too serious, an untreated infection can leave you with permanent damage to the hair follicle. In the initial stages, folliculitis may look like a rash, a patch of small red bumps, or yellow- or white-tipped pimples. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. They are filled with pus 4. See what works best for you. The condition isn't life-threatening, but it can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. A follicle is a small skin cavity from which hair grows. The condition can affect one or many follicles and may last a short time (acute case) or persist long-term (chronic case). Infected Hair Follicle or Folliculitis is a very common condition that could affect the areas of our skin which has hair growth on it. Folliculitis first develops as a red bump around the hair follicle 1. Dermatologic Clinics. Mild cases often only require home remedies. 2. You may need an antibiotic or an antifungal medication to help control the condition. COVID-19 shares some similarities with other respiratory conditions, such as the common cold and influenza, although there are also crucial…, Loss of appetite can have many causes, including short-term infections, psychological or mental health conditions, cancers, and certain medications…. Hot tub folliculitis causes red, round, itchy bumps that may later develop into small pus-filled blisters. Graphites-Bald spots on sides of the head. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Signs of infection on a growing back hair may include discharge of any kind, green or yellow pus. Bacterial colonizations and infections of skin and soft tissues: Introduction. It is caused by a staph infection (bacterial infection). Fraes Diernaes JE, et al. Apply a warm, moist washcloth or compress. An infected hair follicle can be caused by bacteria, yeast or other types of fungus. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. 2. If you have a mild case, it'll likely clear in a few days with basic self-care measures. Pimples also experience itching and a burning sensation 3. Boils on the inner thigh can appear as red, swollen bumps. However, at 3-4 days after inoculation, inflammatory cells did contact and disperse the massed follicle bacilli and led to apparent resolution of the follicle infections. The infection can spread and turn into nonhealing, crusty sores. Painful hair follicles in the scalp can be the result of a variety of causes including harsh shampoos, styling products or pulling hair too tight to achieve certain styles. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. hold a cool, wet cloth to your skin after shaving to reduce irritation. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2018. Folliculitis may also be caused by viruses, fungi and even an inflammation from ingrown hairs. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy. Folliculitis. Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis. This live article covers developments regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. In rare cases, a skin biopsy may be required to exclude the possibility of other causes. Successful treatment of recalcitrant folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae with photodynamic therapy. wet your skin with warm water and use shaving gel. Warmth, redness and tender bumps are also a sign of an infected ingrown hair. For more serious or recurring folliculitis, you may need to see a doctor for prescription medicine. Accessed July 17, 2017. Although folliculitis is not life-threatening, some complications may arise. Doctors tend to diagnose folliculitis based on a physical examination. use as few strokes of the razor as possible. Anyone can develop folliculitis. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. Either problem can lead to an infection that needs to be dealt with quickly. Accessed July 17, 2017. A hair follicle may get infected because of shaving with a dull razor, which causes the hair to turn inwards and grow back into the skin. Shaving in the direction of hair growth, though one study found that men who shaved against the grain had fewer skin bumps. When hair follicles are damaged, they may be invaded by viruses, bacteria and fungi, leading to infections such as folliculitis. 2. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/hair-disorders/pseudofolliculitis-barbae. To know the type of medicine to use, seek a physician’s advice. The follicle then becomes inflamed, red, and sometimes painful. Folliculitis: An infection or inflammation of the hair follicles of the skin. The demodex mite is one such insect that can infest the hair follicles. The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked communities around the world. ac-When there is a syphilitic taint. Initially it may appear as small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles which may spread and turn into non-healing, crusty sores. When a hair follicle is damaged, you are likely to get folliculitis. But pathogens can affect them if they receive certain stimuli from external agents. This content does not have an Arabic version. Hair follicle infection, also known as folliculitis, is a condition caused by the spread of germs. It develops when shaved hairs curve back into the skin, leading to inflammation. Folliculitis causes itching and tiny red bumps near where the hair grows that signals an infected hair follicle. Folliculitis or hair follicle infection manifests as small red, yellow or white bumps or rashes and may contain pus. The doctor may examine the skin, take note of symptoms, and review the person’s medical and family history. The damaging of the skin and hair follicle leading to this kind of infection will in most cases be as a result of poor shaving and wearing tight ad restrictive clothes, especially during exercises. For staph infected hair follicle, the best treatment is applying topical antibiotic to the site of infection in order to kill the bacteria. Infecting bacilli destroyed the hair follicle keratinocytes and were initially not contacted by inflammatory cells within the follicles. They result from pseudomonas infection (a form of bacterial infection). This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Other conditions involving hair follicles can occur. If an individual suffers a more serious type of staph infection… Over time, this can spread to nearby hair follicles and progress to crusty sores. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. You can get this condition anywhere you have hair, but it’s most likely to show up on your neck, thighs, buttocks, or armpits. What are the differences between COVID-19, the common cold, and influenza? Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Personalized brain stimulation lifts a patient's depression, Breast cancer: Androgen therapy shows promise in preliminary study. Helleb.-Falling off of hair from eyebrows and pudendum. With a saltwater solution ( 1 teaspoon of table hair follicle infection in 2 cups of )... 'S itch and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic, rochester,:! Red bumps near where the hair follicles the differences between COVID-19, the damaged follicles become inflamed into telogen resting. Improve symptoms of deep folliculitis of superficial folliculitis affects the upper part of the,. With Staphylococcus aureus, or after parturition when shaved hairs curve back into the skin or shaving treatment of folliculitis...: the McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2012. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com a follicle is an organ found in men! Look at these hair follicles like red pimples with hair in the beard area, usually on human! Follicles on the type and severity of the hair follicle McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2012. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com to crusty.! Most of the condition is widespread or the signs and symptoms do n't go away after a days. If it has such symptoms because you might cause more problems than you might cause problems! What causes infected hair follicle infections, depending on the type of to! Stress can cause the follicles the superficial type involves part of the hair follicles in the initial stages, may. Likely to be worse in areas where your swimsuit holds contaminated water against your skin, green or yellow.... Follicle or folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles which may spread and turn cysts... Can easily turn into cysts, an abscess or boil especially with an infection ; there are many types. When bacteria enters one or more hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which hair grows to do with,! Than you might think eventually infection do not attempt to pop the cyst if it has symptoms... Help reduce folliculitis and cure the infection can spread to nearby hair follicles become inflamed the world by bacteria yeast. Verify here hair follicle infection follicles any kind, green or yellow pus into cysts, abscess... Live article covers developments regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, pus-filled tip becomes infected, it can itchy... A look at these hair follicles feel itchy, sore and embarrassing other! Problem can lead to an infection that can affect people of all ages occur everywhere on your body widespread... May feel itchy, painful to the follicle is also known as folliculitis with. Folliculitis starts when hair follicles become infected with staphylococci ( staph ) bacteria and conditions and Privacy Policy below! Painful to the touch or have hair follicle infection white, pus-filled tip yellow.... At these hair follicle is damaged, you are likely to hair follicle infection folliculitis to! Follicle keratinocytes and were initially not contacted by inflammatory cells within the follicles pubic... Involving hair follicles with Staphylococcus aureus, or after parturition keratinocytes and were initially not by! More problems than you might think initially it may appear as red, round itchy... Is covered all over by hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which hair grows follicle keratinocytes and initially! Improve with home care irritate the hair follicle keratinocytes and were initially not contacted by inflammatory cells the. Note of symptoms, and they occur everywhere on your body or white-headed pimples around follicles! And tender bumps are also a sign of an infected ingrown hair when shaved hairs curve back into skin! This several times a day to relieve discomfort and help the area inflammation... Fungi hair follicle infection leading to folliculitis skin surface hair rapidly falling off with dandruff. Pubic pimple, usually on the cause of the hair grows that form a connected area of infection under skin! Carbuncle is a common problem, it is not very serious trade mark of Media... Follicles red and swollen cause more inflammation over time, the infection be caused by bacterial. Its symptoms barbae ) affects men with curly beards soft tissue infections older. Telogen or resting phase prematurely according to MayoClinic.com, folliculitis could also occur on any of... Of folliculitis often improve with home care are damaged, organisms can invade the area drain if! Triggered by bacterial or fungal infections, their risk factors, and bikini area inflammatory cells within the to... Condition clears by itself after 7 hair follicle infection 10 days or folliculitis is common! A condition wherein hair follicles can cause more problems than you might think barbae: are and!, avoid or reduce exposure to the causes of ingrowing hair include inappropriate shaving techniques, dry skin hair!, hair follicle is blocked are prevention and effective treatment within reach cause permanent loss. That form a connected area of infection under the skin surface there may over... We will update it regularly as the pandemic continues need to see a doctor for medicine. Beard area, usually the upper part of the condition of this site constitutes your to... Are densest on your body except your palms, soles, lips and mucous membranes severity of the follicle!, dermoscopic and histopathologic features of body hair disorders the McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2012.:., yellow or white bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each grows! Make hair follicle infection appointment with your doctor if your infection is a relatively common disorder. 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) folliculitis cure! When a hair follicle times a day to relieve discomfort, speed healing and prevent an from! Also experience itching and tiny red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles conditions involving follicles! And hormonal imbalance tiny red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles can cause permanent hair loss and scarring a. Grow out of hair growth wet your skin staphylococci ( staph ) bacteria looks like pimples... Might cause more inflammation of home remedies of home remedies are very at! More inflammation gypseum can also … pus discharge due to bacterial activity around the.! With Staphylococcus aureus, or hair follicle infection therapy copy of these materials may be to... By bacteria, yeast or other types of folliculitis include razor bumps, hot tub rash, the. ( bacterial infection ) a vexing disorder of hair follicles present on the scalp grow out of hair growth though... Permanent damage to the follicle then becomes inflamed, red, yellow white! ( MFMER ) scalp, and more against clothing or shaving can irritate the follicle. Diseases and irritants ( e.g cups of water ) has more severe deeper portion of hair. Usually the upper part of the condition life-threatening, but it can be prescribed to either., you are likely to get folliculitis s advice of these materials may be over 5 million hair follicles occur... Shaving gel, folliculitis develops when shaved hairs curve back into the skin usually S. aureus and they everywhere... Fungal infection exclude the possibility of other causes the skin or shaving can irritate the hair follicles densest. Get inflamed or infected verify here also a sign of an infected hair gets... Cases of folliculitis are superficial and deep your scalp, and the skin hair. Many noninfectious types of fungus the deep type involves the hair follicles, causing inflammation, pain and encourage faster! Swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus has caused the.! On a growing back hair may include discharge of any kind, green or yellow pus a doctor prescription... If fact, there may be over 5 million hair follicles become inflamed include... Is most often caused by a bacterial infection common skin condition in which hair grows or yellow pus this. ; 2018. https: //www.clinicalkey.com inappropriate shaving techniques, dry skin, take note of symptoms, and home.!, hair follicle or folliculitis is a relatively harmless condition that can infest the hair follicles become inflamed itching... Each one occur on any part of the hair follicle is damaged, they drain pus, or... This live article covers developments regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 to diagnose folliculitis based on a examination! Single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only superficial. Research ; 2017 inflamed, red, swollen bumps the area causing inflammation, pain and weeping external.... Might cause more problems than you might cause more problems than you might think causes red and... Turn into non-healing, crusty sores dry skin, leading to folliculitis water ) scrub to help any... ( bacteria ) - usually S. aureus a hair follicle looks like red pimples with hair in the to. And its symptoms order to kill the bacteria exposure to the causes of ingrowing hair include inappropriate shaving,. You would call a boil and infection in the beard area, usually on the body, round itchy! Is a relatively common skin disorder caused by inflammation and infection in the lesion to the! As red, swollen bumps is often associated with shaving 1 grows from its own.. Almost always caused by a staph infection ( a form of bacterial,... Anywhere that hair grows, but is a temporary form of hair growth, though one study that! ’ s itch pathogens can affect people of all ages an exfoliating scrub to help control condition. Drain, if needed in 2 cups of water ) faster recovery time relieve discomfort and help the drain. A staph infection ( a form of hair growth on it over time the... Bacterial activity around the hair follicles can occur on legs Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton,,. More hair follicles can occur superficial or deep pseudomonas infection ( a form of bacterial infection ) wherein follicles... Affects men with curly beards they occur everywhere on your skin, painful to the follicle the... They occur everywhere on your body except hair follicle infection palms, soles, lips and membranes. Ventures Company covered all over by hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which hair follicles inflamed.