What should you know about folliculitis and yeast infection?

Folliculitis is inflammation around a hair follicle. Shaving, friction, sweating, tight clothing or bacteria can contribute to small red bumps, spots or tenderness on hair-bearing skin. A yeast infection, also called vaginal thrush, is an overgrowth of Candida in the vulvovaginal area. It commonly causes intense itching, soreness, redness and a thick discharge, although symptoms vary. Folliculitis does not cause every type of vaginal discharge, and discharge or internal vaginal irritation points toward a different assessment. Other conditions can resemble both, so appearance alone is not a reliable diagnosis.

Keep the area gently clean and dry, avoid scrubbing, scented washes and douching, and wear loose breathable underwear. Pause shaving or waxing until irritated skin settles, and do not squeeze bumps. Avoid using leftover antibiotics or antifungal products without advice because the wrong treatment can delay the correct diagnosis. Note where the symptoms are, whether bumps are linked to hair removal, and whether there is discharge or internal itching. Reading about [Vaginal Itching](/symptoms/vaginal-itching/) or [Vaginal Discharge](/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/) may help you describe symptoms clearly.

Arrange an examination if symptoms are new, persistent, recurrent, painful, or not improving with gentle care. Seek urgent help for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever, a large painful swelling, difficulty passing urine, pelvic pain or feeling very unwell. Pregnancy, diabetes, immune problems or repeated episodes are reasons to seek tailored advice sooner. A clinician may inspect the skin and vagina and decide whether testing or [Antifungal Treatment for Thrush](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/antifungal-treatment-for-thrush/) is appropriate.

Ask: Are the bumps centred on hair follicles? Could this be thrush or another skin or vaginal condition? Do I need a swab or other test? Which products should I stop using? What should I do if the symptoms return?