What should you know about folliculitis in scrotum?

Folliculitis involves the hair-bearing surface of the scrotum, not the deeper testicle. It may look like tiny red bumps, pustules, or ingrown hairs and can itch or feel sore. Heat, moisture, rubbing from clothing, shaving, and fragranced products can irritate this delicate skin.

A scrotal lump, sudden severe pain, marked one-sided swelling, or pain inside the testicle is not something to label as folliculitis from appearance alone. The condition presents with follicle-centred skin changes; a clinician may need to examine the scrotal contents as well as the surface.

Stop shaving or trimming over the affected skin until it has recovered. Rinse gently, dry by patting, and choose loose underwear that reduces heat and rubbing. A warm compress held against the skin for a short period can be soothing. Do not pierce, squeeze, or scrub the bumps, and avoid applying alcohol or strong antiseptic products.

If inflammation persists or returns, a clinician can distinguish folliculitis from an ingrown hair, cyst, contact irritation, or another genital condition. Treatment may include [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/) when clinically suitable; do not self-start leftover medicine.

Seek urgent assessment for sudden or severe testicular pain, rapid swelling, nausea with scrotal pain, fever, or a red, hot area spreading across the skin. Arrange a medical review for pus, a deep tender lump, repeated episodes, drainage, or symptoms that do not improve after removing friction and hair-removal triggers. New sores, blisters, or discharge also warrant examination.

Ask whether the changes are limited to hair follicles, whether an infection test is needed, and how to reduce moisture and friction. Tell the clinician about shaving, exercise, new detergents, pain inside the testicle, fever, drainage, or sexual-health symptoms.