Folliculitis: what is it?

A follicle is the small skin structure that grows a hair. Friction, shaving, sweating, tight clothing, blocked pores or organisms on the skin can inflame it. The spots may resemble pimples, but they often sit around individual hairs. Folliculitis can occur on the face, neck, chest, back, buttocks, thighs or scalp. It may be short-lived, recur in the same area or need a closer look if the pattern is unusual.

Wash gently, keep affected skin dry and avoid rubbing, scratching, squeezing and sharing towels or razors. Stop shaving or waxing the area temporarily if those actions trigger spots. Loose, breathable clothing can reduce friction on body sites. A healthcare professional may choose a topical or oral medicine based on the appearance, location and suspected cause; do not use leftover antibiotics or someone else’s prescription.

Book an assessment when bumps are widespread, repeatedly return, form larger painful lumps, drain persistently, or fail to improve. Get urgent help for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever, facial swelling, eye symptoms or feeling very unwell. Early review can distinguish folliculitis from acne, an ingrown hair or another infection and guide the right treatment.

Ask what may be triggering the follicles, whether your shaving or skin-care routine needs changing, whether testing is needed for recurrent bumps, and which treatment is appropriate for the suspected cause.