What should you know about inflamed folliculitis?

Folliculitis is inflammation around hair follicles. Small red bumps, pustules, itching, burning, or tenderness may appear wherever hair grows, including the scalp, face, chest, back, buttocks, or legs. Shaving, waxing, sweat, tight clothing, friction, and occlusive products can irritate follicles. Bacteria, yeast, or non-infectious irritation can play a part, and the treatments differ.

An ingrown hair can create a similar bump, while clusters of pimples may have another cause. A clinician can assess the pattern, depth, and drainage rather than assuming every bump is infection.

Pause shaving, waxing, and scrubbing over the affected skin until it settles. Wash gently, shower after heavy sweating, wear breathable clothing, and avoid sharing towels or razors. Do not pop pustules or apply strong acids to broken skin.

If infection is suspected, a clinician may recommend topical antibiotic therapy or antibiotic therapy for a skin infection. Do not use prescription medication left over from another illness; the wrong product can irritate skin or fail to treat the cause. Recurrent episodes may need a prevention plan tailored to shaving, sweating, or product use.

Arrange care when bumps keep returning, spread, become deeply painful, drain heavily, or leave scars or dark marks. Seek urgent help for fever, rapidly expanding redness, red streaks, or feeling very unwell. Scalp involvement with marked tenderness or hair loss also deserves assessment.

Ask whether the pattern fits folliculitis, an ingrown hair, acne, or another condition; whether testing is needed; and which cleanser or medicine is suitable. Ask how long to pause hair removal and what to change if the problem returns.