What should you know about keloid folliculitis treatment?

Folliculitis is inflammation around hair follicles. It may appear as itchy or tender bumps, pimples, crusting, or pus-filled spots. Repeated inflammation can heal with thickened or raised scar tissue, particularly when lesions are scratched or repeatedly irritated. On the scalp or neck, ongoing bumps may become uncomfortable and affect grooming.

The appearance can overlap with acne, ingrown hairs, or other skin conditions. A clinician may ask about shaving, hair products, friction, itch, drainage, and how long the bumps have been present. Read more about [Folliculitis](/conditions/folliculitis/) and [Itchy Scalp](/symptoms/itchy-scalp/).

Treatment depends on whether bacteria, irritation, ingrown hairs, or another trigger is involved. A clinician may recommend an antiseptic routine, changes to shaving or hair-care habits, a topical medicine, or an oral medicine when appropriate. Avoid picking, close shaving over active bumps, and heavy products that worsen blockage or friction.

For a suspected bacterial infection, options may include [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/). Raised scars may need a separate plan after active inflammation is controlled.

Arrange a dermatology review when bumps keep returning, spread across the scalp or neck, drain, bleed after scratching, or leave thick scars. Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, marked swelling, severe pain, fever, or feeling unwell, because a deeper infection may need timely treatment.

Ask what is driving the follicle inflammation, whether a swab or other test is needed, how to modify shaving and hair care, and when it is appropriate to treat the remaining raised scars.