What should you know about multiple follicular cysts?

Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles. It can produce small red bumps, pus-filled spots, tenderness, or itching, especially after shaving, friction, sweating, or occlusion. Ingrown hairs can create a similar pattern when a cut hair curls back into the skin. The word cyst is sometimes used for a deeper, enclosed lump, but several different conditions can look alike on the surface.

A clinician considers the body site, hair-removal habits, timing, drainage, and whether lesions are itchy or painful. Recurrent clusters may need a closer examination to identify irritation, infection, or another cause.

Pause close shaving and avoid squeezing or puncturing the bumps. Wash gently, keep sweaty clothing from rubbing the area, and use a clean razor if shaving resumes. A clinician may recommend topical antibiotic therapy or oral antibiotics for a confirmed bacterial infection; these medicines are not useful for every follicle bump and should not be started without guidance. Warm compresses may ease tenderness when there is no spreading redness.

Book an assessment if clusters keep returning, drain, scar, spread, or interfere with sleep or movement. Seek prompt medical care for rapidly increasing pain, warmth, swelling, spreading redness, fever, or red streaks. These signs can indicate a more active infection requiring timely treatment.

Ask whether the bumps are folliculitis, ingrown hairs, or true cysts; whether a swab is needed; which hair-removal method is least irritating; and how long to use any prescribed treatment.