What should you know about multiple hair follicle infection?

Folliculitis can cause red or tender bumps, small pustules, crusting, or itch around individual hairs. Bacteria are one possible cause; yeast, friction, sweat, shaving, and ingrown hairs can create similar inflammation. It may affect the scalp, beard area, thighs, buttocks, or swimsuit line. The pattern and trigger help a clinician decide whether infection is present.

A repeated eruption after shaving, exercise, tight clothing, or a shared hot environment is useful information to mention at an appointment. Avoid assuming every pimple-like bump needs an antibiotic.

Clean the area gently, change out of sweaty clothes, avoid friction, and pause shaving or waxing until the skin settles. Do not squeeze pustules or share towels, razors, or grooming tools. For confirmed bacterial folliculitis, a clinician may prescribe topical antibiotic therapy or antibiotics for a skin infection. Use the medicine for the prescribed duration and report irritation or worsening symptoms.

Arrange a review when lesions persist, recur, spread, drain, or leave scars. Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly expanding redness, severe pain, marked swelling, red streaks, or a large tender lump. A clinician may need to check for a deeper infection or a cause other than folliculitis.

Ask whether the eruption is bacterial, yeast-related, irritant, or linked to ingrown hairs; whether testing is useful; and how to prevent another flare during shaving or sport.