What should you know about sebaceous folliculitis?

The bumps may appear where oil and sweat collect, including the scalp, face, chest or back. Friction, shaving, occlusive skin products, heat and microorganisms can all irritate follicles. Several conditions can look similar, including acne, ingrown hairs and other forms of folliculitis, so appearance alone cannot establish the cause.

A clinician may ask when the bumps began, whether they itch or hurt, and whether you recently changed products, shaved, exercised or taken medicines. They may inspect the follicle openings and surrounding skin before suggesting treatment.

Wash gently with lukewarm water, avoid scrubbing or squeezing, and change out of sweaty clothing promptly. Pause products that feel greasy or trap heat, and use clean shaving equipment with light pressure if shaving is necessary. Do not apply leftover steroid or antibiotic medicine without advice.

If infection is suspected, treatment may include a prescribed topical medicine or an oral medicine chosen for the specific cause. Read more about [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) and [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/).

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the area is spreading, repeatedly returning, draining, crusting or interfering with sleep. Seek prompt medical attention for rapidly increasing redness, marked warmth, severe pain, fever, facial swelling or symptoms near the eye. Sudden changes after a new medicine also deserve timely advice.

Could this be folliculitis, acne or ingrown hairs? Which products, shaving habits or medicines could be contributing? Should a sample be tested, and how long should I use the recommended treatment?