Folliculitis
Overview
Causes
Folliculitis has many causes. It may be infectious or noninfectious.
The infectious type is caused by:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Viruses
- Parasites
The non-infectious type may be caused by:
- Shaving
- Irritation from clothing
- Certain medicines
- Chemical exposure
- Sun exposure
- Missing nutrients in the diet
Contact dermatitis , poison ivy , acne , or rosacea may also cause folliculitis.
Risk Factors
Things that raise the risk of folliculitis are:
- Exposure to bacterial infection
- Overusing certain medicines, such as:
- Antibiotics
- Corticosteroids applied to the skin
- Having other skin conditions—especially those that itch
- Exposure to oils and chemicals
- Having a weak immune system
- Shaving against the direction of hair growth
- Using contaminated hot tubs, pools, or lakes
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms of folliculitis may be:
- Itchy, red rash
- Crusty sores that do not heal
- Pus-filled blisters around the hair follicle
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done. Diagnosis can usually be made by looking at the skin. Testing may be done to determine the type and cause.
Tests may include:
- Swab of an open area—to look for infections
- Smear—a sample of an open area to be examined under a microscope
- Biopsy—a sample of skin is taken for testing
- Blood tests
Treatments
Treatment
The goal is to treat the irritation and underlying cause. Options may be:
Medications
Folliculitis may be treated with medicines. They may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin.
- The infectious type may be treated with:
- Antibiotics—for bacterial infections
- Antifungal medicines—for fungal infections
- Antiviral medicines—for viral infections
- Antiparasitic medicines— for parasitic infections
- The non-infectious type may be treated with:
- Corticosteroids
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.