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Skin concerns

Folliculitis

Inflammation of hair follicles, with small papules or fur-centered pustules. It may appear in several areas of the body and responds well to appropriate treatment.

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What is folliculitis

Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles — the structures of the skin from which the hair is born. It appears in the form of small papules or pustules, often with a hair visible in the center.

It is extremely common, especially in shaved areas, exposed to friction or prolonged humidity. It may have bacterial, fungal, or irritative causes — each with a specific approach.

Signs and symptoms

  • Small papules or fur-centered pustules.
  • Local redness and tenderness.
  • Variable itching or burning.
  • Frequent locations — beard (men), legs and groins (women), buttocks, shoulders, trunk.
  • In the most chronic forms — scars or residual pigmentation.
  • It can form by the ingrown, papule around.

Types of folliculitis

  • Bacterial folliculitis — the most common; especially by Staphylococcus.
  • Fungal folliculitis — by fungi or yeasts (Malassezia); usually in the trunk.
  • Irritative folliculitis — caused by friction or waxing; frequent in groins, legs and beard.
  • Beard folliculitis (pseudofoliculitis) — the ingrown after shaving; common in curly-haired people.
  • Folliculitis after hot baths / jacuzzi — by bacteria of contaminated water.

Causes and contributing factors

  • Hair removal (blade, wax, waxing creams).
  • Repeated attrition — tight clothing, backpack, belts.
  • Excessive sweating with skin in contact with wet clothing.
  • Use of hot water or badly disinfected pools.
  • Oily skin and proliferation of fungi or yeasts.
  • Changes in immunity in some forms.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is clinical. In an online consultation, the dermatologist evaluates photographs of the lesions and a questionnaire on location, habits (depilation, physical activity), evolution and treatments already attempted. In recurrent or atypical cases, face-to-face microbiological examination may be necessary to identify the agent.

Talk to a dermatologist about folliculitis

No months-long wait for an in-person appointment. Each case reaches the dermatologist already prepared with photographs, history and questionnaire answers. Choose a report in under 24h or a booked video consultation.

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Options for treatment

Topical application

Formulations applied in affected areas, chosen according to the suspect agent (bacteria vs fungus). Defined by the dermatologist.

systemic treatment

Reserved for extensive cases, recurrent or unresponsive to topical treatment. Evaluated individually.

Habit Adjustment

Review hair removal technique, clothes in physical activity, careful drying after bathing, eviction of contaminated water — steps that reduce recurrence.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the same thing as bubbles?

Nope. The typical acne bubbles result from different mechanisms (sebum, hormones, inflammation); folliculitis is a specific inflammation of the follicle, often due to infection or friction. The approaches are different.

Is it contagious?

Bacterial forms can be slightly transmitted by direct contact or by sharing objects (towels, blades). It's not a significant social concern.

Is online consultation for folliculitis?

Yeah. By default and history it is often possible to guide treatment by online consultation. The dermatologist indicates whether it justifies a complementary face-to-face examination.

How to avoid ingrown hair?

Always shave with hydrated skin, in the sense of hair growth, with blades in good condition. Gently peel at intervals, avoid shaving too often. The dermatologist may indicate a specific routine.

Treat folliculitis with a dermatologist

Send photos and answer the questionnaire. A dermatologist analyzes the case and sends a treatment plan.