Folliculitis

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Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles, which are the small sacs beneath the skin from which hair develops and grows. Folliculitis can develop on any part of the body, although it is most likely to occur on the scalp, face, and areas where clothing rubs against the body, such as the arms, thighs, and buttocks.

The most common cause of folliculitis is a bacterial infection, although it may also be caused by a fungal infection.

Folliculitis begins as a red, tender area at or near the base of one or more strands of hair. This turns into a small raised area of skin that contains pus (pustule) and often itches or burns. When these pustules break open, they may drain pus and/or blood.

Mild folliculitis infections are close to the skin surface and usually heal on their own in about 2 weeks. Oral antibiotics or antifungal medications are usually successful in clearing up deeper, more severe folliculitis infections.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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