Folliculitis is when hair follicles become inflamed. It is a very common condition, and it isn’t life threatening, but it can be itchy, sore or embarrassing.

It occurs when the hair follicle becomes infected with either a bacterial or fungal infection. It starts off as a small red bump or resembles a whitehead pimple around the hair follicle – the tiny pockets in which hair grows. The infection can then spread and turn into a nonhealing, crusty sore.

The symptoms of folliculitis are itchy, burning, painful or tender skin a large swollen bump or mass, clusters of small red bumps, or white-headed pimple, that develop around hair follicles. Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over.

There are two types of folliculitis, superficial and deep. The superficial involves part of the follicle and deep includes the entire follicle and is more severe.

Superficial folliculitis comes in a few different forms.

Bacterial folliculitis is common and occurs when the hair follicle becomes infected with bacteria. The hair follicles become itchy bumps, often filled with pus.

Hot-tub folliculitis (pseudomonas folliculitis) you may develop a rash of red, round, itchy bumps, around a day or two after exposure to the bacteria that causes it. It is caused by the pseudomona bacteria which is found in hot tubs and swimming pools where the chlorine is not properly regulated.

Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) is an irritation caused by ingrown hairs. It mainly affects men with curly hair, who shave and it is most noticeable on the face and neck. People who shave or wax their bikini line may get barbers itch in the groin as a result of ingrown hairs. It may leave dark raised scars in the area.

Pityrosporum folliculitis is a type that produces chronic red, itchy patches on the back and chest, shoulders, upper arms a d face. It is caused by a yeast infection.

Deep folliculitis also comes in a few different forms.

Sycosis barbae affects males who have begun to shave.

Gram-negative folliculitis develops if you are receiving long-term antibiotic treatment for acne.

Boils and carbuncles occur when the hair follicle becomes deeply infected with bacteria. A boil is usually one large red or pink bump, whilst a carbuncle is a cluster of boils.

Eosinophilic folliculitis mainly affects people with the HIV/AIDS virus.

 Treatment for folliculitis will depend on the type of folliculitis you have. For mild bacterial infections, an antibiotic cream, lotion or gel can control the infections. However, if it is recurring, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.

For fungal infections caused by yeast rather than bacteria, antifungal creams, shampoos or pill will be prescribed rather than antibiotics.

You may be prescribed a steroid cream to ease the itching.