Infected Hair Follicles | Causes and Care

Infected Hair Follicles result from bacterial or fungal invasion of follicles, leading to painful, swollen bumps. Proper hygiene and treatment are vital.
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Folliculitis | Hair Follicle Infections | Skin Bumps | Bacterial Folliculitis | Fungal Infections | Skin Conditions
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Infected Hair Follicles FAQ


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What causes hair folliculitis?

When hair follicles are damaged, they may be invaded by viruses, bacteria and fungi. This can lead to development of folliculitis. Superficial folliculitis affects the upper part of the hair follicle and the skin around the follicle. Deep folliculitis affects more of the follicle or even all of it.

What is ingrown hair folliculitis?

Ingrown Hair Folliculitis: This type of folliculitis occurs when hair grows inwards instead of outwards, causing the hair follicle to become inflamed. It is more common in people who have curly hair or who shave frequently. Symptoms of ingrown hair folliculitis include small, red bumps that may be itchy or painful.

What are hair follicles?

Your hair follicles are the small cavities that surround the roots of your hair. Folliculitis can occur on your skin wherever hair grows, including your scalp. It’s most likely to occur on your thighs, buttocks, neck, and armpits — places where friction is common.

Why do my hair follicles itch?

It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores.

What is bacterial folliculitis?

PubMed Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle and bacterial folliculitis (due to infection), is the most common form. Bacterial folliculitis is usually due to Staphylococcus aureus. and can be treated using warm compresses, analgesics, topical antibiotics and in rare cases, oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Infected Hair Follicles References

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