A few months ago, I was at the doctor’s office getting a cat bite checked, and the doctor noticed a reddish rash on my arms. She was pretty sure that the rash was folliculitis.
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. Our bodies are covered in hair, and every hair grows out of a tiny pouch in the skin. That pouch is called the follicle. Any part of the body that has hair can develop folliculitis; it is most commonly seen on the face, scalp, and places rubbed by clothing like the thighs.
Folliculitis is usually caused by bacteria — often a bacteria known as staph (Staphylococcus). It can also be caused by yeast and other fungi. However, folliculitis caused by fungus is most often seen in people with impaired immune systems. Damaged hair follicles are most at risk for developing folliculitis. How can follicles get injured?
- Shaving
- Friction — like clothes rubbing against the skin
- Blockages caused by sweat, oils, or makeup
Folliculitis is relatively easy to spot. The rash looks like a series of red pimples; each pimple has a hair in the center. The pimples may or may not have pus in them. You may feel itching or burning.
If your doctor believes you have folliculitis, he or she will start with a skin exam and a few questions about your general health and activities. Tests can determine what is causing the folliculitis — and if something else is causing the rash. Testing the fluid in the pimples can determine if the cause is bacterial. A biopsy can determine if the cause is fungal.
Mild cases of folliculitis often clear up on their own. You can relieve itching and aid healing by applying warm compresses made with white vinegar. A lingering or deeper infection may need antibiotics (oral or topical) or antifungal creams. In some cases, laser hair removal can destroy the hair follicles so they do not become infected.