Folliculitis and follicle inflammation

Medical terms

Folliculitis

Common terms

Folliculitis

Overview

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, an insect bite, blockage of the follicle, shaving or too tight braids too close to the scalp. The damaged follicles may then become infected with the bacteria.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms can include rash, pimples or pustules around a hair follicle and itching skin.

Treatment

Treatment can include the use of topical antiseptics, antibiotics or topical steroids.