Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed or infected, leading to visible skin changes.

It may appear as:

• Small red bumps centered around hair follicles
• Pustules or “whiteheads”
• Areas of redness or irritation
• Occasionally tender or itchy lesions

Folliculitis can affect any hair-bearing area of the body.

Folliculitis can develop from several different causes.

Common contributors include:

• Bacterial infection (most commonly Staphylococcus)
• Yeast or fungal overgrowth
• Friction from clothing or athletic gear
• Shaving or ingrown hairs
• Occlusion from heavy skincare or body products

Understanding the cause is essential in selecting the most effective treatment.

Folliculitis can develop in a variety of areas, including:

• Face (especially in shaving areas)
• Scalp
• Chest and back
• Buttocks
• Legs

The distribution often reflects the underlying trigger, such as shaving or friction.

Bacterial Folliculitis

This is the most common form and typically presents as red bumps or pustules. It may occur after shaving, sweating, or skin irritation.

Fungal (Yeast) Folliculitis

Yeast-related folliculitis often appears as uniform, itchy bumps, commonly on the chest or back. It may be mistaken for acne but requires different treatment.

Irritation-Related Folliculitis

Friction, tight clothing, or repeated irritation can lead to inflammation of hair follicles without infection.

Pseudofolliculitis (Ingrown Hairs)

This occurs when hairs grow back into the skin, leading to inflammation and bumps, often in areas of shaving.

Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the lesions and a detailed history.

Important considerations include:

• Recent shaving or hair removal
• Product use
• Sweating or friction
• Location and pattern of lesions

These factors help determine the underlying cause.

Additional Testing

In some cases, additional testing may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

This may include:

• Bacterial cultures
• Evaluation for fungal involvement

Testing is used when the diagnosis is unclear or when the condition is persistent.

Topical Treatments

Mild cases are often treated with topical therapies.

These may include:

• Antibacterial washes or creams
• Antifungal treatments when indicated
• Anti-inflammatory agents

Treatment is selected based on the specific type of folliculitis.

Oral Medications

For more extensive or persistent cases, oral medications may be recommended.

These can include:

• Oral antibiotics for bacterial folliculitis
• Oral antifungal medications for yeast-related cases

Treatment duration depends on the severity and response.

Lifestyle and Skincare Adjustments

Addressing contributing factors is an important part of treatment.

Patients may be advised to:

• Modify shaving techniques
• Avoid tight or occlusive clothing
• Use non-comedogenic products
• Maintain proper hygiene after sweating

These changes help reduce recurrence.

For pseudofolliculitis, treatment focuses on reducing ingrown hairs.

This may include:

• Adjusting hair removal methods
• Using exfoliating or topical treatments
• Laser hair reduction in select cases

Treatment is typically straightforward and tailored to the underlying cause.

Some cases resolve quickly with topical therapy, while others may require a combination of treatments and follow-up. Plans are adjusted based on response and recurrence.

Improvement is often seen within days to weeks of starting appropriate treatment. Persistent or recurrent cases may require longer-term management and preventive strategies.

Evaluation is appropriate for patients who:

• Have persistent or recurrent bumps resembling acne
• Experience irritation after shaving
• Have itchy or inflamed areas in hair-bearing regions
• Do not respond to over-the-counter treatments

A Targeted Approach to a Common Condition

At Treiber Dermatology, folliculitis is managed with a focus on identifying the underlying cause and delivering targeted treatment.

By combining medical therapy with practical lifestyle adjustments, patients are able to achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Patients throughout New York and Connecticut choose Treiber Dermatology for folliculitis treatment because of the practice’s expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin conditions.

Care is known for being:

• Accurate and detail-oriented
• Tailored to individual causes
• Practical and easy to implement
• Focused on long-term prevention

The emphasis is on achieving effective and lasting improvement.