Folliculitis

Folliculitis is caused when hair follicles become damaged or when the follicle is blocked. This can occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving, for example. In most cases the damaged follicles become infected with Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria.

Barber’s itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area which is worsened by shaving. Tinea barbae is similar to barber’s itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus.

Pseudofolliculitisbarbae is a disorder that occurs mainly in black men. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation.

Anyone can develop folliculitis. But certain factors make you more susceptible to the condition, including:

• Having a medical condition that reduces your resistance to infection, such as diabetes, chronic leukemia and HIV/AIDS
• Having acne or dermatitis
• Past damage to your skin, as from injury or surgery
• Taking some medications, such as steroid creams or long-term antibiotic therapy for acne
• Being overweight
• Regularly wearing clothing that traps heat and sweat, such as rubber gloves or high boots
• Soaking in a hot tub that’s not maintained well
• Shaving, waxing, or hair-plucking

Folliculitis resembles either acne pimples or appear as non-healing, crusty sores. These are typically also accompanied by rash and itching.

A doctor will need to examine your skin to diagnose folliculitis. Lab tests may be needed to confirm whether it is fungal or bacterial.