10 Folliculitis Symptoms

By lizzie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Folliculitis.' Mayo Clinic, 18 August 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634
• 2. 'Folliculitis.' Cleveland Clinic, 10 June 2021, clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis-
• 3. 'Folliculitis.' University of Michigan Health, 2 July 2020, uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw171614

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Folliculitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of hair follicles. There are several potential causes, though bacterial or fungal infections are among the most common.¹‘Folliculitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 18 August 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634 Folliculitis is characterized by the telltale red bumps that grow up around the follicles in question.

It can quickly spread and turn into full-blown sores that simply do not heal. Folliculitis can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing, depending on the extent of the rash and the area in which it has manifested.¹‘Folliculitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 18 August 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634 Knowing the symptoms of folliculitis can inform more effective treatment approaches.

Small Red Bumps

The presence of small, red bumps that have clustered around hair follicles may be among the most obvious symptoms of folliculitis. Sometimes, these bumps present as whiteheads, and deep infections can present as boils or carbuncles, necessitating longer term treatment.¹‘Folliculitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 18 August 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634

These bumps may sometimes be painful and may also present with some redness around the area due to the inflammation of the follicle below the skin. They can also become crusty nonhealing sores. Because of the extent of the infection, they can sometimes be challenging to cover up effectively.

Itching

The inflammation and bumps caused by the inflamed hair follicle may cause the entire affected area to itch or even burn.¹‘Folliculitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 18 August 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634 This symptom can be made worse by itching the affected areas, and scratching may cause the infection to spread.

This is also where treatment is important as the appropriate medications, such as topical creams, may not only work to reduce inflammation but also may help with the associated discomfort.

Blisters

Sometimes, if the condition progresses without treatment, the small red bumps or whiteheads can turn into larger bumps filled with pus. These bumps may eventually ooze and crust over.¹‘Folliculitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 18 August 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634

To avoid getting to this point with folliculitis, seek treatment from a medical professional as soon as the condition is suspected. This will ensure that it does not progress to this stage as it can be challenging to get these blisters to fully clear up.

Tender Skin

Because the skin around the hair follicle is infected and inflamed, the entire area may feel more tender than usual.¹‘Folliculitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 18 August 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634 This can manifest in pain or discomfort when touching the affected area, depending on the extent of the issue.

One of the ways to know it may be folliculitis is if the tenderness or pain in question occurs in conjunction with any of the other symptoms of this condition.

Swelling

Swelling may occur in the area of inflammation or manifest as a bump or mass under the skin.¹‘Folliculitis.’ Mayo Clinic, 18 August 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634 This is sometimes indicated in more advanced cases of folliculitis, in which symptoms have been present for some time but were not addressed to prevent the spread of infection.

By the time the condition advances to this stage, it is important to work with a medical professional to avoid any further worsening.

Acne-Like Rash

Having an acne-like rash as a symptom of folliculitis may be caused by the Malassezia yeast. When this fungus gets into the follicles, it can cause the skin to look like it is in the midst of an acne outbreak. The skin may also itch during the outbreak.²‘Folliculitis.’ Cleveland Clinic, 10 June 2021, clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis-

The particular form of folliculitis may worsen with sweat and may be more prevalent along the upper chest and back.²‘Folliculitis.’ Cleveland Clinic, 10 June 2021, clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis-

Razor Bumps

The appearance of razor bumps, called pseudofolliculitis barbae, is very similar to folliculitis. This symptom happens when hair curls back and grows into the skin, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infects the area.²‘Folliculitis.’ Cleveland Clinic, 10 June 2021, clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis-

This symptom is more common in Black men or those with curly hair. The best way to avoid it is the use of trimmers to shave. If left untreated, it can lead to scarring and hair loss.²‘Folliculitis.’ Cleveland Clinic, 10 June 2021, clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis-

Pimples on the Stomach

Pimples that spread along the stomach area or on the arms and legs after exposure to contaminated water suggest hot tub folliculitis. This form of the condition may appear up to 72 hours after spending time in a hot tub or swimming pool.³‘Folliculitis.’ University of Michigan Health, 2 July 2020, uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw171614

It may be accompanied by an upset stomach or even a slight fever. However, it is the kind of infection that typically clears up on its own within a week or so without further treatment.³‘Folliculitis.’ University of Michigan Health, 2 July 2020, uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw171614

Boils

Boils are also signs of deep folliculitis. They manifest when the follicle becomes significantly infected and are typically red and painful to the touch.²‘Folliculitis.’ Cleveland Clinic, 10 June 2021, clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis- They may even hurt when they are not being touched.

Boils may come to a head after a few days and sometimes leave scars behind. While they sometimes drain on their own, the use of oral medication or even medical treatment may be necessary to help them along.²‘Folliculitis.’ Cleveland Clinic, 10 June 2021, clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis-

Carbuncles

Carbuncles are also a sign of deep folliculitis and manifest as several boils in one spot. They are typically larger than the average boil and may be the result of numerous different hair follicles that have become infected.²‘Folliculitis.’ Cleveland Clinic, 10 June 2021, clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis-

In this case, it is prudent to seek the help of a medical professional to resolve the lesions and minimize leftover scarring. This may also help with the pain of having so many boils in one area.