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.