What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis (say "fuh-LIK-yuh-LY-tus") is an inflammation of the hair follicles. Each hair on your body grows out of a tiny pouch called a follicle. Your child can have folliculitis on any part of their body that has hair.

Folliculitis is usually caused by bacteria. It also can be caused by other things, such as an ingrown hair. Your child can also get folliculitis if they have damaged hair follicles. Shaving or wearing clothes that rub the skin can irritate the follicles. This makes them more likely to become infected.

Symptoms include pimple-like bumps. They may be reddish and have pus in them. The bumps can be tender and may itch or burn. Sometimes the condition can lead to more serious skin infections.

Treatment depends on what's causing it. A mild case will usually go away on its own. If it doesn't, your child's doctor can treat it with an antibiotic cream or ointment. Antibiotics you take as pills can treat infections deeper in the skin. If the condition is caused by ingrown hairs from shaving, your child could try not shaving or change how they are shaving.

Symptoms include pimple-like bumps. These may be reddish or have pus in them. The bumps can be tender and may itch. You can have folliculitis on any part of your body with hair. This includes the head, buttocks, and trunk. Depending on what caused the rash, you might have a mild fever and nausea.

Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. If it doesn't, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or another medicine you put on your skin. If the folliculitis is from shaving, you may need to change how you shave.

Here are some things you can do to prevent folliculitis or to keep it from getting worse.

• Bathe or shower after you exercise and after you're near chemicals.
• Wear loose clothing, especially if it's hot or humid outside. Change your shirt if it gets sweaty.
• After you use public hot tubs or spas, shower right away with soap. If you own your own hot tub, follow the manufacturer's instructions for keeping it clean.
• Use shaving cream and shave in the direction the hair grows. Rinse your razor after each swipe, and store it in a dry area. If you have folliculitis, try to avoid shaving for at least a few weeks.
• Don't scratch the bumps.
• Bathe or shower daily with a mild soap.

Your doctor will check your skin and ask about your health and activities. Testing a sample of the fluid in the bumps can help your doctor learn what is causing the infection.

• To help with itching or pain, put a warm, moist cloth (like a clean washcloth) on the area for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 6 times a day.
• Do not let your child share towels or washcloths.
• Have your child wear loose clothing, especially if it's hot or humid outside. Have them change their clothes if they get sweaty.
• Use the medicine exactly as prescribed. If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

It is usually caused by bacteria. It also can be caused by other things, such as an ingrown hair.

You may get folliculitis if you have damaged hair follicles. Shaving or wearing clothes that rub the skin can irritate the follicles. This makes them more likely to become infected.

You are more likely to get the condition if you:

• Use a hot tub, whirlpool, or swimming pool that has untreated water.
• Wear tight clothes.
• Sweat a lot.
• Shave or pluck your hair, especially if it's curly.