What is folliculitis?
A person with folliculitis has inflammation of the hair follicles, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Folliculitis starts when the skin around the hair follicle is damaged. Once the skin is damaged, the follicle can become infected by bacteria that are normally on the skin surface. Risk factors for folliculitis include male gender, shaving, excessive sweating, and humid environment.

What are the symptoms of folliculitis?
Symptoms of folliculitis include a rash with red bumps that resemble acne. Bumps may contain pus and be painful. Other symptoms include ingrown hairs and itching. Rash is usually worse on the back, buttocks, face, thighs, and other areas that are shaved.

How does the doctor treat folliculitis?
Treatment for folliculitis may include avoiding shaving, medications to dry the skin, warm wet compresses, oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, and antifungal creams and pills.