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. The infection leads to inflammation of the hair follicle, resulting in folliculitis.

Damage to the follicle may be caused by:

• Blockage of the follicle by creams or lotions
• Chemical peels
• Friction form sports uniforms
• Friction from clothes
• Shaving