Folliculitis Symptoms

Symptoms of Folliculitis That Should Not Be Ignored

The following symptoms of folliculitis may indicate deeper inflammation, repeated infection or damage to the hair follicles:

Repeated bacterial folliculitis may be associated with Staphylococcus aureus carriage in areas such as the nose, underarms or groin. Diabetes, immunosuppression, humid conditions, and occlusive clothing can also increase the risk of recurrence.

Why Do Folliculitis Symptoms Occur?

Each hair grows from a small opening in the skin called a hair follicle. Friction, shaving, waxing, sweating, tight clothing or prolonged moisture can irritate or damage this opening.

Once the barrier is damaged, bacteria, yeast or other microorganisms can enter or multiply inside the follicle. The immune system then sends white blood cells and inflammatory chemicals to the area, causing swelling, warmth, itching, and tenderness. As these immune cells fight the infection, pus forms at the surface, containing white blood cells, microorganisms and damaged tissue.

Depending on the trigger, different microorganisms cause different types of folliculitis. Bacterial folliculitis is most commonly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. "Hot tub" folliculitis (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) can cause folliculitis after exposure to contaminated pools, hot tubs or jacuzzis. Pityrosporum (fungal) folliculitis, caused by Malassezia yeast, can cause groups of small, itchy bumps, particularly on the chest, upper back, shoulders and hairline.

However, not every case is infectious. Ingrown hairs after shaving can cause pseudofolliculitis. Friction, oils, certain medicines and inflammatory skin disorders can also affect the follicles.

Symptoms of Folliculitis That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Seek urgent medical care if folliculitis is accompanied by:

• Redness, warmth or swelling that expands rapidly

• Severe pain or a fast-growing, swollen lump

• Red streaks spreading away from the affected area

• High fever, chills or shaking

• Confusion, fainting or unusual drowsiness

• Rapid breathing or a racing heartbeat

• Painful swelling close to an eye

• Eye pain or changes in vision

• Widespread blistering or peeling skin

• Sores inside the mouth

• A severe outbreak in someone with diabetes or markedly reduced immunity

These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated superficial folliculitis. They may indicate cellulitis, an abscess, a severe medication reaction, or a whole-body infection.

Symptoms of Folliculitis Based on Type

Some of the folliculitis symptoms, based on type, are as follows:

Superficial folliculitis affects the upper part of the hair follicle. Deep folliculitis involves more of the follicle and the surrounding skin.

Symptoms of Folliculitis-Specific Conditions

Some folliculitis-specific conditions and their symptom patterns are as follows:

Hot, humid weather, sweating, oily skin, and occlusive products may increase the risk of Malassezia folliculitis. Hot tub folliculitis commonly develops within several hours to a few days after exposure to contaminated water.

Can You Have Folliculitis Without Symptoms?

Folliculitis cannot be completely symptom-free because it produces visible inflammation around hair follicles. However, a mild outbreak may cause small bumps without itching, burning or pain.

A person may first notice the spots while bathing, shaving or changing clothes. Staphylococcus aureus can also live on the skin or inside the nose without causing folliculitis. This is called bacterial carriage and is different from an active outbreak.

When Can Folliculitis Symptoms Become Life-Threatening?

Folliculitis is rarely life-threatening. Serious problems can occur if the infection spreads into deeper tissues or enters the bloodstream. Take a look at when folliculitis symptoms become serious:

Bacterial folliculitis can rarely progress to cellulitis, a bloodstream infection, or infections in other parts of the body.

How are Folliculitis Symptoms Diagnosed?

A dermatologist can often recognise folliculitis by examining the skin and checking whether each bump develops around a hair follicle. Some diagnostic tests used for folliculitis are:

Folliculitis can resemble acne, heat rash, eczema, fungal infection and other skin conditions. Swabs or other tests may, therefore, be needed when the rash is widespread, recurrent or not improving as expected.