What is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, commonly of a bacterial origin.

Folliculitis characterised by pustules found in the nape (folliculitis nuchae) which can gradually progress throughout the scalp. Folliculitis is a progressive condition starting with one pustule and turning into many as adjacent follicles are infected. These pustules can become nodular (tiny scars) and then can coalesce (form) into hard, elevated scars called keloids.

Folliculitis is commonly found on the scalp, but can affect other hair growing areas, such as the pubic area and the axillae (armpits). The face may also be affected often limited to the area in front of the ears.

Folliculitis is common among young black men but it can occur on other races and any age group. Black women can also be affected by folliculitis due to the secondary sensitising of the scalp as a result of heavy usage of hairdressing creams i.e. lanolin, mineral oil and petroleum based products. Folliculitis can also be due to chemical abrasion, causing itching and bacterial infection.

In men folliculitis is commonly due to razor or infected hair clippers especially when hair is shaved very close to the skin.