Small pus-filled lesions form around hair follicles in folliculitis. This image displays a close-up of folliculitis with one of the lesions being pus-filled. This image displays red bumps centered on hair follicles typical of folliculitis. The lesions of scalp folliculitis can be very itchy, resulting in scratching and scabs. Each of the small red bumps or pus-filled lesions of folliculitis start around a hair follicle. This child has several lesions on the cheeks, which look similar to acne. In folliculitis, skin lesions can simply appear as red spots or bumps. Red bumps (non-pus-filled) centered on the hair follicle are typical of folliculitis.
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Folliculitis  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Folliculitis: Small pus-filled lesions form around hair follicles in folliculitis. Divider line
Small pus-filled lesions form around hair follicles in folliculitis.
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Overview
Folliculitis is a skin condition caused by an inflammation of one or more of the depressions in the skin that hold hair (hair follicles). It usually occurs in areas where the skin is irritated by friction, such as rubbing from clothes. In most instances of folliculitis, the inflamed follicles are infected with bacteria, especially the type called Staphylococcus, that normally live on the skin.

The most common causes of damage to hair follicles, leading to infection, include:
  • Friction from tight clothing
  • A pre-existing skin condition such as eczema, acne, or other inflammation of the skin (dermatitis)
  • Injuries to the skin such as surface scrapes (abrasions)
  • Prolonged contact with plastic bandages or adhesive tape
  • Irritation from shaving
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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