Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle, which causes inflammation and occasionally hair loss, according to the online medical encyclopedia MedlinePlus. Damage to the hair follicle is the initial cause of folliculitis, which can be caused by blockage, clothing or shaving. The hair follicle then becomes infected, resulting in folliculitis. Folliculitis is characterized by the development of an itchy red rash, and sores that look like pimples. There are several types of folliculitis, named based on the source of the infection.
Staphylococcal Folliculitis
Staphylococcal folliculitis is a very common type of folliculitis, caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, according to the Mayo Clinic. The signs and symptoms of this type of folliculitis are the appearance of pus-filled bumps that are itchy and white. It often affects a man's face where he shaves, and is called barber's itch. Staph are very common bacteria that are always present on the surface of the skin. It only causes problems when it gets beyond the skin area. Breakage of the skin due to shaving is a common route for the bacteria to infect the follicle.
Usually the staph infection is superficial; however, deep infection of the follicle is possible, causing boils or carbuncles. A boil first appears as painful red bump, but then fills with pus that often ruptures. Carbuncles are made up of a cluster of boils, which often affect the skin of the shoulders, back, neck, or thighs. After the boil ruptures, it may leave a scar.
Pseudomonas (Hot Tub) Folliculitis
This type of folliculitis, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, is caused by the bacteria Psuedomonas aeruginosa. This type of infection commonly affects people after they have been in very hot wet areas, such as saunas, hot tubs, and swimming pools. For this reason, it is also often called hot tub folliculitis. This type of folliculitis is characterized by itchy bumps that become red, tender, and filled with pus. The pimple-like sores often affect the skin of the upper arms and trunk. The infection may also cause fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and sore eyes.
Tinea Barbae
The Mayo Clinic reports that this type of folliculitis is caused by a fungus, and usually develops in the beard area of men after they shave. Tinea barbae causes itchy white bumps, with surrounding red skin. This fungus may also cause a more serious form of the disease, where the sores become pus-filled that crust over, and may be associated with fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis
Gram-negative folliculitis often occurs after long-term treatment of acne with antibiotics, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This type of bacteria, in contrast to staph bacteria, is often resistant to many types of antibiotic treatment.
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