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Alternative Names Return to top
Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Tinea barbae; Barber's itchDefinition Return to top
Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The condition may occur anywhere on the skin.
Causes Return to top
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph).
Barber's itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. Tinea barbae is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring primarily in black men. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation.
Symptoms Return to top
Common symptoms include a rash, itching, and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle in the neck, groin, or genital area. The pimples may crust over.
Exams and Tests Return to top
A diagnosis is primarily based on how the skin looks. Lab tests may show which bacteria or fungus is causing the infection.
Treatment Return to top
Hot moist compresses may promote drainage of extensive folliculitis. Treatment may include antibiotics applied to the skin (mupirocin) or taken by mouth (dicloxacillin), or antifungal medications to control the infection.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Folliculitis usually responds well to treatment, but may recur.
Possible Complications Return to top
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if symptoms recur frequently, if they persist longer than 2 or 3 days, or if the infection spreads.
Prevention Return to top
To prevent further damage to the hair follicles and infection:
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |