Folliculitis Images: 13 Types With Clear Diagnostic Photos

DermNet NZ provides extensive image galleries of folliculitis across various causes and body sites. Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle, often presenting as small red bumps or pus-filled pimples around hairs. Images illustrate superficial and deep forms, bacterial, fungal, viral, and non-infectious types. Accurate identification aids diagnosis and treatment.

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis refers to inflammation or infection of one or more hair follicles, resulting in red bumps or pustules centred on hairs. It can be superficial (affecting the upper follicle) or deep (involving the entire follicle). Common causes include bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, fungi, viruses, or irritation from shaving/friction. Symptoms include itchy, tender, pus-filled papules. Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination, with swabs or biopsies for confirmation if recurrent.

Superficial folliculitis presents as clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples around follicles, often itchy or burning. Deep folliculitis forms tender nodules or boils (furuncles). Risk factors include tight clothing, sweating, hot tubs, and immunosuppression.

Bacterial folliculitis

Bacterial folliculitis, primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, appears as dome-shaped pustules on erythematous bases surrounding hairs. Common on bearded areas, buttocks, thighs, and legs. Images show multiple small pustules, some with central hairs, on inflamed skin.

• Image description: Close-up of pustular folliculitis on the thigh – numerous white-headed pustules amid red skin.
• Itching and tenderness are prominent; may progress to furuncles if untreated.

Treatment involves antibacterial washes (e.g., benzoyl peroxide), topical antibiotics like mupirocin, or oral antibiotics for widespread cases.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae

Also known as razor bumps, this irritant folliculitis occurs when shaved hairs curl back into the skin, causing inflammation. Predominant in curly-haired individuals, especially beard areas. Images depict papules and pustules on the neck and cheeks post-shaving.

• Key features: Perifollicular papules, itching, no true infection.
• Prevention: Avoid close shaves, use electric clippers.

Images highlight transected hairs embedded in skin, surrounded by inflammation.

Hot tub folliculitis (hot tub rash)

Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, this presents 1-4 days after exposure to contaminated water. Images show widespread pruritic papules and pustules on trunk, buttocks, thighs – sparing areas covered by swimsuits.

• Classic image: Macules, papules, vesicles on abdomen with central ‘snail-track’ pus.
• Self-limited in healthy individuals; severe in immunocompromised.

Treatment: Symptomatic with ciprofloxacin if systemic.

Gram-negative folliculitis

Occurs post-prolonged antibiotic use for acne, due to enteric bacteria like Klebsiella. Images: Superficial pustules on the face, especially perioral and nose.

• Nodulocystic deep forms mimic acne; requires culture for diagnosis.

Fungal folliculitis

Dermatophytes or Malassezia cause perifollicular inflammation. Images show scaly folliculocentric papules on trunk/back (tinea barbae) or scalp (Majocchi granuloma).

• Majocchi granuloma: Boggy nodules with hairs amid scalp plaques.
• Treatment: Oral antifungals like terbinafine.

Herpetic folliculitis

Viral, due to herpes simplex/zoster. Images: Grouped umbilicated pustules on erythematous base, often on face/genitals.

Diagnosis via Tzanck smear or PCR; treat with antivirals.

Eosinophilic folliculitis

Associated with HIV/AIDS, presents as itchy folliculocentric urticarial papules on trunk/face. Images: Erythematous papules with peripheral eosinophilic spongiosis on histology.

Responds to topical steroids or antiretrovirals.

Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis

Yeast overgrowth in humid climates, causing itchy monomorphic papules/pustules on upper trunk/arms. Images: Uniform dome-shaped pustules, no comedones.

• Differentiate from acne; treat with ketoconazole shampoo/oral.

Occipital folliculitis

Chronic on occipital scalp, with pustules and scarring alopecia. Images: Crusted pustular folliculitis at hairline.

Oral antibiotics long-term.

Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy

Intensely itchy sterile folliculitis on Buddha pose – abdomen, thighs. Images: Sterile urticarial papules resolving post-partum.

Tufted hair folliculitis

Rare scarring alopecia with groups of 5-20 hairs emerging from single follicle. Images: Tufts amid inflammatory plaques on scalp.

Folliculitis decalvans

Cicatricial alopecia from S. aureus, with boggy tufts and crusting. Images: Polygonal plaques with peripheral pustules.

Dissecting folliculitis (perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens)

Severe on scalp of African descent males; sinus tracts, keloids. Images: Nodules, abscesses, scarring.

Folliculitis on different body sites

Beard area

Sycosis barbae: Deep S. aureus folliculitis with waving pustules.

Legs

Lower legs in women: Pustules from occlusive stockings.

Buttocks

Common in hairy areas from friction/sweat.

Armpits

Irritant or bacterial from shaving/deodorants.

Scalp

Bacterial or tinea capitis mimics.

Related topics

• Folliculitis overview
• Boils and carbuncles
• Impetigo

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes folliculitis?

Bacteria, fungi, viruses, irritation, or occlusion.

Is folliculitis contagious?

Bacterial/viral types yes; irritant no.

How is it treated?

Depends on cause: antibacterials, antifungals, hygiene.

Does folliculitis cause hair loss?

Scarring types like decalvans yes.

When to see a doctor?

If persistent, spreading, or scarring.

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Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to renewcure,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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