Folliculitis and ingrown hairs

Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles. It looks like small red bumps or pimples around hairs, and it can itch or burn. It can be caused by bacteria, yeast, shaving, tight clothing or hot tubs.

Ingrown hairs and razor bumps, also called pseudofolliculitis barbae, happen when hairs curl back into the skin after shaving or waxing. They are especially common in people with curly or coarse hair.

Signs and symptoms

• Small red or dark bumps around hair follicles
• Pus-filled bumps that look like acne
• Itching, tenderness or burning
• Dark spots or scars where bumps have healed

How we treat it

• Prescription washes, creams and antibiotics for infected follicles
• Treatments for yeast-related folliculitis when that is the cause
• Shaving and hair removal advice
• Laser hair removal for long-term relief from ingrown hairs
• Treatment for dark marks left behind, see post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Where it is offered

Folliculitis Q&A

Related care

• Laser hair removal
• Acne
• Impetigo, boils and abscesses
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation