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Folliculitis

A healthy hair follicle and an infected hair follicle

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, which are the small pouches in the skin from which hairs grow. When hair follicles are irritated, they can become inflamed or infected.

Folliculitis can develop on any part of the body that has hair. But it is most common on the beard area, arms, back, buttocks, and legs.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology

Current as ofOctober 5, 2017

Current as of: October 5, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology