A hair follicle infection occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the hair follicle and cause inflammation. This can lead to symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, and pus formation around the infected hair. Here are some quick answers about what an infected hair follicle looks like:
Common Signs of Infected Hair Follicle
The most common signs of an infected hair follicle include:
- Redness around the hair – The skin around the infected follicle often becomes reddened and inflamed.
- Swollen bump – The infected follicle area swells up and forms a bump, which may feel tender.
- Pus-filled pimple – Pus, which is made up of dead white blood cells, often collects in the infected bump.
- Crusting – A scab or crust may form on top of the inflamed bump as fluid leaks out and dries.
- Pain and itching – An infected follicle is often painful and itchy.
Causes of Infected Hair Follicle
There are several potential causes of a hair follicle infection, including:
- Bacteria – Staphylococcus bacteria are a common cause of folliculitis or infected hair follicles.
- Fungus – A fungal infection like tinea capitis can infect hair follicles on the scalp.
- Blocked follicle – Blockages, ingrown hairs, and nearby skin infections can all spread to the follicle.
- Irritation – Skin irritation from shaving, waxing, tight clothing, or harsh products can allow bacteria to enter.
- Weakened immunity – Health conditions or medications that weaken the immune system increase infection risk.
Types of Infected Hair Follicles
There are several different types of hair follicle infections, which are classified by their extent and location:
- Folliculitis – Infection of one or more hair follicles, usually on the scalp, face, legs, or pubic area.
- Carbuncle – A cluster of infected follicles that form a swollen, pus-filled mass.
- Boil (furuncle) – An infected follicle on the skin surface that forms a tender, pus-filled bump.
- Sycosis barbae – Chronic folliculitis of the beard area in men.
- Hot tub folliculitis – Rash of infected follicles caused by bacteria in hot tubs.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing an infected hair follicle:
- Shaving – Especially with a dull razor, which irritates follicles
- Tight clothing – Rubbing and irritation promote infection
- Sweating – Moisture supports bacterial growth
- Weak immunity – From health conditions like diabetes or HIV
- Skin conditions – Eczema, acne, wounds increase infection risk
- Hot tubs – Bacteria thrive in warm, chemically-treated water
Diagnosis
An infected hair follicle is often diagnosed simply by examination of the skin. However, tests may be done to identify the specific cause in severe or recurrent cases:
- Skin culture – Swabbing pus to identify bacteria or fungi
- Skin biopsy – Removing a small sample to examine under a microscope
- Blood tests – Counting white blood cells to check for infection
Treatment
Most mild folliculitis resolves without treatment. But medications may be used to clear more severe, stubborn, or widespread infections:
- Warm compresses – Applying heat helps drain pus from boils
- Antibiotic ointments – Like mupirocin to clear bacterial infections
- Antibiotics – Oral medications for severe bacterial infections
- Antifungals – Oral or topical medications to treat fungal folliculitis
- Steroid creams – Help reduce swelling and itching
- Incision and drainage – Lancing boils to drain pus
Home Care
Some self-care tips for managing infected follicles at home include:
- Avoid shaving over infected areas
- Apply warm compresses 3-4 times daily
- Gently wash with antibacterial soap and pat dry
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping boils
- Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment
Prevention
Preventing hair follicle infections involves protecting the skin barrier and avoiding irritation. Tips include:
- Shave gently using a clean, sharp razor
- Avoid over-shaving the same area
- Alternate shaving with electric razors
- Use shaving gel or cream for lubrication
- Shower after activities causing heavy sweating
- Wear clean, loose, breathable clothing
- Treat existing skin conditions like eczema
When to See a Doctor
See a dermatologist or doctor if you experience:
- Fever, spreading redness, or warm skin
- No improvement after 1 week of self-care
- Multiple boils or carbuncles
- Severe pain or swelling
- Hair loss around follicles
- Recurrent infections in the same area
Outlook and Complications
Most folliculitis resolves within 1-2 weeks with proper treatment. Potential complications include:
- Scarring – If infection is severe or recurring
- Abscess – Pocket of pus that may need draining
- Cellulitis – Deep skin infection spreading to tissue below
- Hair loss – Destruction of hair follicles from severe infection
- Systemic infection – Bacteria entering bloodstream in severe cases
With prompt treatment, most hair follicle infections heal without complications. Practicing good hygiene and skin care can help lower recurrence risk.
Summary
Infected hair follicles typically appear as red, swollen bumps with pus on areas like the scalp, legs, face, and pubic region. They are often caused by bacteria, fungus, or blockages. Mild infections can be managed at home with warm compresses, gentle cleansing, and antibiotics. More severe or recurrent cases may require prescription medication. Most folliculitis resolves within 1-2 weeks, but scarring is possible without proper treatment. Practicing good skin hygiene can help prevent recurring infections in the same follicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does infected hair follicle look like?
Infected follicles appear as red, swollen bumps with pus on the scalp, face, legs, or pubic area. Signs include tenderness, itching, crusting, and hair loss in the affected area.
Is infected hair follicle contagious?
Hair follicle infections themselves are not contagious. But the bacteria or fungus causing them can spread through skin contact or sharing personal items like razors, towels, and hats.
How do you treat an infected hair follicle?
Applying warm compresses, gentle cleansing, OTC antibiotic ointment, and avoiding shaving the area can help treat mild infections. More severe cases may require prescription antibiotics or antifungals.
When to see doctor for infected hair follicle?
See your doctor if you have fever, spreading redness, multiple boils, severe swelling and pain, pus-filled lesions, or recurrences in the same area.
How long does folliculitis last?
With proper treatment, most mild folliculitis resolves in 1-2 weeks. More severe infections can last 3-4 weeks. Recurring folliculitis may come and go over months.
Infected Hair Follicle Pictures
Here are some pictures to help identify infected hair follicles:
| Folliculitis on scalp | Folliculitis on leg |
| Infected hair on neck | Infected follicle (boil) |
Conclusion
Infected hair follicles are a common skin condition that can be painful and irritating, but often clear up well with proper care. Keep the skin clean and hydrated, avoid irritating it, and see a dermatologist promptly if severe symptoms develop. With a gentle skin regimen and avoiding picking or scratching lesions, most cases of infected follicles can be managed at home and fade without permanent complications.