Folliculitis is caused by inflammation around hair follicles which creates red bumps and pustules. The bumps can be itchy or painful and may scar skin depending on time and/or location. These bumps can happen wherever there are hair follicles most commonly affecting the face, scalp, thighs, underarms and groin. Folliculitis can be caused by infection, irritation, blockage and other skin diseases. One specific type of folliculitis is caused by irritation due to regrowth of hair which usually occurs after shaving, waxing and or plucking. These pustules are sterile and there is no growth of bacteria or other organisms. People who deal with chronic irritant folliculitis benefit from permanent hair removal with laser treatment. Once the hair is permanently reduced/removed the folliculitis resolves.
