What is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed or infected. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus are a common cause, while Malassezia (fungal) folliculitis is caused by a yeast and often appears as itchy, uniform bumps on the chest and back. Other triggers include shaving, waxing, tight clothing, heat and sweat, hot tubs, and some medications. Mild folliculitis may settle on its own, but recurrent or deep folliculitis, such as boils, can cause pain and scarring.

Who it's for

An evaluation may help if you have:

• Clusters of small red or white-headed bumps around hairs
• Itching or burning on the chest, back, scalp or buttocks
• Razor bumps after shaving the face, legs or bikini area
• Acne-like bumps that do not respond to acne treatment
• Painful, swollen boils, spreading redness or fever, which need prompt medical attention

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

A dermatologist first examines the bumps to determine the likely cause. A swab for culture or a KOH test for yeast may be done, because bacterial and fungal folliculitis need different treatment.

Treatment may include topical antibiotics or antiseptic washes for bacterial cases, topical or oral antifungal medication for Malassezia folliculitis, and oral antibiotics for widespread or deep infections. Painful boils may require drainage in the clinic. For recurrent folliculitis linked to shaving, we may discuss changes in hair removal methods, and for some patients laser hair removal can reduce ongoing irritation. Post-inflammatory marks can be addressed later once inflammation has settled.

What to expect

Your visit includes an examination and any quick tests needed, which are quick and usually comfortable. Treatment is started the same day. Many people notice improvement within one to two weeks, though fungal folliculitis may need a few weeks of consistent treatment. Some medications can cause dryness or stomach upset, which your physician will explain. Because folliculitis can return with heat, sweat or friction, a follow-up visit and preventive habits are often recommended. Results vary depending on the cause.

Aftercare

• Shower promptly after sweating and change out of damp clothes
• Wear loose, breathable clothing
• Avoid picking or squeezing bumps
• Use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth, or pause shaving
• Avoid heavy oils and occlusive products on affected areas
• Finish the full course of any prescribed medication

Frequently asked questions

Is folliculitis the same as acne?

No. Both cause bumps, but folliculitis involves inflamed hair follicles with different causes, such as bacteria or yeast, and needs different treatment.

Is folliculitis contagious?

Bacterial folliculitis can sometimes spread through shared razors, towels or hot tubs. Good hygiene helps reduce this risk.

Why does it keep coming back?

Heat, sweat, friction, shaving and untreated yeast are common reasons. Identifying the cause and adjusting habits may help prevent flare-ups.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is located at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors), directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 on Line 3. We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. To book a consultation, call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.