What is folliculitis? — Folliculitis is a skin problem that happens when a hair follicle gets infected  A hair follicle is a sac under the skin where a hair starts to grow.

People tend to get folliculitis on the parts of their body that they shave. For example, men can get it in on their face, where their beard normally grows. Many men get “razor bumps” or “shave bumps.” The word doctors use for these bumps is “Pseudofolliculitis barbae.” Razor bumps are like folliculitis but are caused by ingrown hairs.

Folliculitis can be caused by infected water in hot tubs, spas, or swimming pools.

What are the symptoms of folliculitis? — The main symptom is a group of small, raised red bumps on your skin. These bumps can be tender or itchy, and they might have pus in them. Some of the bumps might have hair coming out of them.

What can I do on my own to treat it? — Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and put it on the bumps. When the cloth cools, reheat it with warm water and put it back on the area. Repeat these steps for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 times a day.

Do not shave the area that has folliculitis. That will just irritate it more.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — See your doctor or nurse if the folliculitis does not go away after you treat it at home. You should also see your doctor or nurse if:

��The bumps get larger or more painful.

��The bumps go away but then come back.

��You get a fever.

Will I need tests? — Probably not. To make sure you do not have another skin condition, your doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and do an exam.

What other treatment might I have? — If your folliculitis does not go away on its own, your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic cream. But most cases of folliculitis get better without treatment.