Folliculitis Overview
Folliculitis affects millions of people worldwide and occurs when hair follicles (root of the hair) become infected with bacteria, fungi or viruses. According to statistics, nearly 1 in 10 people will experience folliculitis at some point in their lives. This means that the condition is incredibly prevalent and highlights the need for effective treatment options. Additionally, studies have shown that men are more likely than women to experience folliculitis due to thicker and coarser hair growth patterns.
While most cases of folliculitis are not serious and can be treated easily with topical antibiotics or antifungal creams, there are instances where it can lead to more severe infections such as cellulitis or abscesses.
What is Folliculitis ?
Folliculitis is a type of infection that occurs in hair follicles, which are small openings in the skin where hair grows from. It can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection and can occur anywhere on the body where there are hairs. It can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair, including the scalp, face, neck, arms, legs and buttocks. It can be acute or chronic; acute folliculitis develops quickly and resolves within a few days while chronic folliculitis lasts longer and may recur frequently. (1)