Folliculitis is the name given to a group of skin conditions in which there are inflamed hair follicles. The result is a tender red spot, often with a surface pustule.

Folliculitis may be superficial or deep. It can affect anywhere there are hairs, including chest, back, buttocks, arms and legs. Acne and its variants are also types of folliculitis.

Folliculitis can be due to infection, occlusion (blockage), irritation and various skin diseases.

Bacterial folliculitis is commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus. If the infection involves the deep part of the follicle, it results in a painful boil.

The hair follicles of ingrown hairs can sometimes become infected and inflamed. This is known as folliculitis.

The hair follicles will swell into pus-filled spots, although pus doesn’t always mean there’s an infection.

Folliculitis cannot be directly passed on from one person to another. However, sometimes the infection that causes the inflammation can be contagious.