What are the causes and symptoms of folliculitis?
Folliculitis develops when bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, or a fungus enters the body through a cut, scrape, surgical incision, or other break in the skin near a hair follicle. Scratching the affected area can trap fungus or bacteria under the fingernails and spread the infection to hair follicles on other parts of the body. The bacteria that cause folliculitis are contagious. A person who has folliculitis can infect others who live in the same household. Factors that increase the risk of developing folliculitis include: • dermatitis • diabetes • dirty, crowded living conditions • eczema • exposure to hot, humid temperatures • infection in the nose or other recent illness • tight clothing Source: The Gale Group. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed.
