Alternate Names: Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Tinea barbae; Barber's itch

Causes and Risks: The usual cause is the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph) or by a fungus. It may occur anywhere on the skin, as a result of injury or damage to the hair follicle caused by friction from clothing, by blockage of the follicle, or by such things as shaving.

Barber’s itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the bearded area of the face, usually the upper lip. Shaving aggravates the condition. Tinea barbae is similar to barber’s itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder occurring primarily in Black men where the hair of the beard grows into the adjacent hair follicle and forms a small curled mass (aggregation of cells) within the follicle. This becomes chronically infected with any of a variety of bacteria. It is aggravated by shaving.

Carbunculosis and furunculosis are 2 other forms of folliculitis caused by infection with staph. They may occur anywhere on the body.

Prevention: Avoid damage to the hair follicles and infection. (See Treatment)

Symptoms:

• a rash
• pimples or pustules located around a hair follicle
  • may crust over
  • typically occur on neck axilla, or groin area
  • may present as genital lesions
• itching of the skin
• reddened skin areas

Signs and Tests: A diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. The skin infection is shallow and superficial. A culture of the lesion may show the causative bacteria or fungus.

Treatment: Self-care involves avoiding further damage to the hair follicles and prevention of infection. Minimize friction from clothing. Avoid shaving the area if possible. If shaving is necessary, use a clean new razor blade or an electric razor each time. Keep the area clean.

Avoid reinfection from contaminated clothing, washcloths, etc. Hot moist compresses may promote drainage of extensive folliculitis. Topical (Bactroban) and/or oral antibiotics (e.g., dicloxacillin) or antifungal medications may be needed to control the infection.

Prognosis: Folliculitis usually responds well to treatment, but may recur.

Complications:

• the recurrence of folliculitis
• the spread of infection to other body areas

Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if symptoms recur frequently, if they persist longer than 2 or 3 days, or if the infection spreads.