• 09 Aug, 2026
• SendClinic
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Folliculitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | SendClinic

When Your Skin Breaks Out in Tiny, Itchy Bumps

You shave your legs and wake up the next morning with a cluster of small red bumps. Or maybe you spent the weekend in a hot tub and now your back is covered in an itchy rash. These situations are frustrating, but they are also very common. What you might be dealing with is folliculitis — a skin condition that affects the hair follicles. While it sounds scary, folliculitis is usually mild and treatable. Learning a little about it can help you know what to do next.

What Is Folliculitis?

Every hair on your body grows out of a tiny pocket in your skin called a hair follicle. Folliculitis happens when one or more of these follicles become inflamed or infected. The result is small red bumps or pimple-like sores that can appear almost anywhere on your body — your face, scalp, chest, back, arms, or legs.

Folliculitis is very common and can affect people of all ages and skin types. In many cases, it clears up on its own within a few days. But sometimes it sticks around, spreads, or comes back again and again. When that happens, it is a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider who can help figure out what is going on and what to do about it.

What Causes Folliculitis?

The most common cause of folliculitis is a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus, which is normally found on the skin. When it gets inside a damaged or blocked follicle, it can cause an infection. But bacteria are not the only culprit. Folliculitis can also be caused by fungi, viruses, or even a type of mite.

Certain things can make you more likely to develop folliculitis. These include:

• Shaving, waxing, or plucking hair
• Wearing tight clothing that rubs the skin
• Sweating heavily or having skin that stays damp
• Soaking in a poorly maintained hot tub or pool
• Having a weakened immune system
• Using certain medications, like long-term antibiotics or steroids
• Having conditions like diabetes or acne

One specific type, called hot tub folliculitis, is caused by a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which thrives in warm water that is not properly treated with chlorine. It typically causes a rash on areas covered by a swimsuit within a day or two of being in contaminated water.

What Are the Symptoms?

Folliculitis usually looks like a cluster of small red bumps or white-tipped pimples around hair follicles. The bumps may be itchy, tender, or even a little painful. In some cases, they can fill with pus and break open. Most of the time, folliculitis is mild and stays close to the surface of the skin.

More serious cases can involve deeper infection. Signs that folliculitis may be getting worse include:

• Bumps that are growing larger or more painful
• A large, swollen lump under the skin (this could be a boil)
• Skin that feels warm to the touch
• Crusting or oozing from the bumps
• The rash spreading to new areas
• Fever or feeling generally unwell

If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to reach out to a provider sooner rather than later. Infections that go untreated can sometimes spread deeper into the skin or to other parts of the body.

How Is Folliculitis Treated?

Treatment depends on what is causing the folliculitis and how severe it is. Mild cases often get better on their own with simple home care. Keeping the area clean, avoiding shaving over irritated skin, and using a warm compress a few times a day can help soothe discomfort and encourage healing.

When home care is not enough, a healthcare provider may recommend other options. For bacterial folliculitis, an antibiotic cream or oral antibiotic may be suggested. Fungal folliculitis is treated differently — it requires antifungal medication, not antibiotics. This is one reason it is important to have a provider take a look rather than guessing at the cause. Using the wrong treatment can make things worse or delay healing.

If you are dealing with a recurring rash or bumps that are not going away, you do not have to suffer through it alone. Platforms like SendClinic make it easy to connect with a licensed provider by phone or video — no appointment needed and no insurance required. A provider can review your symptoms, help figure out what might be causing your skin issues, and discuss next steps with you from the comfort of home.

How Can You Prevent Folliculitis?

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to lower your chances of getting folliculitis. Since many cases are linked to skin irritation or trapped bacteria, good hygiene and skin care habits go a long way.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Shower after sweating, working out, or soaking in a hot tub
• Use a clean, sharp razor when shaving and shave in the direction of hair growth
• Avoid sharing towels, razors, or washcloths
• Choose loose-fitting clothing when possible to reduce friction
• Change out of wet swimwear promptly
• Keep skin moisturized to prevent dryness and small cracks where bacteria can enter
• Make sure any hot tub or pool you use is properly maintained

People who get folliculitis often find that identifying their personal triggers — such as certain shaving techniques or tight workout gear — helps them prevent future flare-ups.

When Should You See a Provider?

Most mild cases of folliculitis do not need medical attention and will clear up on their own in a week or two. However, you should reach out to a healthcare provider if your symptoms are not improving, are getting worse, or keep coming back. Recurring folliculitis can sometimes point to an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.

You should also seek care promptly if the area becomes very painful, swells significantly, or you develop a fever. These could be signs of a deeper or more serious infection. SendClinic offers fast, affordable telehealth visits that let you talk to a licensed provider the same day — which can make a big difference when you want answers quickly.

The bottom line is that folliculitis is a common and usually manageable skin condition. With the right care and a few smart habits, most people find relief and can prevent it from coming back. You know your body best — do not hesitate to reach out to a provider if something does not feel right.

References

• Winters, Richard D. and Mitchell, Matthew. “Folliculitis.” StatPearls, National Library of Medicine. 2023.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Hot Tub Rash (Pseudomonas Dermatitis / Folliculitis).” CDC. 2024.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Folliculitis.” Mayo Clinic. 2022.
• Luelmo-Aguilar, J. and Santandreu, M.S. “Folliculitis: Recognition and Management.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2004.