In short
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles. Bacteria, viruses or fungi can cause it, and so can things that are not infections, such as drug reactions.
Worth knowing3
A yeast called Malassezia can cause a pimple-like folliculitis. It looks a lot like bacterial folliculitis and acne, so it is often mistaken for them.
Martínez-Ortega JIThe yeast type is more likely with heavy sweating, hot climates, a lot of physical activity, recent antibiotics or corticosteroids, and a weakened immune system.
Martínez-Ortega JIIn teenagers, the yeast type often exists together with acne.
Martínez-Ortega JI
What helps1
Telling the yeast type apart from other folliculitis matters, because it needs antifungal treatment.
Martínez-Ortega JI
See a provider if1
If pimple-like bumps do not improve with acne products, a health care provider can check for another cause. Acne medicines and antibiotics can make a fungal folliculitis worse.
Martínez-Ortega JI
Sources
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