Folliculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Folliculitis?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, is the specialist for folliculitis. A primary care doctor can often recognize and treat it, and may refer you to a dermatologist if it spreads widely or does not clear up. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which a hair follicle becomes infected or inflamed. A hair follicle is the tiny pocket in the skin that a hair grows from. It forms a pustule, a small bump filled with pus, or a red bump on skin that has hair. It is not life threatening, and in most cases it clears up on its own. It can cause more trouble in people with a weak immune system. Sometimes it becomes a more serious infection.
Symptoms
Folliculitis shows up on skin that has hair. Signs can include:
- Small pustules, which are pus-filled bumps, with redness around the hair follicle.
- Hot tub folliculitis starts as an itchy, bumpy, red rash. Symptoms can appear from several hours to 5 days after contact with the bacteria.
- The hot tub rash may turn into dark red, tender lumps, have bumps that fill with pus, or look like acne.
- Some people with hot tub folliculitis feel ill or have a fever or swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small glands that swell when the body fights an infection.
Causes and who gets it
Most often, folliculitis comes from a bacterial infection of the hair follicle. The most common form is usually caused by a germ called Staphylococcus aureus, often called staph. Hot tub folliculitis is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that survives in hot tubs, especially tubs made of wood.
Folliculitis can also be caused by fungi or viruses. Pityrosporum folliculitis is caused by a type of fungus called Malassezia. Ingrown hairs, and certain medicines, can also inflame hair follicles.
You are more likely to get it if you have diabetes or obesity, or a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics by mouth for a long time or shaving often also raises the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors usually diagnose folliculitis by asking questions and looking at the skin. They may ask about hot tub or pool use, antibiotics taken by mouth, and steroid creams. In general, lab tests and scans are not needed. A skin biopsy is sometimes needed to tell folliculitis from a look-alike condition. For a biopsy, a doctor removes a tiny piece of skin to study it.
Treatment
In most cases of folliculitis, the only treatment needed is time, because it clears up on its own. A simple staph case with a few pustules often clears up within a few days. Mild hot tub folliculitis often clears on its own, and anti-itch medicines can ease the discomfort.
Home care can help. Use a warm compress, a warm, wet cloth, several times a day for up to 15 minutes. Avoid scratching or shaving the affected area, which can add irritation and may spread the germ.
If the skin problem is more widespread, a doctor may use an antibiotic cream. Deeper infections, such as boils or carbuncles, may need antibiotics taken by mouth. Fungal folliculitis from Malassezia is often treated with antifungal medicine taken by mouth. Any medicine can cause side effects, such as drug allergies or bad reactions with other medicines.
Keeping the acid levels and the chlorine, bromine, or ozone of a hot tub in the right range may help prevent hot tub folliculitis.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if the bumps cover a large area, do not clear up on their own, or do not clear up after treatment. It can sometimes become cellulitis, a spreading skin infection, or an abscess, a pocket of pus. A boil is a deeper infection of a group of hair follicles. Contact a provider if a boil comes with a fever, red streaks coming out from the sore, a large build-up of fluid in the area, or other symptoms of infection. Tell your doctor early if you have a weak immune system.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at the skin, review your history, and follow up on how it is healing. They can also arrange a referral to a dermatologist if needed.
Common questions
Is folliculitis contagious?
It can be, depending on the cause. Hot tub folliculitis comes from bacteria in the water, so other people who used the same hot tub may get the same rash. Scratching or shaving an affected area may also spread the germ that caused it.
Does folliculitis go away on its own?
Often, yes. Most cases clear up without medicine, and the outlook for a full recovery is very good.
Can shaving cause folliculitis?
Yes, shaving can play a part. People who shave often are more likely to get folliculitis, and ingrown hairs can inflame hair follicles. Avoid shaving the affected area.
Can a hot tub cause folliculitis?
Yes, a hot tub can cause folliculitis. The rash can start from several hours to 5 days after contact with the bacteria. Hot tub folliculitis usually clears without scarring.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
