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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffFolliculitis is caused by an infection of the hair follicles by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The most common cause of folliculitis is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Follicles are densest on your scalp, but they occur everywhere on your body except your palms, soles and mucous membranes, such as your lips. If follicles become damaged, they become susceptible to invasion.
The most common causes of follicle damage include:
- Friction from shaving or tight clothing
- Excessive perspiration
- Inflammatory skin conditions, including dermatitis and acne
- Injuries to your skin, such as abrasions or surgical wounds
- Covering your skin with plastic dressings or adhesive tape
- Folliculitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch119/ch119e.htm. Accessed July 30, 2009.
- Luelmo-Aguilar J, et al. Folliculitis recognition and management. American Journal of Dermatology. 2004;5:301.
- Baddour LM. Folliculitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 30, 2009.
- Craft N, et al. Superficial cutaneous infections and pyodermas. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2994673. Accessed Aug. 4, 2009.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Inc; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152685128-4/0/1195/59.html?tocnode=51440865&fromURL=59.html. Accessed Aug. 5, 2009.
- Stevens DL. Infections of the skin, muscle, and soft tissues. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2860782. Accessed Aug. 4, 2009.
- Parker SRS, et al. Eosinophilic folliculitis in HIV-infected women. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2006;7:193.
- Bacterial infections. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Inc; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152685128-4/0/1195/53.html?tocnode=51440785&fromURL=53.html. Accessed Aug. 5, 2009.
- Folliculitis. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Inc; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/152685128-4/0/1195/54.html?tocnode=51440831&fromURL=54.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50011-X--cesec46_984. Accessed Aug. 5, 2009.
