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By Mayo Clinic staffAnyone can develop folliculitis, but certain factors make you more susceptible to the condition. These include:
- Medical conditions that reduce your resistance to infection, such as diabetes, chronic leukemia, organ transplantation and HIV/AIDS
- A pre-existing skin condition, such as acne or dermatitis
- Trauma to your skin from surgery
- Long-term antibiotic therapy for acne
- Topical corticosteroid therapy
- Obesity — folliculitis is more common in people who are overweight
- Exposure to hot water, such as a hot tub or a heated swimming pool
References
- 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.