Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles that affects men more than women. It is characterized by a cluster of pustules or lesions surrounded by redness. It can be caused by a number of things including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas  aeruginosa and fungus.

It can appear anywhere on the body but in men, it is common to find on the face. This painful eruption involves the beard and moustache area, and is more common in black men.

Shaving aggravates it and as such, growing a beard helps, trimming hair growth with scissors or using sharp blades may help. Treatment involves topical antibiotics and in some cases, antibiotics by mouth.

“Hot tub folliculitis” is another common inflammation of the hair follicles caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diagnosis is easy to establish as the rash is usually seen along the bathing suit area. Treatment is not needed generally because the rash clears spontaneously.

For more information about folliculitis, follow this link to the Mayo clinic.