Gram-negative folliculitis is the word used to describe any inflammation of one or more hair follicles anywhere in the skin. The disorder is caused by damage to the follicles, by a blocked follicle, by shaving, or by friction caused by clothing, helmet straps, and the like. Hair follicles in the neck, groin, or genital area are particularly susceptible to inflammation. The damaged follicle is most frequently infected with staphylococcal bacteria when infection is present. Folliculitis can also occur if a curly facial hair is shaved too closely and irritates the skin.

This second form of scalp folliculitis is caused by a section of the hair shaft that has been pressed or grown back into the skin. Both types occur mostly in men. The second form is especially prominent in African American men. Treating folliculitis is not a serious condition, but it does require prompt attention if the area becomes infected or if the infection spreads.Seek prompt medical careif, after home treatment, symptoms happen again over and over again, if they persist for more than two or three days, or if the infection spreads. Its symptom includes an itchy skin rash with pimples or pustules developing near a hair follicle.

These most frequently appear in the neck, groin, or genital areas. In some cases, the pimples may develop a crust. Fungal folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph). Barber's itch is a staph infection of the hair follicles in the beard area of the face, usually the upper lip. Tinea barbae is similar to barber's itch, but the infection is caused by a fungus.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a disorder that occurs mainly in black men. If curly beard hairs are cut too short, they may curve back into the skin and cause inflammation. Folliculitis may caused by damage to the hair follicles due to clothing especially rough fabrics such as wool, helmet straps, or other objects rubbing against the hair or beard. It can also develop from a blocked follicle or as a result of shaving.

As the summer months approach, there is often a rush to get our bodies in peak warm weather condition. We are quick to purchase sunscreen, sunglasses and shaving cream. We want our bodies to be temples of beauty that we can show off as we stroll across the beach. In our haste to have smooth skin, we may run into a common infection if we don't take the proper precautions. Gram-negative folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. It can occur on the face, armpits, legs, arms, or scalp. Mild cases tend to cause itching while severe cases can lead to deep scarring. It is caused by bacteria that enter the skin through the small opening of the hair follicle.

There are tips that may help to prevent this skin infection. It is by using an anti-bacterial soap and scalp folliculitis shampoo. Before you shave, make sure to cleanse your skin of harmful bacteria by using this type of soap. Use an electric razor. Be careful not to cut or nick yourself because cuts can be invitations to this infection. Use a new razor each time you shave. A dull razor can easily break the skin. Wear loose fitting garments. Let your skin breathe after you shave. This will minimize friction that can damage the hair follicles. This is a must if you have sensitive skin.

Try to prevent chafing because this abrades the skin and can also create this infection. Avoid scratching. This infection can be itchy or sore. Never scratch the blisters of your hair follicles because this can cause bacteria to travel to your fingernails and spread this infection to other areas of skin. Use different methods of hair removal. If you are prone to folliculitis, consider other ways of removing hair other than shaving. This includes waxing, depilatory creams, or permanent laser hair removal. Hot tubs should always be cleaned and sanitized regularly. Be cautious when before using a public hot tub because bacteria may be lurking in the water.