Folliculitis and Ingrown Hairs: Causes and Treatment
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 5 November 2026
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Folliculitis is swelling or infection of the hair follicles. It looks like small red or pus-filled spots around a hair, which may itch or sting. It is usually caused by germs, shaving or ingrown hairs, and most cases clear at home within a few days. In Spain it is called foliculitis. This guide is by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
- Folliculitis means red or pus-filled spots centred on a hair, often itchy.
- Common causes are skin germs, shaving, waxing, tight clothes and sweat.
- Ingrown hairs grow back into the skin and cause shaving folliculitis.
- Warm compresses, clean skin, loose clothes and a break from shaving are often enough.
- See a doctor if it spreads, you have a fever, it is very painful or it keeps coming back.
What is folliculitis?
Each hair grows from a tiny pocket in the skin called a follicle. When it gets irritated or infected, red spots or pus spots appear with a hair in the middle. It can show up anywhere there is hair: the beard, neck, armpits, groin, legs, buttocks or back.
What causes folliculitis?
- Germs: mostly Staphylococcus aureus, which lives on the skin.
- Shaving and waxing: these damage the follicle and lead to ingrown hairs.
- Rubbing and sweat: tight clothes, sport or heat.
- Hot tubs and poorly cleaned pools: these cause "hot tub folliculitis", with itchy spots, often under the swimsuit.
- Yeasts (fungi): these cause itchy spots on the back and chest.
- Other factors: diabetes, a weak immune system and some steroid creams.
What are ingrown hairs?
An ingrown hair is a hair that curls back and grows into the skin after it is cut. The skin treats it like a splinter and swells. They are common in the beard, groin and legs, mostly with curly hair. In the beard it is called pseudofolliculitis barbae, or razor bumps.
To free an ingrown hair, hold a warm compress on it for a few minutes. Do not dig it out with a needle or tweezers if it is deep. It can get infected and leave a mark or scar.
How do you treat folliculitis at home?
- Hold a clean, warm, damp cloth on it several times a day.
- Wash the area with water and mild soap. Dry it with your own towel.
- Do not squeeze or scratch the spots.
- Stop shaving or waxing the area until it heals.
- Wear loose cotton clothes.
- Wash towels and clothes on a hot wash.
Mild folliculitis usually clears on its own within a few days.
How can I shave without getting folliculitis?
- Wet the skin with warm water and use shaving gel or foam.
- Shave in the direction the hair grows. Do not stretch the skin.
- Use a clean, sharp blade, and do not share it.
- Think about an electric shaver or trimming instead of a close shave.
- If ingrown hairs keep coming back, a doctor can advise on other ways to remove hair.
When do you need medical treatment?
If folliculitis does not get better in a week, spreads or keeps coming back, a doctor may suggest an antiseptic wash, an antibiotic cream such as mupirocin or fusidic acid, an antifungal, or, if it is widespread, antibiotic tablets. In Spain, antibiotic creams and tablets need a prescription. At the farmacia, ask about a gentle antiseptic (antiséptico) for the skin.
Pilonidal cyst: when a lump near the tailbone is a warning sign
A painful lump at the top of the buttock crease, near the tailbone, may be a pilonidal cyst or sinus. It forms when hairs push into the skin there. If it gets infected, it swells, hurts when you sit and may leak pus or blood. It needs a doctor: a pilonidal abscess is usually drained in person. If you have a fever or the pain gets worse fast, go to A&E (urgencias).
A painful lump in the armpit is a different problem. See our guide to an armpit boil.
When to see a doctor
- The spots spread or are not better after a week of home care.
- A large, hard, painful lump (a boil) appears.
- Folliculitis keeps coming back.
- You have diabetes or a weak immune system.
- It leaves dark marks or scars.
When to go to A&E or call 112
Go to A&E if you have a fever, chills, or a red, hot, swollen patch that is spreading. Call 112 for very fast breathing, confusion, or blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
Frequently asked questions about folliculitis
Is folliculitis contagious?
Folliculitis caused by germs can spread if you share towels or razors. Folliculitis from rubbing or shaving does not spread.
How long does folliculitis take to heal?
Mild folliculitis usually gets better in a few days with home care. If it is not better in a week, see a doctor.
What is the difference between folliculitis and acne?
Acne comes from blocked pores on the face, chest and back, with blackheads. Folliculitis is centred on a hair and can appear anywhere with hair.
Does laser hair removal help ingrown hairs?
Laser reduces hair growth and often cuts down ingrown hairs. Wait until the skin has healed and use a trained professional.
Can a doctor check folliculitis by video?
Yes. A doctor can look at your skin on video, ask about your symptoms and decide if home care is enough, if you need treatment, or if you need to be seen in person.
Getting a medical assessment
If you have spots or ingrown hairs that will not settle, you can book a video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a physician registered in Spain. You can also read about rashes and skin problems and rough bumps on the arms. A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following sources.
