Hey everyone! Welcome back to the Snake Health Podcast. I’m your host, Snake Nguyen, and today we’re talking about a common skin issue that many people don’t even realize they have — folliculitis, or in simple terms, inflammation of the hair follicles.

Let’s start with the basics — what is folliculitis?

Your hair follicles are tiny sacs under the skin that help grow your hair. Folliculitis happens when these follicles get infected, usually by bacteria, and become red, itchy, and sometimes filled with pus.

This condition can pop up anywhere — your arms, legs, back, even your face or scalp. It’s more likely to affect areas with a lot of hair or where there’s frequent friction or sweating.

So what causes it?

The most common culprit is a bacteria called Staph aureus, but yeast, fungi, even viruses like herpes can trigger it. Things like shaving, tight clothes, poor hygiene, or soaking in unclean hot tubs can increase your risk. Sometimes, it’s even caused by ingrown hairs, especially after shaving.

There are two main types: superficial and deep.

Superficial folliculitis affects just the top of the follicle and usually clears up on its own. But deep folliculitis can be more painful, causing larger boils or clusters that may need medical attention.

You’ll typically see red bumps, whiteheads, or itchy skin around the hair follicles. If the infection spreads, it can become more serious — causing fever, swelling, or even scars.

Now, how do you treat it?

Mild cases? Keep the area clean and dry. Use gentle cleansers and avoid shaving or irritating the skin. For more serious cases, doctors may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics, antifungal creams, or even drain larger boils.

In some cases, laser treatment is used to reduce hair growth in problematic areas.

And of course — prevention is key!

Wear breathable clothing, avoid sharing personal items, and don’t overdo hot baths or pool time. Moisturize your skin, be gentle when shaving, and stay cool and clean — especially in hot weather.

That’s all for today’s episode! If this helped you understand folliculitis a little better, share it with a friend, and be sure to follow the Snake Health Podcast for more simple health tips. Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you in the next one!

For more info, check out the article for detail here!