Folliculitis is inflammation around the opening (follicle) of the hair shaft. Folliculitis appears as small pustules (pus) at the opening (infundibulum) of the follicle. If the folliculitis is a sterile type, the pus, when viewed under the microscope, will be composed of only white blood cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, or PMNs for short). However, if the folliculitis is caused by a bacteria (e.g., staphylococcus), the pus will contain the bacteria in addition to the PMNs.

Folliculitis can have many causes including infectious (e.g., staph, viral, or fungal), inflammatory (e.g., acne, rosacea, or hidradenitis), sterile, and drug-induced (e.g., corticosteroids, testosterone injections, or other medications) and can even be caused by excessive sweating (miliaria pustulosa). In the case of miliaria pustulosa, the pus will be seen at the openings of the sweat ducts rather than the hair follicles. People are even prone to getting folliculitis from using contaminated hot tubs (usually caused by a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Folliculitis most commonly occurs on the torso, particularly on the back, but frequently may also affect the buttocks, thighs, or scalp. Regardless of the cause of the folliculitis, the use of sulfur soap in the shower provides a very effective response. Caution must be used, however, in the selection of the sulfur soap. Most sulfur soaps on the market contain lanolin, other oils, or lipids that will plug the pores (follicles) and actually exacerbate the problem. CutiCare_MD^® Sulfur Soap contains 10% sulfur with no lanolin, oils, or sensitizing (allergy causing) preservatives or fragrances. Treating folliculitis requires the CutiCare_MD^® Sulfur Soap to be used in the shower once or twice daily. Use of a back scrubber will help the suds to be effective. Leaving the suds on for 1-2 minutes will also help the soap to work better. Please see our 10% Sulfur Soap product page to order CutiCare_MD^® Sulfur Soap.