Introduction
Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles, most commonly due to
infection. Ingrown hairs and trauma from shaving or waxing promote
follicular occlusion and irritation and increase risk of folliculitis.
Folliculitis is classified by depth of infection. Superficial
folliculitis involves the superficial part of the hair follicle
(infundibulum) while deep folliculitis involves the entire hair
follicle. On examination, inflammation of superficial folliculitis is
restricted to the epidermis. Deep folliculitis is distinguished by
widespread erythema, edema, and tenderness involving the dermis.