Professional Faqs: How Does Folliculitis Spread Over Entire Body?

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Expert opinion from Robert H. Shmerling

M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA

Folliculitis is an inflammation around a hair follicle. It is often due to an infection (especially Staphylococcus), which may be bacterial, viral or fungal. However, it can also develop due to skin irritation, hairstyles that pull on the hair, medications or immune suppression. While folliculitis tends to affect one area of the body (such as the scalp or beard), folliculitis can occur anywhere there is hair. Folliculitis is more likely to be widespread when it’s due to a body-wide exposure (such as swimming in contaminated water), fungal infection or in the setting of immune suppression such as HIV infection.

Expert opinion from Mohan P. Abraham

M.D., FAAFP (Family Physician) · 40 years of experience · USA

Folliculities can spread over the entire body if the person who is scratching the bumps touches another part of the body or uses a towel or a razor that has touched the affected area.

→ Learn more about folliculitis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

→ See more questions and expert answers related to folliculitis.

Expert opinion from Alex T. Thomas

MD · 40 years of experience · USA

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It spreads by contact; our hands carry organisms from one place to another, and hence it spreads.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.