Staph in hair follicle, or staphylococcal folliculitis, occurs when Staphylococcus bacteria infect hair follicles, creating red, pus-filled bumps. This common skin infection often appears on areas with coarse or thick hair, like the beard, legs, or groin.
The bacteria enter through small nicks or cuts in the skin near hair follicles. Once inside, they multiply, triggering inflammation and infection. The body responds with white blood cells, forming pus-a mix of dead cells, bacteria, and fluid.
| Type | Cause | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial folliculitis | Staphylococcus aureus | Beard, legs, arms |
| Deep folliculitis | Same bacteria, deeper infection | Buttocks, thighs |
| Hot tub folliculitis | Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Chest, back, shoulders |
Staph bacteria thrive on skin surfaces. They enter hair follicles through:
Contrary to popular belief, staph infections aren't always from dirty environments. Even clean settings like hot tubs can harbor bacteria.
Mild cases often clear on their own. For persistent infections, doctors prescribe:
Many confuse staph infections with other conditions like acne or fungal infections. Unlike acne, staph bumps are uniformly inflamed and often appear suddenly. Fungal infections (like ringworm) cause scaling or rings, absent in staph folliculitis.
I once treated a patient with recurring beard bumps. After testing, we identified staph folliculitis. A course of oral antibiotics and improved shaving techniques resolved the issue within weeks.