Risk factors

Anyone can develop folliculitis. But certain factors make you more susceptible to the condition, including:

• Having a medical condition that reduces your resistance to infection, such as diabetes, chronic leukemia and HIV/AIDS
• Having acne or dermatitis
• Taking some medications, such as steroid creams or long-term antibiotic therapy for acne
• Being a male with curly hair who shaves
• Regularly wearing clothing that traps heat and sweat, such as rubber gloves or high boots
• Soaking in a hot tub that's not maintained well
• Causing damage to hair follicles by shaving, waxing or wearing tight clothing