Folliculitis (superficial folliculitis) L01.0

Single or multiple pierced by a hair, acute, more rarely chronic, only slightly to moderately painful, red, flat or pointed conical papules/papulo-pustule of the skin, with little collateral erythema. Impetigo Bockhart is a special form that occurs mainly in children.

There is no reliable information on prevalence and incidence. However, it is probably one of the most common skin diseases.

Predilection sites are regions of the face, neck, axillae, buttocks and thighs (usually on the extensor side) that are rich in sebaceous glands.

Mostly solitary, less frequently multiple, developing within a few hours, initially only slightly painful, but increasingly more painful in the course of time, red, initially flat, but later on raised, conical, smooth-surfaced follicular papules ("pimples"). Folliculitis that do not melt down usually persist for 7-10 days and heal (if not artificially crushed or scratched) usually without scarring.

Non-melting (deep or superficial) folliculitis is generally referred to as "folliculitis" without any addition.

In the case of deep melting folliculitis, the term boils is common.

This form of folliculitis is colloquially known as "pimples".

1. Laureano AC et al (2014) Facial bacterial infections: folliculitis. Clin Dermatol 32:711-714
2. Sardana K (2014) Follicular disorders of the face. Clin Dermatol 32:839-872