What is the medical term for infected hair follicles?

Folliculitis is the medical term that specifically refers to the inflammation and infection of hair follicles. This condition can occur when hair follicles become blocked or irritated, leading to red, pus-filled bumps that can be painful and uncomfortable. It often arises from bacterial infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, or from fungal infections.

Understanding that folliculitis is directly related to hair follicles helps clarify its specific nature, distinguishing it from other terms. For instance, steatoma refers to a sebaceous cyst, which is a benign lump filled with sebum, keratin refers to a type of protein that makes up hair and skin, and lentigines are flat brown spots on the skin that are commonly associated with sun exposure, and do not involve inflammation or infection of hair follicles. Thus, folliculitis is the term that accurately describes the infection of hair follicles.