What is the main pathogen in folliculitis?

Folliculitis is primarily an inflammation of the hair follicles often caused by a bacterial infection. The most common pathogen responsible for this condition is Staphylococcus aureus. This organism is a Gram-positive bacterium that can easily colonize the skin and cause localized infections, particularly in areas where hair follicles are present.

Staphylococcus aureus is well-known for its ability to thrive in follicular openings, leading to the characteristic pustules or inflammation associated with folliculitis. Other factors, such as friction, sweat, and hot tub use, can exacerbate conditions that lead to folliculitis, with Staphylococcus aureus being the frequently isolated bacteria in these cases.

While other pathogens can be involved in infections affecting skin in various ways, they are not typically associated with this specific condition. For instance, Escherichia coli is generally linked to gastrointestinal infections, Streptococcus pyogenes can cause deeper skin infections such as cellulitis, and Clostridium perfringens is associated with gas gangrene and soft tissue infections, rather than superficial follicular inflammation.