Vulvar folliculitis is a condition whereby the hair follicles of the vulva become inflamed and possibly infected. This can occur when your immunity is low or there has been damage to a hair follicle on the vulva. In this case, the vulva does not mean any part that does not contain pubic hair, since skin without hair does not contain hair follicles.

Infection in the follicle can be caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis or Streptococcus, and can be short-term or ongoing, chronic vulvar folliculitis.

Symptoms of vulvar folliculitis

• Inflamed hair follicles
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
• Irritation
• Triggered by scratching, heat, humidity, sweating, friction
• More common in overweight or obese women
• Can occur due to vaginal secretions containing inflammatory agents

Treatment for vulvar folliculitis

Typical treatment is antibiotics, however topical treatments may be just as effective without the use of systemic antibiotics.

Prevention of vulvar folliculitis

Preventative strategies include keeping the vulva clean, dry, and avoid any irritations.