Hair follicles are tiny openings in your skin where hair grows. Follicular eczema is a skin condition that affects these areas. If you notice small bumps forming around your hair follicles, you might have follicular eczema.

Like other forms of eczema, follicular eczema can cause dry, itchy, flaky skin. These symptoms often show up in hairy areas of the chest, arms, stomach, back, or legs. Here’s what you need to know about follicular eczema, including common symptoms, possible causes, and ways to manage flare-ups.

What Triggers Follicular Eczema?

Health experts aren’t exactly sure why some people get follicular eczema and others don’t. The reason may be linked to certain inherited genes that affect how the immune system and skin barrier work.

Like other types, follicular eczema tends to flare up when the immune system reacts to certain eczema triggers, such as allergens or irritants. Common triggers include:

• Cold or hot weather
• Dust
• Soaps and detergents
• Scratchy fabrics such as wool
• Perfumes, lotions, sprays, and cosmetics
• Chlorine in swimming pools

Follicular eczema may also be connected to a weakened skin barrier. When the outer layer of skin doesn’t contain enough protective proteins, it can’t lock in moisture or keep germs out. This allows bacteria and other microbes to enter the skin and cause inflammation.

Scratching itchy skin can break the skin, raising the risk of infections — especially from bacteria or fungi. These skin infections can cause folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) and trigger or worsen symptoms of follicular eczema.

What Are the Symptoms of Follicular Eczema?

Follicular eczema tends to show up in areas with more body hair, such as the chest, arms, stomach, back, or legs. Symptoms can include:

• Dry skin
• Patches of thickened or hardened skin
• An itchy rash that forms around hair follicles
• Papules (small red or gray bumps that may look like goosebumps)

Eczema often involves large patches of itchy skin or bumps that look red on lighter skin and brown, purple, or ashy on darker skin. After an eczema flare-up, the affected skin may look lighter or darker than your natural skin tone — a common change called postinflammatory discoloration. This usually fades over time, though it can take several months.

How Is Follicular Eczema Treated?

Follicular eczema treatment options are similar to those of other types of eczema. The goal is to reduce itching, calm inflammation, and help the skin barrier heal. Here’s how to care for your skin and manage symptoms.

Skin Care When Bathing

Good skin care is the first step in treating follicular eczema. When you take a bath or shower, use warm water — not hot — to avoid worsening dry skin. Keep baths short, and avoid scrubbing. Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that won’t irritate your skin.

Some people find oatmeal baths or diluted bleach baths helpful. These may ease skin inflammation, improve skin barrier function, and reduce the amount of harmful bacteria on the skin. If you’re considering a bleach bath, talk with your dermatologist (skin doctor) first. They can guide you on how to dilute bleach safely and use it correctly.

Moisturizers

Keeping your skin moisturized is essential. Emollients (thick moisturizers) help trap moisture and protect the skin. Look for fragrance-free options such as:

• Petroleum jelly
• Shea butter
• Creams or ointments made for sensitive skin

The best time to moisturize is right after bathing, when your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in hydration. If you’re unsure what type of product works best for areas with body hair, ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation. They can help answer specific questions, such as “What is the best lotion for follicular eczema?”

Steroid Creams

Topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone are often used to treat eczema. Some steroids are available over the counter, and others require a prescription. Steroids are often used only for short periods of time, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Newer nonsteroid creams are also available. These options may help reduce the need for frequent steroid use.

Phototherapy

If your follicular eczema is severe or doesn’t improve with creams, your doctor may recommend phototherapy. This treatment uses ultraviolet light to calm inflammation in affected areas. Phototherapy is provided by a healthcare professional and is safe for all skin tones.

Systemic Therapies

For widespread or hard-to-treat eczema, systemic therapy may help. These are medications you take by mouth or injection to treat inflammation throughout the body. Types of systemic treatments include:

• Biologics (such as monoclonal antibodies)
• Oral corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressants (like azathioprine and cyclosporine)
• Methotrexate

Researchers are continuing to study new treatments to help people with eczema. Your dermatology provider can help you understand the risks and benefits of each option and find a plan that works for you.

Find Your Team

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema, members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and share their experiences with others who understand life with eczema.

Are you living with follicular eczema? How does your skin condition affect your quality of life? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation on your Activities page.