Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What condition results from the inflammation of hair follicles due to bacterial infection?

1. Folliculitis

2. Tinea corporis

3. Psoriasis

4. Eczema

The correct answer is: Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the condition characterized by inflammation of hair follicles, typically resulting from a bacterial infection. When hair follicles become irritated or infected, they can become red, swollen, and painful, often leading to small pus-filled bumps surrounding the hair follicles. This inflammation usually occurs due to the Staphylococcus bacteria, which can enter the follicles through various means such as shaving, friction from clothing, or blocked follicles. In contrast, tinea corporis is a fungal infection also known as ringworm, which presents as circular, red patches on the skin but is distinctly different from folliculitis. Psoriasis is primarily an autoimmune disorder that leads to rapid skin cell production, causing scaling and inflammation, rather than an issue specifically with hair follicles. Eczema represents a group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, itchy, and red, generally not involving the hair follicles in the way folliculitis does. Thus, by focusing specifically on the inflammation of the hair follicles and the bacterial infection associated with it, folliculitis is correctly identified as the condition in question.