There are several skin complications related to diabetes. Folliculitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of hair follicles that occurs in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. There are two forms of folliculitis, superficial and deep. Superficial folliculitis effects the upper hair follicle causing red or pus-filled bumps around the hair follicle resembling whiteheads, pus-filled blisters that rupture, inflamed skin, and itchiness or tenderness. Deep folliculitis affects the entire hair follicle with infection based in the cutis. Symptoms are large pus-filled blisters the rupture, a large swollen mass, pain, and possible scarring.

Diabetes: Folliculitis Bacterial Infections

Several strains of bacteria cause superficial folliculitis. The most common type is caused by Staphylococcus aureus (which lives on the skin) and can breakout anywhere on the body. Colloquially known as “barber’s itch” for men, women also may experience infection after shaving their legs, armpits, or bikini area. S. aureus can also enter …