What does the term 'folliculitis' refer to?

Folliculitis refers specifically to the inflammation or infection of hair follicles. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including bacterial infections, fungal infections, or irritation from shaving and other hair removal methods. When hair follicles become infected, it can lead to red, swollen bumps and sometimes pustules surrounding the affected follicles. Understanding this term is essential for those in the field of hair removal, as it highlights the importance of proper technique and hygiene to prevent such complications.

While the other options address different hair or skin conditions, they do not accurately capture the specific nature of folliculitis. General hair loss describes a different phenomenon, excessive hair growth pertains to hypertrichosis or hirsutism, and skin irritation can result from various factors but does not necessarily involve the infection or inflammation of hair follicles. These distinctions are crucial for effectively diagnosing and addressing hair-related skin conditions.