Acne & Folliculitis Treatment in London
Acne and folliculitis can look very similar, but they often need different treatment plans. At Skinhorizon Clinic in Maida Vale, we identify whether breakouts are acne-dominant, folliculitis-dominant or mixed, then build a staged plan to calm inflammation, reduce recurrence and help prevent scarring.
Reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist. CQC-registered clinic
Private dermatology care in Maida Vale, London. Precise diagnosis
Acne, folliculitis, yeast, bacterial and friction triggers considered. Central London access
Convenient for St John’s Wood, Paddington and West London.
What is the difference between acne and folliculitis?
Acne is inflammation of the pore and oil gland unit, often involving blocked pores, blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots. Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle and may be bacterial, yeast-related or triggered by sweat, shaving, friction or occlusion. They can overlap, which is why accurate diagnosis matters before treatment.
Acne & folliculitis at a glance
| What is Acne & Folliculitis? | Acne affects pores and oil glands. Folliculitis affects hair follicles. Both can cause red bumps, pustules and recurrent breakouts. |
|---|---|
| Key signs of Acne & Folliculitis | Red bumps, pustules, tender spots, blackheads or whiteheads, itch, body breakouts and flares after sweating, shaving or friction. |
| Who gets Acne & Folliculitis? | Teenagers, adults, gym-goers, athletes, people who shave or wax, patients with oily skin, hormonal acne or recurrent follicular inflammation. |
| Why Acne & Folliculitis matters? | Misdiagnosis can lead to treatment failure, repeated flares, pigmentation and acne scarring. |
| Treatment options for Acne & Folliculitis | Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, anti-inflammatory treatment, antimicrobial or yeast-directed regimens, trigger control, LED, PDT, peels and scar prevention where appropriate. |
| Appointments | 7 days a week (subject to availability). |
Acne vs folliculitis: why the distinction matters
Acne and folliculitis are often confused because both can present as inflamed bumps, pustules and recurrent “breakouts”. The key difference is where the inflammation starts. Acne is driven by blocked pores and oil gland activity, while folliculitis is centred on the hair follicle.
This distinction changes treatment. Yeast-related folliculitis may worsen with oily routines or repeated antibiotics, while inflammatory acne may require a structured acne protocol to reduce scarring risk. Many patients have both, so a precise assessment is essential.
Common clues: is it acne or folliculitis?
Mixed lesion types and blocked pores
Blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed spots, jawline or chin flares and a history of marks or acne scars are more typical of acne.
Itchy, uniform follicular bumps
Folliculitis may be itchier, more uniform and triggered by sweat, heat, tight clothing, shaving, waxing or friction.
Mixed patterns are common
Many people have acne on the face and folliculitis on the back, chest, buttocks or beard area. This is why a one-size-fits-all routine often fails.
Book a consultant-led assessment for persistent breakouts
If your “acne” is not responding, it may be folliculitis or a mixed pattern. We diagnose the cause and create a clear plan to calm inflammation, prevent scarring and reduce relapses.
Why breakouts persist: key triggers we look for
Occlusion
Heavy products, thick sunscreens, oils, masks, helmets or tight clothing can block pores and aggravate follicles.
Sweat, heat and friction
Gym training, commuting, hot yoga, sports bras, straps and backpacks can trigger recurrent follicular inflammation.
Shaving and ingrown hairs
Shaving, waxing and grooming can cause follicular trauma and ingrown hairs.
Hormonal influence
Adult acne may flare cyclically, often affecting the lower face, chin and jawline.
Microbiome shifts
Over-cleansing, harsh exfoliation or repeated antibiotics can disrupt the balance of organisms on the skin.
Picking
Picking increases inflammation and raises the risk of post-inflammatory marks and scarring.
How we assess acne and folliculitis
Your consultation focuses on identifying whether lesions are acne-dominant, folliculitis-dominant or mixed. We review lesion type, distribution, triggers, skincare, hair removal, exercise patterns, prior treatments and signs of marks or scarring.
Where clinically relevant, we may recommend digital skin analysis, skin swab testing, fungal testing or blood tests.
Treatment options for acne
Targeted topical therapy
Consistent topical protocols can reduce inflammatory breakouts and blocked pores. Actives are introduced gradually to reduce irritation and protect the skin barrier.
Clinic-led therapies
Selected patients may benefit from photodynamic therapy, LED phototherapy, medical hydro-dermabrasion facial or chemical peels.
Preventing scars and texture change
We stabilise active inflammation first, then plan treatment for marks or scars where needed. Relevant pathways include acne scars treatment and acne scars.
Treatment options for folliculitis
Bacterial folliculitis
Treatment may include targeted wash-based protocols, topical agents and, in recurrent cases, skin swab testing to guide therapy.
Yeast-related folliculitis
Malassezia folliculitis often causes itchy, uniform bumps that flare with heat and sweat. Targeted regimens and trigger control are central.
Shaving-related folliculitis
If shaving or waxing triggers flares, we focus on technique changes, barrier support and reducing follicular trauma. Laser hair removal may help selected patients.
Chronic or scarring patterns
Scalp-based folliculitis and scarring variants such as folliculitis decalvans and folliculitis keloidalis need specialist oversight.
Skin of colour and sensitive skin considerations
In Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin tones, the priority is to calm inflammation while reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We use pigment-aware protocols, avoid unnecessary irritation and build barrier resilience first.
If pigmentation is prominent, we may incorporate care aligned with pigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hyperpigmentation treatment.
How long until you see results?
Timelines depend on severity and trigger, but many patients notice early improvement within 2–6 weeks once the correct plan is in place. The goal is stable control: fewer flares, faster healing and reduced marks.
At-home support: what helps
Keep routines consistent
Frequent product switching can prolong inflammation and irritate the skin barrier.
Avoid harsh scrubs
Scrubbing can worsen redness, marks and barrier disruption.
Shower after sweating
This is especially helpful for back, chest and buttock folliculitis.
Reduce friction
Use breathable fabrics and avoid tight straps or occlusive gym clothing where possible.
Hands off
Picking increases inflammation, dark marks and scarring risk.
Use daily SPF
Sun protection helps reduce persistence of dark marks after inflammation.
Why choose Skinhorizon Clinic?
Consultant dermatologist-led diagnosis
Your care is reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist, with a focus on distinguishing acne, folliculitis and mixed patterns accurately.
CQC-registered private clinic
Skinhorizon Clinic provides private dermatology care in Maida Vale, London, convenient for St John’s Wood, Paddington, West London and Central London.
Clear, staged treatment plans
Plans are evidence-based, realistic and designed to reduce inflammation, recurrence, pigmentation and scarring risk across all skin tones.
Your first visit — what to expect
Assessment
Lesion mapping, distribution, trigger review and evaluation of marks or scarring risk.
Diagnosis
Acne vs folliculitis vs mixed pattern, including yeast, bacteria, friction, shaving or hormones.
Plan
A clear step-by-step routine and medical pathway for treatment and prevention.
Follow-up
Progress review, adjustments and planning for marks or scars once inflammation is controlled.
Maintenance
Long-term strategy to reduce relapse risk through trigger control and skincare optimisation.
Dr Mohammad Ghazavi
Consultant Dermatologist
Skinhorizon Clinic, 4 Clarendon Terrace, Maida Vale, London W9 1BZ.
Last reviewed:
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it’s acne or folliculitis?
Can folliculitis look exactly like acne?
Why do my breakouts worsen after the gym or sweating?
Is treatment safe for darker skin tones?
Will I need antibiotics?
Can acne or folliculitis cause scarring?
How long does it take to see results?
Start with the right diagnosis
If your breakouts keep returning, we can identify whether it is acne, folliculitis or both — and create a plan that supports stable control and clearer skin.