You’re diligently sticking to your routine, yet those pesky bumps keep appearing in clusters, often along your hairline, chest, or jawline. You assume it’s acne, but if your standard breakout treatments aren’t working, you might be treating the wrong thing.
At The Clear Labs, we believe in precise, targeted care. The key to clear skin is understanding the source of the bump: Is it a clogged pore (Acne) or an irritated hair follicle (Folliculitis)?
They look similar, but their causes—and therefore their treatments—are entirely different.
Part 1: Acne (Acne Vulgaris) – The Clogged Pore
Acne is a condition of the sebaceous (oil) glands. It occurs when excess oil and dead skin cells clog the pore, creating a breeding ground for P. acnes bacteria.
| Feature | Description |
| The Cause | Overproduction of sebum (oil) + Dead Skin Cells (Keratin). |
| Appearance | Varies widely: Blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and deep cysts. |
| Location | Typically concentrated on the face and upper back/chest (areas with high oil gland density). |
| Sensation | Can be painful, especially when cystic, but often deep and isolated. |
| Texture | Individual lesions with surrounding inflamed skin. |
* Pop at home if acne is small, but visit a dermatologist if it is visibly big and red.
Part 2: Folliculitis – The Inflamed Hair Root
Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicle itself. It often resembles acne but is caused by fungi or external sources, not primarily by oil.
| Feature | Description |
| The Cause | Bacteria (often Staph), yeast (fungal), shaving irritation, or prolonged sweating/friction. |
| Appearance | Small, uniform, often itchy red bumps or pustules centered around a hair follicle. |
| Location | Commonly appears in clusters on the hairline, scalp, chest, legs, arms, and friction areas (like the jawline from masks/helmets). |
| Sensation | Often itchy, sometimes slightly painful, and appears suddenly. |
| Texture | Uniform, shallow bumps often appearing in a tight grouping. |
* NEVER POP A Folliculitis. Don't put skincare on it, and apply Bactroban ointment(can be purchased at a pharmacy).
