Which condition is characterized by the inflammation of hair follicles?

Folliculitis is characterized by the inflammation of hair follicles. This condition occurs when the follicles become inflamed, often due to infection by bacteria or fungi, or irritation from shaving, wearing tight clothing, or other factors. The result is typically red, swollen bumps around the hair follicles, sometimes filled with pus, which can occur on any part of the body where hair grows.

In contrast, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in scaly patches, primarily on the elbows, knees, and scalp. Dermatitis refers to general inflammation of the skin, which can take various forms, such as allergic contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, but is not specifically tied to hair follicles. Acne, while it can involve hair follicles, is primarily due to the clogging of sebaceous glands and the accumulation of oil and bacteria, leading to pimples and cysts, rather than inflammation exclusively of the hair follicles themselves.