Folliculitis is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Diffuse hair loss across the scalp
• B. Red ring around a tick bite
• C. Pustules at hair follicles with inflammation of a hair follicle
• D. Raised wheals due to allergic reaction

Answer: (C)

Folliculitis is an infection-driven inflammation of one or more hair follicles, typically presenting as pustules that form at the opening of a hair follicle with nearby redness and tenderness. That description lines up with pustules at hair follicles with inflammation of the follicle. The other scenarios describe different conditions: diffuse hair loss points to alopecia, a red ring around a tick bite suggests a tick-borne reaction like erythema around a bite, and raised wheals are urticaria from an allergic reaction. Recognizing pustules at follicles helps distinguish folliculitis from these other skin issues.