Final answer:
Barber's itch, more formally known as folliculitis, is caused by the bacterial infection of inflamed hair follicles, often due to ingrown hairs from shaving or hair removal. Preventing the condition involves avoiding skin irritants and tight clothing; treatment can include topical antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Barber's itch, also known as folliculitis, is the inflammation of the hair follicles caused by a bacterial infection from ingrown hairs. This condition often manifests as itchy, red, and pus-filled bumps on the skin. Shaving or other hair removal methods can sometimes lead to ingrown hairs, which in turn may cause folliculitis.
Inflammation of the hair follicles can also be contributed to by factors such as sweat, skin injuries, use of tight clothing and general skin irritation. To prevent such infections, one should avoid skin irritation and tight clothing. When folliculitis does occur, treatment might involve the use of topical antibiotics and in some cases, further medical treatment is required if the infection is persistent or severe. Folliculitis is typically diagnosed by a visual inspection of the skin, and the treatment usually commences without the need for culturing the bacteria causing the infection.