Which statement best describes the broad cause of folliculitis with a stoma?

• A. Superficial hair follicles becoming irritated by chemical irritation or physical injury
• B. Inflammation and irritation allows bacteria to grow in follicle
• C. Both A and B
• D. Predisposing patient factors

Answer: (C)

Folliculitis around a stoma arises when the superficial hair follicles are irritated by friction, moisture, or chemical irritants from the appliance and surrounding skin. This irritation triggers local inflammation in the follicle, and that inflamed environment allows bacteria to invade and multiply within the follicle. So the broad cause is the combination of mechanical/chemical irritation leading to inflammation, plus bacterial growth in the follicle. Predisposing factors can raise risk, but they don’t alone describe the full mechanism. In practice, using a well-fitting appliance, minimizing irritants, and keeping the skin clean helps prevent this condition.