Anyone can develop folliculitis wherever hair follicles are present on the body. The lesions in folliculitis most frequently involve the chest, back, and legs. Other common locations include the face, neck, thighs and buttocks. Although possible, it is rare to have it widespread all over the body. It does not affect the eyes, mouth, palms, or soles, where there are no hair follicles. Folliculitis is estimated to affect more 10%-20% of people at some point in their lives.
Certain groups of people are more prone to develop folliculitis. People with diabetes and those with a compromised immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, chronic illnesses, cancer, systemic chemotherapy, immune-suppressing drugs) may be more prone to develop folliculitis.