Mild folliculitis often settles down with an antiseptic wash. More severe folliculitis might need antibiotic ointment or tablets. If the infection has progressed into a large boil, this may need draining by a doctor. If you have folliculitis from shaving, taking a break from shaving can help it settle down.
Gentamicin cream helps treat folliculitis by halting the growth of bacteria. It is usually more effective in minor cases that have not spread too far or too deep into the follicles. Application: Clean the affected area with gauze and warm water. Use a clean gauze to pat dry.
Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph).
There isn't a cure for folliculitis decalvans. But treatments can reduce inflammation and prevent scarring and further hair loss. The condition sometimes goes into remission (no symptoms) but can return and cause a flare (active symptoms). Treatment is often an ongoing process.
Because most folliculitis is caused by S. aureus, treatment with topical mupirocin or topical clindamycin is generally effective. Alternatively, benzoyl peroxide 5% wash may be used for 5 to 7 days when showering.
If left untreated, folliculitis can spread to other hair follicles, and the bumps may get more inflamed. You may also get blisters that break open, ooze pus and turn crusty.
Most cases of folliculitis are completely curable. There are very uncommon, long-standing cases of folliculitis that may not be curable. Often these more resistant cases may be controlled with proper treatment and medication. Folliculitis sometimes clears completely by itself without treatment.
Treating folliculitis depends on its severity and type. Mild cases can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, such as antibacterial cleaners for the affected area, anti-itch cream to treat symptoms, increased personal hygiene, and applying warm towels to the skin to ease discomfort.
People may want to see a doctor if they have severe or persistent scalp folliculitis that does not improve with home or over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. A doctor can identify the underlying cause and prescribe an effective treatment. These can include: oral or topical antibiotics.
In less severe types of folliculitis, like Pseudomonas folliculitis (hot tub rash), your symptoms will typically fade within a few days without treatment. If they don't, reach out to your healthcare provider. When you have a more severe case of folliculitis, oral antibiotics may be needed to treat the condition.
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. You can take care of yourself at home with: A warm compress. This may ease itching and help healing.
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving.
Diagnosis of folliculitis
They may take a swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus is the cause of the folliculitis. In rare cases, a doctor may order a skin biopsy to exclude the possibility of other causes.
Your doctor usually can treat mild folliculitis with an antibiotic cream or ointment. If you have folliculitis on your scalp, you may use a medicated shampoo. Antibiotics you take as pills can treat infections deeper in the skin. Other treatments that may be used include antifungal and antiparasitic medicines.
Deep folliculitis is best approached with warm compresses, followed by incision and drainage once a conical pustular head develops. For recurrent and recalcitrant folliculitis, in addition to oral antibiotics, a search for a bacterial reservoir is important.
Some research suggests that avoiding foods made with wheat can ease your symptoms. Give up the grease. Unhealthy fats, low-fiber foods, and processed products can all lead to flare-ups.
“[Pityrosporum folliculitis] is really the main condition in which using the Head & Shoulders, or something with zinc is helpful, because it's treating that yeast that's causing those bumps,” Dr.
Avoid shaving or hair removal from the irritated area till the folliculitis subsides. Indications for antibiotic treatment in folliculitis include: Persistence of folliculitis after two or three days.
The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores. Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. More-serious or repeat infections may need prescription medicine.