Is folliculitis serious?

Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. More-serious or repeat infections may need prescription medicine. Left untreated, severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. Certain types of folliculitis are known as hot tub rash and barber's itch.

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Does folliculitis just go away?

Sometimes folliculitis goes away without medical treatment. Self-care measures may help relieve your symptoms. For example, it might help to apply a warm, moist washcloth to the affected skin, followed by an anti-itch cream.

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Is folliculitis harmful?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that usually involves infection of the hair follicle. While this condition is typically benign, prompt recognition can aid in the improvement of quality of life of patients with this condition.

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How long can a folliculitis last?

Many small pimples appear on your stomach and sometimes on your arms and legs. You might have a mild fever and have an upset stomach. Most of the time, this kind of folliculitis goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days.

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Can folliculitis make you feel unwell?

Folliculitis causes a rash with clusters of red bumps or whiteheads, each with a hair in the middle. These can become itchy or sore, and there may be pus. It can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. If an infection is more severe or deeper under the skin, you may feel feverish or unwell.

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Folliculitis - Causes, Signs & Symptoms, Complications & Treatment

25 related questions found

Should I be worried about folliculitis?

Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. More-serious or repeat infections may need prescription medicine. Left untreated, severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. Certain types of folliculitis are known as hot tub rash and barber's itch.

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Why do I suddenly have folliculitis?

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving.

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What could be mistaken for folliculitis?

People are most likely to mistake guttate or pustular psoriasis for folliculitis because all of these conditions can cause patches of small, red or yellow spots on the skin.

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Can folliculitis cause fatigue?

Folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles can cause pain, a visible lump or lesion on the skin, pus, fever, fatigue, damaged hair and other symptoms.

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What makes folliculitis worse?

Sometimes, when Malassezia gets into the hair follicles, it can cause an itchy condition that looks like an acne breakout. It usually occurs on the upper chest and back. This form of folliculitis is made worse (aggravated) by sweat.

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What kills folliculitis naturally?

Aloe Vera Application

Long known as a natural healing solution, aloe vera applied topically to an irritated follicle site can help the skin repair as well as kill off some types of bacteria. The double-benefit has made aloe vera a regular go-to remedy for all types of skin situations, including folliculitis.

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Does folliculitis need surgery?

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.

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What kills folliculitis bacterial?

Apply the lotion or cream directly over the affected area in a thin layer. Mild bacterial folliculitis can be cured with clindamycin or metronidazole lotion. Antifungal medication is ketoconazole.

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Does folliculitis continue to spread?

Left untreated, folliculitis will continue to spread and worsen.

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What is folliculitis most commonly due to?

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common infectious cause of folliculitis. In most cases, folliculitis will disappear independently. The most common cause of folliculitis is damage to the hair follicle. Improper shaving techniques, tight clothing, skin rubbing, and some medications can all cause follicle damage.

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What does bad folliculitis look like?

It usually looks like a sudden acne breakout. Each spot may have a red ring around it, which is a sign of the infection. Folliculitis caused by sitting in a hot tub.

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What is the fastest way to cure folliculitis?

Folliculitis Treatments
  1. Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. ...
  2. Use salt: Put warm saltwater -- 1 teaspoon table salt mixed with 2 cups of water -- on a washcloth and place it on your skin. ...
  3. Gels, creams, and washes: Use over-the-counter antibiotics that you rub on your skin.

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What foods should you avoid if you have folliculitis?

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.

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How do you treat deep folliculitis?

Lesions that are more inflamed usually respond well to warm compresses with or without the use of a topical antimicrobial agent. For refractory or deep lesions with a suspected infectious etiology, empiric treatment with oral antibiotics that cover gram-positive organisms should be considered.

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Can folliculitis lead to sepsis?

It can cause serious problems, such as sepsis, if it enters a person's bloodstream. Ingrown hairs are hairs that have grown back into the skin. If the site of the ingrown hair acquires an infection with Staphylococcus aureus, it can cause itchy bumps, pain, flushed skin, and pus.

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Does folliculitis need antibiotics?

Sometimes folliculitis can lead to more serious skin infections. 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.

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What is the healing stage of folliculitis?

Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes after the rash is gone, dark marks can be left behind. These are not scars, and the dark marks will go away with time.

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