In some cases, a healthcare provider may need to drain the infected hair follicle to help it heal. We also cover what people can do to treat or prevent the condition. To do this, soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring out the excess moisture. [6] Use for phrases Avoid waxing the area where you have folliculitis. However, most cases of folliculitis can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies like antiseptic preparations, antibiotic creams, and warm compresses. Dermarolling, aka microneedling, is the art of erasing unwanted acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Accessed June 16, 2022. You also might be more likely to have folliculitis if you: Your doctor can usually tell if you have it by looking at your skin closely and asking questions about your medical history. Repeat several times a day, using a clean washcloth each time. They can be red, white, or yellow in color. Wash your hands after using it. It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. If there is concern that it might be caused by bacteria, the doctor may swab a pus bump to be tested by the lab. Mayo Clinic. Aug. 10, 2022. Folliculitis can occur on your skin wherever hair grows, including your scalp. There are a number of factors that can cause folliculitis. Lifestyle changes can help strengthen nails and get them where wed like them to be. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology Photo Caption. Left untreated, severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area, or use a moisturizer or lotion that contains aloe vera. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. Regular swimming pools and water slides can also bring on the infection. But pityrosporum folliculitis can last for years. However, more severe or persistent cases may require medical treatment. include protected health information. Extensive cutaneous involvement may warrant systemic therapy (eg, cephalexin 250 to 500 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day for 10 days). You might want to try an electric razor or hair removal products (depilatories) or other ways to remove hair. Lifestyle changes can help strengthen nails and get them where wed like them to be. Most vaginal boils resolve on their own with at-home treatment but in some cases, medical treatment from a health provider is needed. Learn how to treat it. Although folliculitis is not life threatening, some complications may arise. Its most likely to occur on your thighs, buttocks, neck, and armpits places where friction is common. They may prescribe a medicated cleanser and perhaps an oral medication to treat bacteria or yeast if either of these are considered to be the cause. Folliculitis affects the hair-bearing areas of the body, often the arms, head, and face. Here's how to identify it, as well as the other symptoms. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on areas of healthy skin you dont want to kill good bacteria on the skin. Most outbreaks will resolve by themselves. You can pick up bacteria or fungi at pools or spas that are not well-sanitized. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Read our, Try Body Spray Treatments for Convenient Application, See a Dermatologist About Professional Treatments, The Foolproof Guide to Making Bacne Disappear. Avoid friction caused by shaving or rubbing the infected area. All rights reserved. cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi/rashes.html, healthcenter.indiana.edu/health-answers/medical-conditions/folliculitis.html, dermnetnz.org/topics/spa-pool-folliculitis, 12 Home Remedies to Treat and Prevent Mild Folliculitis, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Demodex folliculorum: What You Should Know, The Benefits of Dermarolling at Home: A Complete Guide, Overview of Purpuric Rash, a Symptom of Some Conditions, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, touching, rubbing, or scratching your skin frequently, having a weakened immune system that increases your vulnerability to infection, use of oily or greasy products, such as certain sunscreens, what other symptoms youve been experiencing, whether you have a history of folliculitis, permanent scarring or dark patches to develop on your skin, damage to your hair follicle, resulting in permanent hair loss. Wear shorts under a dress or skirt. Soak a cotton or gauze strip in the water. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Folliculitis is a common skin problem that happens when you get bacteria or a blockage in a tiny pocket in your skin called a hair follicle. Pityrosporum folliculitis is also called Malassezia folliculitis. It is typically not a cause for concern and will remedy independently. Wet skin is also more likely to get an infection. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. The irritation caused by shaving, waxing or friction from clothing is a common cause. They are present on all parts of the skin except the lips, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. Epub 2020 May 1. Accessed June 16, 2022. The pathogen may be bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic. Folliculitis is usually minor and goes away on its own without treatment. Shaving and waxing can easily "open up" your breakout, exposing the whitehead and causing the spread of bacteria to other areas where you shave with the same razor headthus leading to more breakouts. Triggers include: Bacterial folliculitis is the most common form of this condition. Apply aloe vera gel on the skin after cleaning the area with soap and water. Its also cooling, which may help soothe itching, redness, and swelling. Over time, this can spread to nearby hair follicles and progress to crusty sores. Doctors typically diagnose folliculitis through a physical examination and medical history assessment. But the causes are different, and the bumps may look different. For chronic folliculitis, your doctor may advise you to grow your hair for up to 3 months. WebMost types of folliculitis are not serious and can be treated at home. Other types include: Staph, a kind of bacteria, is most often to blame. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. If youve had some success with any of these treatments, a dermatologist may suggest a hair removal laser course to prevent further folliculitis. The fastest way to get rid of folliculitis is to use topical or oral antibiotics. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. [5] Dont apply the cream heavily or you could block the hair follicles and make the infection worse. 9 How to: Advertisements Boil a lot of neem leaves in two liters of water. A doctor can diagnose folliculitis by physical examination. You can use a small spray bottle for larger areas. Hot tub rash (Pseudomonas/ Folliculitis). This study aimed to provide an evidence-based analysis of current treatment efficacy for FD. The fluid-filled bumps can crust over and become painful and itchy. The condition presents small discolored bumps that may have a white, pus-filled tip. Some kinds of folliculitis, like barbers itch, happen after shaving the skin. In a recent study, researchers found that azelaic acid 15% foam could be used as an off-label treatment and maintenance therapy for patients with folliculitis of all body areas. Use OR to account for alternate terms Accessed June 16, 2022. This content does not have an English version. Hot tub folliculitis occurs because of inadequate chemical treatment of water. If these self-care treatments dont work, your doctor may give you: To lower your chances of getting folliculitis, your best bet is to stop shaving for at least 3 months, but for a lot of people that wont do. Shave only in the direction that hair grows, or use an electric razor. Alexis A, et al. If other treatment options fail, your doctor may recommend laser hair removal. If you experience it regularly, they may refer you to a dermatologist to help you learn how to avoid and manage the condition. Oxid Med Cell Longev. If needed, healthcare providers will treat pityrosporum folliculitis with antifungals. Folliculitis can make these hair follicles red and swollen. Superficial folliculitis affects the upper part of the hair follicle and the skin around the follicle. This will usually involve three forms of treatment to be used at the same time. Diagnosis is clinical. (n.d.). Different kinds of folliculitis have other names you might have heard, such as: Your symptoms will vary based on the exact type of folliculitis you have and how bad it is. Additionally, its crucial to choose a reputable and experienced provider to ensure that the treatment is performed safely and effectively. You can develop folliculitis from bacterial or fungal infections. Mild folliculitis may cause signs and symptoms like: There are different kinds of folliculitis, including: Try home remedies to help relieve itching or soreness from folliculitis. A doctor will be able to confirm a folliculitis diagnosis and advise on suitable treatment courses. It can be spread through shared razors and hot tubs or, less likely, through skin-to-skin contact between people. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They can also help prevent folliculitis from happening or getting worse. Here's how to identify it, as well as the other symptoms. Merck Manual Professional Version. When too much of this yeast grows on your skin and gets into your hair follicles, it causes a fungal infection. It develops when shaved hairs curve back into the skin, leading to inflammation. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. If you live with eczema, you might be looking for home remedies for symptom relief. Then, wrap the cloth around the affected area and cover it with a dry cloth or bandage. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Dilute the essential oil by adding a few drops to a carrier oil or a moisturizing cream. To help prevent this: Expect symptoms to clear up within a few weeks of starting treatment. When using warm compresses, dermatologists recommend Your healthcare provider will check your skin during a physical examination. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article details the causes, symptoms, and complications of folliculitis. Apply OTC hydrocortisone creams lightly to reduce the itching. Cut a clean cotton cloth into strips or use gauze bandages the type used to dress cuts. Folliculitis can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but there are many treatments and preventative measures you can take to manage it. (n.d.). We avoid using tertiary references. Look for pure aloe vera gel with no added perfumes and other chemicals. Sarkar R, Ghunawat S, Garg VK. Folliculitis isnt contagious, but it can spread from one part of the skin to another area on your body. They may also ask questions related to recent nonmedical activity, such as hot tub usage or recent changes to new clothing. Healthcare providers treat pityrosporum folliculitis with topical antifungal creams and antifungal medications. Moderate to severe furuncles and carbuncles are often treated by draining. WebFolliculitis Treatments Mild folliculitis might go away without any treatment. Deep folliculitis affects more of the follicle or even all of it. Folliculitis and mild furuncles may go away with no treatment. Malassezia (mah-luh-SEE-zee-uh) or Pityrosporum folliculitis (pity-RAH-spur-uhm fuh-lihk-you-LIE-tiss) is a fungal infection that causes bumps to form on your skin. The condition causes an itchy rash on the face, head and upper body. It may look like a small pink or red rash on the skin. Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis. The rash is likely to be worse in areas where your swimsuit holds water against the skin. If we combine this information with your protected Home treatment can include: Using antibacterial wash to clean the skin and help clear bacteria Washing the scalp and beard with medicated shampoo Applying anti- itch cream to relieve discomfort Using warm compresses to relieve inflammation and pain Talk to your dermatologist about the right laser hair removal for you. 2004;73(6 Suppl):18-24. It can be hard to tell which type of folliculitis you have. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. It may look like acne or a rash and can be isolated to one hair follicle or affect many. Oral antifungal medications can cause side effects such as: Yeast may grow when your skin becomes too hot, sweaty and moist. It turns out there are plenty of cost-efficient ways to tackle folliculitis without digging deep into your wallet. Folliculitis usually goes away by itself without treatment. Your provider may refer you to a dermatologist. Gently press the washcloth onto your skin. Wear clothes that allow air to get to your skin. The condition features small areas of raised, red, or white bumps. Hot tub folliculitis is a skin infection that occurs around the lower parts of hair follicles as a result of bacteria that thrive in warm, wet areas. We spoke with Dr. Zalka and dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi to find the best at-home and professional treatments for folliculitis. They can become red, swollen and painful. Seek immediate medical care if you experience signs of a spreading infection. If you have folliculitis on your body, wearing loose, dry clothing can help reduce friction and prevent bacteria from building up in the area. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection that requires prescription medication, antibiotics, or further evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your folliculitis. Home remedies can treat mild folliculitis only. Avoid wearing clothing like yoga pants, tights, leggings, and other tight clothing. You also should not wear clothes that irritate your skin or trap heat and sweat, such as Lycra, rubber gloves, and high boots.
