Read on to learn how to avoid some common pitfalls. Symptoms often go away with treatment and come back when treatment stops. Pimples: How Do They Form and How Long Do They Last? Leave the wrap on for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. This study aimed to provide an evidence-based analysis of current treatment efficacy for FD. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. Schuler A, Veenstra J, Tisack A. Folliculitis Induced by Laser Hair Removal: Proposed Mechanism and Treatment. Use salt: Put warm saltwater -- 1 teaspoon table salt mixed with 2 cups of water -- on a washcloth and place it on your skin. The aim is to reduce pain and encourage a faster recovery time. A warm, moist compress can help soothe soreness, swelling, and pain. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology Photo Caption. Use a new blade each time you shave so you know its clean and sharp; single blades are ideal. Treatment is to destroy (eradicate) the staphylococci and prevent further folliculitis. Its hard to know just how common because it doesnt always require treatment and can be misdiagnosed as acne. Wear longer sleeve T-shirts and dresses to cover the skin under your arms. Accessed June 16, 2022. 9 How to: Advertisements Boil a lot of neem leaves in two liters of water. It may look like a small pink or red rash on the skin. The best treatment for folliculitis includes washing the area and applying aloe vera gel, diluted hydrogen peroxide or anti-itch agents. Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles: the tiny pouches in your skin from which hairs grow. It is a very common skin condition, and generally harmless. Acne and acne-related conditions. Comparative study of 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid combination peels in the treatment of active acne and postacne pigmentation. Avoid shaving until the folliculitis has cleared up. Gently press the washcloth onto your skin. Dermatologic Clinics. Itches, Rashes, Bumps and Other Adult Skin Problems, Minor Athlete Infections and Other Annoyances: How to Prevent and Treat Them, Groups of small red bumps like pimples, some with whiteheads on them, Large areas of red, swollen skin that may leak pus, Blockages from skin products, such as moisturizers with oils, Hair removal, such as shaving, waxing, and plucking, Other bacteria, such as the kind you might find in a hot tub, Have acne, especially if you use a steroid cream or long-term antibiotic for it, Wear tight clothes, rubber gloves, or boots that dont let sweat or heat out, Spend time in a pool or hot tub thats not cleaned regularly, Have an illness that affects your immune system, like diabetes, leukemia, or HIV/AIDS, Antibiotic cream if the folliculitis is caused by bacteria (pills for very severe cases only), Antifungal creams, shampoos, or pills if its caused by fungus. You have hair follicles just about everywhere except your lips, your palms, and the soles of your feet. Deep folliculitis affects more of the follicle or even all of it. 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. They can cause blockages and trap bacteria. Then, wrap the cloth around the affected area and cover it with a dry cloth or bandage. Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Alternatively, benzoyl peroxide 5% wash may be used when showering for 5 to 7 days. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. Follicles are tiny openings or pockets in the skin where each hair grows from. Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that can help kill the bacteria that cause folliculitis. Some bacteria help get rid of germs that cause infections like folliculitis. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. So what exactly can you do about those small red or pus-filled bumps? 2004;73(6 Suppl):18-24. See your doctor if you have any signs of a serious infection. In most cases, folliculitis is a harmless condition. However, if symptoms do not resolve independently after a few days, it may be beneficial for a person to contact a medical professional. Antibiotics and other medications may not clear up chronic cases. Minor surgery The doctor may surgically drain the pus from a large boil or carbuncle to relieve the pain, accelerate skin healing and minimize scarring. This can lead to ingrown hair and skin infections like folliculitis. They contain hydrocortisone, a kind of steroid medication that helps bring down itching, swelling, and redness. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Folliculitis, inflammation of the hair follicles that may develop into a bacterial or fungal infection, usually manifests as an itchy, painful, blistering and/or oozing rash [5] Dont apply the cream heavily or you could block the hair follicles and make the infection worse. (2019). It can be acute (occurring for a short time) or chronic (ongoing). 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. Sitting in the sweat can lead to further inflammation or clogging of the pores, so your best bet is to hop in the shower (or at least make an outfit change once youre done working out). Other types include: Staph, a kind of bacteria, is most often to blame. Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae and pseudofolliculitis barbae: Are prevention and effective treatment within reach? Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. If those dont work for you, then be sure to: It can help to shave only every other day.. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. If you have skin irritation thats accompanied by a fever, a spreading rash, or pus-filled and smelly bumps, seek medical help. Antibiotic creams, like Neosporin, can help kill the bacteria that cause folliculitis and prevent the condition from getting worse. Use a new or sterilized washcloth. If you live with eczema, you might be looking for home remedies for symptom relief. If other treatment options fail, your doctor may recommend laser hair removal. Folliculitis is usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria (Staph) or types of fungi. However, most cases of folliculitis can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies like antiseptic preparations, antibiotic creams, and warm compresses. It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. By practicing good hygiene, avoiding tight clothing. Although topical antifungals are an option, the Learn how to treat it. Dry off with a clean towel and avoid sharing your towel with anyone. Bacterial folliculitis is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but occasionally Pseudomonas aeruginosa (hot tub folliculitis) or other organisms have been reported. You're at higher risk for developing pityrosporum folliculitis if you're an adolescent or were assigned male at birth. The hair follicle may get inflamed and appear red and bumpy. Lifestyle changes can help strengthen nails and get them where wed like them to be. It is typically due to an infection and results in irritated pimple-like spots or pustules. Epub 2020 Apr 1. Folliculitis is a common skin condition commonly triggered by bacterial or fungal infections. Malassezia furfur. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). (2021). Accessed June 21, 2022. Mild folliculitis might go away without any treatment. If there is concern that it might be caused by bacteria, the doctor may swab a pus bump to be tested by the lab. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with clean, sterile water or use it directly. The doctor may examine the skin, note symptoms, and review the persons medical and family history. Its important to discuss your medical history and any preexisting skin conditions with a dermatologist before undergoing laser hair removal. Over time, this can spread to nearby hair follicles and progress to crusty sores. 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. Read ACOGs complete disclaimer. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Use to remove results with certain terms It may wipe out friendly bacteria that are good for your skin and body. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Infection by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, yeast, fungus, and viruses can all cause folliculitis. 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. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Accessed June 16, 2022. This content does not have an Arabic version. The condition causes an itchy rash on the face, head and upper body. Several treatments are usually necessary to see results. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. But the causes are different, and the bumps may look different. Also, avoid wearing outfits that allow your thighs to rub against each other. (2018). You can also try wearing breathable fabrics, like cotton, to help keep your skin dry and cool. When using warm compresses, dermatologists recommend Glycolic acid removes oil and unclogs pores while salicylic acid helps regulate oil production and encourage skin healing. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. To treat acute folliculitis thats severe or slow to heal, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications. This Neutrogena body wash comes highly recommended by Dr. Zalka, who says it may help prevent oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria from infiltrating your pores. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Folliculitis is generally the result of an infection in a damaged hair follicle. Some kinds of folliculitis are more serious. Oxid Med Cell Longev. Orchard A, et al. Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne. Home remedies can help soothe symptoms like itching, tenderness, and redness. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. By adopting some simple lifestyle habits, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition. Folliculitis can be triggered by a number of factors, including: Most cases of folliculitis will go away on their own within a few days to a week. If youve tried the at-home solutions and arent seeing the progress, it might be time to head to the dermatologist. Some laser therapies arent suitable if you have darker or tanned skin. To help yourself heal and ease symptoms, you can: Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. Rich in antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties, neem can effectively cure folliculitis infection as well as soothe the follicles. Folliculitis isnt contagious, but it can spread from one part of the skin to another area on your body. WebDiagnosis and Treatment. It can be hard to tell which type of folliculitis you have. Folliculitis is inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the skin. Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with staphylococci (staph) bacteria. Avoid waxing the area where you have folliculitis. (2021). Symptoms of folliculitis are mild pain, pruritus, or irritation. DOI: Sun K, et al. Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair It occurs when hair follicles become inflamed and infected, leading to red bumps, irritation, and itching. Waxing can irritate the skin and make folliculitis worse. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi/rashes.html. However, it can progress to a more serious disease in people with compromised immune systems. An herbal supplement called tea tree oil may help with pityrosporum folliculitis.