Tea tree oil is a popular natural treatment for the skin. The essential oil appears to have antimicrobial properties that might help keep the skin clear and kill the bacteria that cause folliculitis.
Tea tree oil is especially effective for people with recurring folliculitis. Tea Tree Oil can be mixed with geranium oil and grapefruit seed oil. Neem oil is a powerful antiseptic, antifungal agent, it also prevents the formation of scars and is very effective for skin and scalp infection.
Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph). It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. Sometimes the cause isn't known.
Chronic folliculitis can be more difficult to treat. Antibiotics and other medications may not clear up chronic cases. If other treatment options fail, your doctor may recommend laser hair removal. During treatment, you should refrain from removing hair by plucking, waxing, or shaving.
Folliculitis isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection, though in some cases it can transfer via close skin contact. However, the herpes simplex virus is spread through sexual contact. In rare cases, this virus can cause folliculitis.
The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days.
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.
In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like they're white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus (pustules). Folliculitis can feel itchy and uncomfortable.
People may sometimes mistake psoriasis and folliculitis for other skin conditions, including: fungal skin infections. eczema or dermatitis. pityriasis rosea.
There are several treatments for ingrown hairs and folliculitis. But pulling out your hairs by hand or with tweezers can raise risks of complications and further infection.
Bacterial folliculitis treatment
Severe cases may require topical antibiotic treatment, for example, with mupirocin or clindamycin. Deep folliculitis (furuncles or carbuncles) may require treatment with oral antibiotics like dicloxacillin or cephalexin.
Topical antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin or generic neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin b triple antibiotic ointment, may help scalp folliculitis heal up faster. Apply the ointment to the affected area a few times daily.
However, folliculitis can result in painful skin inflammation, sores, and pimple-like bumps. It is often the result of improper shaving technique, poor hygiene, and wearing tight clothing. Avoiding these practices can help prevent folliculitis.
Folliculitis can be a mild, short-lived condition or a severe long-term problem that can literally take over your life.
Hydrogen Peroxide
It works just as well for folliculitis. The chemical mix will immediately kill off bacteria and fungus, and the excess can be wiped off with disposable towels. You can repeat applications of hydrogen peroxide.
Management and Treatment
When pityrosporum folliculitis is severe or doesn't go away, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal pills (systemic treatment). These include antifungal drugs such as fluconazole (Diflucan®) or ketoconazole.
Resist the temptation to squeeze or pop a folliculitis boil. While you might manage to express the pus and other infected fluid, you also run the risk of pushing those toxins more deeply into the skin, to the point that they may enter your bloodstream. Instead, let your dermatologist diagnose and treat the problem.
An infected ingrown hair is the result of a grown-out hair that has curled back into the skin and become infected. Recurrent cases are sometimes called folliculitis.
Antihistamines may be given to help decrease itching. Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy is used to help decrease inflammation on the skin. UV light treatments are only used to treat certain types of folliculitis.
The best sources are evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil, taken in capsules as dietary supplements. You can increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, freshly ground flax seeds or walnuts. You can also take a fish oil supplement.
Used for generations for skin ailments, witch hazel is safe and effective for a myriad of hair and skin conditions, including folliculitis. Witch hazel fights bacteria while soothing irritation, including itching and inflammation, according to a study published in the International Journal of Trichology.
Treatment depends on the type of folliculitis and its severity. But usually some form of topical cream or antibiotic pill will be used to kill the bacteria. Laser hair removal can help prevent a spread of the infection.