Essential Oils. Tea tree oil, neem oil, geranium oil, grapefruit seed oil are very effective in treating folliculitis. Tea tree oil can be added to your shampoo, lotion or body wash. Rub it gently onto the affected area and let it sit.
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.
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.
Self-Care for Folliculitis
Mild folliculitis might go away without any medical treatment. To help yourself heal and ease symptoms, you can: Clean the infected area. Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap.
Severe vitamin A and C deficiency may cause folliculitis. [1] In vitamin A deficiency the skin shows follicular hyperkeratosis, dryness and generalised wrinkling. [11] It requires about 2 months of vitamin C deprivation to produce mucocutaneous signs, including perifollicular petechiae and follicular hyperkeratosis.
Treating folliculitis
Warm compresses can help soothe itching and promote healing. Most folliculitis resolves on its own within seven to 10 days. If your folliculitis does not improve on its own, see your doctor. For persistent cases, a doctor might prescribe medications that are applied to the skin or taken by mouth.
Initial treatment of folliculitis includes warm compresses 2-3 times per day. Certain antibacterial soaps including Dial®, Hibiclens® wash or a benzoyl peroxide wash can be helpful, though can irritate the skin. For more severe cases, topical or even oral antibiotics can be used.
Superficial folliculitis usually presents with multiple small spots and pustules, on an inflamed base, pierced by a central hair, although this might not always be visible. Deeper lesions present as painful, often pustular, inflamed lumps. Persistent or recurrent lesions may result in scarring and permanent hair loss.
Viral infections
Folliculitis may be caused by the herpes simplex virus. This tends to be tender and resolves without treatment in around ten days. Severe recurrent attacks may be treated with aciclovir and other antiviral agents.
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.
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.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports skin health and can help prevent folliculitis. Foods high in vitamins A, C and E can promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Anti-itch creams or ointments. You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone in a cream or ointment. Try putting this on the spots, according to the directions, for a few days. Calamine lotion might also help.
If folliculitis goes untreated it may result in serious or deep infections that may spread or cause permanent scarring, cellulitis, or even enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening.
Tea tree oil contains many beneficial compounds for maintaining scalp health and promoting follicle health. These compounds can help clean clogged hair follicles created by excess dirt or dead skin cells, helping them remain open so new hairs can grow in their place.
Apple Cider Vinegar keeps scalp and hair pH balanced and works to seal the hair's cuticle for increased shine. It also helps to gently exfoliate the scalp and unclog hair follicles.