How long can an infected hair follicle last?

Author: Prof. Kendrick Grimes V  |  Last update: Friday, June 6, 2025

Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. If it doesn't, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or another medicine you put on your skin. If the folliculitis is from shaving, you may need to change how you shave.

Do infected hair follicles go away?

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.

Why is my folliculitis not going away?

In less severe types of folliculitis, like Pseudomonas folliculitis (hot tub rash), your symptoms will typically fade within a few days without treatment. If they don't, reach out to your healthcare provider. When you have a more severe case of folliculitis, oral antibiotics may be needed to treat the condition.

How long does it take for an infected hair to heal?

In most cases, ingrown hairs usually heal themselves within one to two weeks with only minor irritation, as they eventually release from your skin as they grow longer.

Can folliculitis last a month?

Most cases of folliculitis are mild, and will resolve in 7-10 days, but patients with recurring folliculitis (either short-lived or chronic) can usually be treated by their GP, and most pharmacies will be able to advise about over-the-counter treatments for pseudo-folliculitis.

Infected hair follicle. What to do? Causes, Location, & Treatment-Dr. Rasya Dixit | Doctors' Circle

What does a severe case of folliculitis look like?

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.

How long does it take for antibiotics to clear folliculitis?

Without treatment, bacterial folliculitis may resolve in seven to 10 days or may progress to boils; for some cases of folliculitis, especially those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a course of oral antibiotics may be administered over seven to 10 days (Laureano 2014).

How often should I wash my hair with folliculitis?

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.

How do you know if you have a dead hair follicle?

Typically, dead hair follicles lead to a smooth patch of bald skin on the scalp – it typically will not look like general hair thinning. Doctors and hair specialists can get a look at your hair follicles by using a microscope.

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.

How do I get rid of folliculitis asap?

The following self-care tips may help relieve discomfort, speed healing and prevent an infection from spreading:
  1. Apply a warm, moist washcloth. ...
  2. Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
  3. Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
  4. Clean the affected skin. ...
  5. Protect the skin.

What lotion is good for folliculitis?

  • Products highlighted as 'Overall Pick' are: ...
  • CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin, Vitamin D, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid & Salicylic Acid Lotion, Fragrance Free & Allergy Tested, 8 Ounce. ...
  • TAGRID Folliculitis Treatment Cream, Ingrown Hair Treatment, Soothing Scalp, Face & Body Cream - Hydrating & Refreshing - 100g.

What kills folliculitis naturally?

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.

What STD causes folliculitis?

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.

What does a bad infected hair look like?

Signs and symptoms of ingrown hair include: Tiny, swollen bumps where you shave, tweeze or wax. Small bumps that look like blisters or are filled with pus. Small bumps that are darker than surrounding skin (hyperpigmentation)

How long before a hair follicle dies?

There is no specific time in which a hair follicle dies. The well being of a hair follicle totally depends on the nourishment it is given, both in terms of the food you eat and the nourishment you provide to your hair externally. The time taken for a hair follicle to die depends on the present condition it is in.

Should I pull out dead hair?

Pulling out those dead hairs can actually harm your hair follicles and potentially cause more problems down the road. It's much better to focus on gentle care, regular trims to remove damaged ends, and nourishing treatments to keep your hair as healthy as possible.

Can folliculitis last for months?

The resulting folliculitis appears on skin as a rash that is extremely itchy or painful. The rash can resolve on its own within 7-10 days but can also spread and worsen to last for months.

What ointment is good for scalp infection?

Apply a medicated cream.

First try a mild corticosteroid cream, foam, ointment or oil (Scalpicin Scalp Itch) on affected areas, keeping it away from the eyes. If that doesn't work, try the antifungal cream ketoconazole.

What happens if folliculitis doesn't go away with antibiotics?

For patients who do not improve with a standard course of antibiotics, other causes of folliculitis must be investigated. If systemic antibiotics are indicated, coverage should include S aureus since it is the most common pathogen.

What autoimmune disease causes folliculitis?

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease that commonly involves the scalp. Lesions of pemphigus vulgaris that persist on the scalp for a long period may be accompanied by tufted hair folliculitis.

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