How long does an infected hair follicle take to heal?

Author: Luigi Becker  |  Last update: Thursday, October 9, 2025

How is folliculitis treated? 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.

How long can an infected hair follicle last?

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.

How do you fix an infected hair follicle?

Self care
  1. Apply a warm, moist washcloth. Do this several times a day to relieve discomfort and help the area drain, if needed. ...
  2. Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
  3. Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
  4. Clean the affected skin. ...
  5. Protect the skin.

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.

How long does folliculitis take to clear up?

Follicles are the openings in the skin where the hair grows. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Why is my folliculitis not going away after antibiotics?

Gram-negative folliculitis: Gram-negative folliculitis can happen after prolonged antibiotic use to treat acne. Over time, resistant bacteria grow and multiply. This can lead to your acne actually getting worse. This condition requires treatment from a dermatologist or another healthcare provider.

What is the root cause of folliculitis?

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.

What cream is best for folliculitis?

For localised areas of folliculitis, an antibiotic cream may be useful. Fusidic acid is a suitable antibiotic cream that can be applied 3-4 times per day to affected areas. If the folliculitis is thought to be fungal, a different treatment may be used.

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 does it take for hair follicles to heal?

If you damage your hair follicles after an injury, they can repair themselves and your hair will grow back. It could take up to four years before you see new hair growth out of damaged hair follicles, depending on the severity of your injury.

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.

Does showering help folliculitis?

Here are some things you can do to prevent folliculitis or to keep it from getting worse. Bathe or shower after you exercise and after you're near chemicals. Wear loose clothing, especially if it's hot or humid outside. Change your shirt if it gets sweaty.

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

How is folliculitis treated? 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.

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 soap is good for folliculitis?

Antibacterial soap: Use antibacterial bar soaps such as Dial® or Cetaphil®. Use skin washes that contain benzoyl peroxide. If these bumps are bothersome or painful. If they are not improving or continue to appear.

Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of folliculitis?

Remember the bubbly stuff mom would put on a wound to disinfect it? 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.

What flares up folliculitis?

The most common cause of folliculitis is damage to the hair follicle. Improper shaving techniques, tight clothing, skin rubbing, and some medications can all cause follicle damage.

Does apple cider vinegar get rid of folliculitis?

In one study , researchers reported that acetic acid reduced bacteria growth on burn wounds. They also found that the acid decreased bacterial growth in laboratory samples. Adding a cup of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath may help fight the bacteria that cause folliculitis and keep the skin on the buttocks clear.

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