Expect symptoms to clear up within a few weeks of starting treatment. But pityrosporum folliculitis can last for years. Symptoms often go away with treatment and come back when treatment stops.
Sometimes folliculitis goes away without medical treatment. Self-care measures may help relieve your symptoms. For example, it might help to apply a warm, moist washcloth to the affected skin, followed by an anti-itch cream.
If the cause is a fungus, an antifungal cream or shampoo may be recommended. Viral folliculitis can be treated with antiviral medications, and Demodex folliculitis can be treated with antiparasitic medications. In severe cases, a minor procedure to drain large boils might be necessary.
Pus-filled bumps that appear due to fungal acne tend to be almost the same size, while bacterial acne appears in various sizes. Location. Fungal acne often appears on the arms, chest and back. However, it can also be on the face, where bacterial acne is most common.
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.
Folliculitis signs and symptoms include: Clusters of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles. Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over. Itchy, burning skin.
But sometimes, folliculitis can be more stubborn. It could take longer to clear up if you're not sure what's causing it. It might not respond right away to a certain type of medicine, or it might go away and come back. In some cases, it may take a few months before your skin is back to normal.
Fungal acne, or Malassezia folliculitis, is an infection in your hair follicles that's often confused with common acne. It causes clusters of small, itchy, red bumps on your skin. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any itchy breakouts that don't go away. Antifungal treatments and hygiene changes can help.
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.
In broad terms, bacterial infections often cause acute inflammation, pus or swelling, while fungal infections develop slowly and cause symptoms like a persistent cough, itchy rash or thickened skin.
How Long Does Fungal Acne Treatment Take? Most patients will need to use the medications as prescribed by your dermatologist, even if your skin improves. On average, it takes up to one month to balance the flora on your skin and for most blemishes to be cleared away. Sometimes several months of treatment are necessary.
More resistant or deeper fungal folliculitis may require the addition of a topical antifungal cream such as miconazole (Lotrimin) or terbinafine (Lamisil) and a prescription antifungal pill such as fluconazole (Diflucan).
Pyrithione zinc soap
2% pyrithione zinc in either a bar soap or liquid skin cleanser or shampoo are my first choice for Pityrosporum folliculitis. I have patients use Calming Zinc ® Soap on their face and Foaming Zinc Cleanser on their back, neck and chest.
The symptoms of fungal infections, such as itching or soreness, should get better within a few days of treatment. Red and scaly skin may take longer to get better. You may need treatment for between 1 and 4 weeks. Keep using clotrimazole for 2 weeks even if your symptoms have gone.
Malassezia folliculitis presents as small, uniform, itchy papules and pustules particularly on the upper back and chest. Other sites involved can include the forehead/hair line, chin, neck, and extensor aspect of the upper limbs.
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.
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. Some healthcare providers may recommend photodynamic therapy.
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.
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.
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.
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.