What can I put on a clogged hair follicle?

Author: Dr. Richard Weissnat  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

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 to treat a trapped hair follicle?

To remove an ingrown hair, gently exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating your skin removes a dead layer of skin cells and helps release ingrown hairs. Use warm — not hot — water and small, circular motions to wash your affected areas with a washcloth, exfoliating brush or exfoliating gel or scrub.

How to get rid of buildup on hair follicles?

Gentle Exfoliation: Use a scalp scrub or a gentle exfoliating treatment to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. This can help unclog hair follicles. Lukewarm Rinses: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water for washing your hair, as hot water can stimulate oil production.

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 oil unclogs hair follicles?

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.

Blocked Hair Follicle – Everything You Need To Know

How to clear a blocked 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.

Does vinegar unclog hair follicles?

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it great for cleansing and removing product build up that often clogs follicles, cleansing the scalp and enabling the hair to grow.

What worsens folliculitis?

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.

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.

Does Dawn dish soap remove buildup in hair?

Removes Major Buildup

“So when it comes to that, I like to use Dawn dish detergent to help.” She goes on to say that she's had a more effective experience using the household product to cut hair grease than even Dr. Bronner's heavy-duty, all-in-one soaps.

What does a clogged hair follicle look like?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become inflamed. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing.

How do you make homemade hair clarifying treatment?

DIY Clarifying Shampoo Recipe
  1. 1 Tablespoon baking soda.
  2. 1-2 cups warm water.
  3. 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

What does a bacterial infection of the scalp look like?

Bacteria trapped in the inflamed hair follicle can cause small pus-filled bumps called pustules to form. These red, oozing pustules look like acne.

What does a trapped hair follicle look like?

Ingrown hairs can look like raised, itchy bumps on the skin. On white skin the bumps may look red. Redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin, but they may look a different colour to the surrounding skin. Sometimes you can see a hair trapped under the skin.

How to draw out ingrown hair?

Release visible ingrown hairs by inserting a sterile needle under each hair loop and gently lifting the tip that has grown back into the skin. Rinse your skin and apply a cool, wet cloth for a few minutes. Then use a soothing after-shave product.

How do I get rid of folliculitis asap?

Folliculitis Treatment
  1. Antibiotics. Your doctor can prescribe infection-fighting lotions or gels if your folliculitis is caused by bacteria. ...
  2. Antifungals. If you have fungal folliculitis, your doctor may prescribe antifungal shampoos, creams, or pills.
  3. Steroids. ...
  4. Draining the infected follicle.

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 home remedy helps folliculitis?

Long known as a natural healing solution, aloe vera applied topically to an irritated follicle site can help the skin repair as well as kill off some types of bacteria. The double-benefit has made aloe vera a regular go-to remedy for all types of skin situations, including folliculitis.

What does peroxide do to hair follicles?

Hydrogen Peroxide (H 2 O 2) Suppresses Hair Growth Through Downregulation of β-catenin.

What is the first line of treatment for folliculitis?

First‐line oral antibiotics including dicloxacillin (250 mg four times daily) and cephalosporins (such as cefadroxil 500 mg twice daily) are commonly used.

Does lemon unclog hair follicles?

Cleansing the scalp: Lemon juice has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help cleanse the scalp of bacteria, dirt, and excess oil. A clean scalp is crucial for hair growth, as it allows hair follicles to breathe and function optimally.

What does baking soda do for your hair?

Baking Soda for Hair. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) might be a natural alternative for hair care. Possible benefits include removing excess oil and buildup, softening hair, and restoring pH (acid/base balance). However, this method comes with disadvantages, including the risk of hair damage over time.

Does putting coconut oil on your hair help?

Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.

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