Lotions, gels or pills to control bacterial infection. For mild infection caused by bacteria, your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic lotion or gel. Infection-fighting pills (oral antibiotics) aren't routinely used for folliculitis, but you may need them for a severe or repeat infection.
Treatment for most cases of bacterial folliculitis is with topical mupirocin or clindamycin. (See also Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections.) The etiology of folliculitis is often unclear, but perspiration, trauma, friction, and occlusion of the skin are known to potentiate infection.
The turpentine ointment is an effective and safe option for the treatment of 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.
First‐line oral antibiotics including dicloxacillin (250 mg four times daily) and cephalosporins (such as cefadroxil 500 mg twice daily) are commonly used.
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.
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.
Most cases of folliculitis are mild and do not need any treatment. It often clears without any treatment within 7-10 days. It may be helpful to use: A moisturiser (emollient) which contains an antibacterial agent - for example, Dermol® cream.
Topical antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin or generic neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin b triple antibiotic ointment, may help scalp folliculitis heal up faster. Apply the ointment to the affected area a few times daily.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Warm Saltwater Compresses
Folliculitis can frequently generate hot swelling and irritation. A warm compress with a clean hand towel soaked and strained in saltwater can kill off topical bacteria and fungus and help the irritated skin relax, providing relief.
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.
Dial Complete Antibacterial Body Wash, Apple Blossom scent, kills 99.99 percent of bacteria encountered in most household settings. This body wash is from the number 1 doctor recommended antibacterial hand and bar soap brand and effectively cleans without drying your skin.
CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser contains salicylic acid, which is known to exfoliate the skin. This means it can help unclog pores and improve skin texture, which can be beneficial for folliculitis.