Folliculitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Folliculitis
is inflammation of your hair follicles. A hair follicle is a sac under your skin. Your hair grows out of the follicle. Folliculitis is caused by bacteria or funguses, most commonly a germ called Staph. Folliculitis can occur anywhere you have hair.
Common signs and symptoms of folliculitis:
- One or more small red, white, or yellow rash-like bumps around your hair follicles
- Pus-filled bumps that may break open and form a crust on your skin
- Itching, pain, or redness on or around your hair follicles
Seek care immediately if:
- You develop large areas of red, warm, tender skin around the folliculitis.
- You develop boils (red, painful bumps that develop under your skin).
Call your doctor or dermatologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have foul-smelling pus coming from the bumps on your skin.
- Your rash is spreading.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment:
Folliculitis may heal on its own without treatment. If your folliculitis is severe or is not healing, you may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help fight or prevent a bacterial infection. It may be given as an ointment that you apply to your skin or as a pill. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
- Antifungal medicine may be given as an cream that you apply to your skin or take as a pill.
- Steroids may be given to decrease inflammation.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Antihistamines may be given to help decrease itching.
- Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy is used to help decrease inflammation on the skin. UV light treatments are only used to treat certain types of folliculitis.
Manage folliculitis:
- Clean the area. Use antibacterial soap to wash the affected area. Change your washcloths and towels every day.
- Apply a warm compress. Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and apply it to the infected skin area to help decrease pain and swelling. Warm compresses may also help drain pus and improve healing.
- Do not shave the area. If possible, do not shave areas that have folliculitis. If you must shave, use an electric razor or new blade every time you shave.
Prevent folliculitis:
- Do not share personal items. Personal items include towels, soap, nail cutters, dishes, and silverware.
- Do not wear tight clothing. Tight-fitting clothes may rub against and irritate your skin.
- Treat skin injuries right away. Wash an injury such as a cut or scrape right away. Use warm, soapy water. Cover the area with a bandage to prevent infection.
Follow up with your doctor or dermatologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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