Is There a Cure for Folliculitis?

Is There a Cure for Folliculitis?

Overview

Is there a miracle cure for clearer skin?  Finding the right treatment for your folliculitis could mean the difference between chronic bumps and your dream complexion.

Up to 50 million Americans have it. According to the American Association of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin ailment, with approximately 85 percent of persons aged 12-24 experiencing some form of mild acne.  

Acne is often mistaken for folliculitis. This is because both skin ailments produce red or flesh colored bumps which may or may not contain pus.

Folliculitis can be itchy or painful and can be found anywhere on the body that contains hair follicles. Acne’s causes, signs and symptoms are well known, but folliculitis is still a mystery to most people. We asked Dr. Honaker to share with us his insights on the causes, treatments and whether there is a cure for folliculitis.

What is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition where the hair follicle (the small cavity that surrounds the roots of your hair) becomes inflamed; causing a red or flesh colored bump which may or may not be filled with pus. Hair follicle damage can cause this inflammation. Internal changes can cause folliculitis in some rare cases. 

Internal factors cause Eosinophilic Folliculitis. It is often a sign of immune deficiency. This type of folliculitis can occur in those who have HIV, certain cancers or  are organ donation recipients.

Many people may have folliculitis and not know it. Many everyday tasks can cause damage to our hair follicles and leave our bodies susceptible to infection. These can include:

  • Shaving
  • Wear tight clothing
  • Friction
  • Touching or rubbing your skin frequently

Where does Folliculitis occur?

Folliculitis can occur almost anywhere on your body. This is because you have hair follicles almost everywhere on your body. Folliculitis is most commonly found on the:

  • Scalp
  • Hairline
  • Face
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Back
  • Groin
  • Upper arms

Recognizing the signs of Folliculitis

Another reason that it can be so hard to distinguish between folliculitis and acne is that the two conditions often occur simultaneously.

In fact, a study done on individuals suffering from acne showed that over 25 percent also suffered from Malassezia folliculitis, which is caused by a yeast infection.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is one of the most common types of Folliculitis.  Razor bumps or razor burn are common names for pseudofolliculitis barbae .

Ingrown hair causes this type of inflammation. Ingrown hairs are very common for men with dark or curly hair. If you regularly shave any area of your body, you have likely experienced this type of folliculitis.

Treatment of Folliculitis

Many cases of mild folliculitis can clear up on their own with little intervention. There is no cure for folliculitis, but there are many ways in which you can speed up the healing process:

  • Apply a warm compress to the area
  • Wash with a mild antibacterial cleanser daily
  • Avoid shaving the infected area
  • Apply an antibacterial cream such as Bacitracin or Neosporin to help clear the infection
  • If shaving is necessary, do not go over an area more than once and change your razor blade daily

Does Bacitracin help Folliculitis? 

Not all types of folliculitis will respond to this treatment. Pityrosporum folliculitis is when naturally occurring yeast on the body becomes overgrown and infects the hair follicle.  Treatments include using an anti-fungal shampoo or cream to clear up this infection.  An oral antibiotic may also be required. 

Prevention of Folliculitis

Folliculitis may affect a large number of the population. While there is no cure for folliculitis, prevention can be relatively simple. All it takes is a few changes in some simple routines to protect your skin.

Hot and damp skin is much more susceptible to hair follicle damage. Keeping the skin cool, clean and able to breathe can help protect hair follicles.

In fact, one of the best ways to treat this skin ailment is to learn how to properly prevent its return with proper skincare techniques:

  • Wear breathable clothing
  • Wear cotton underwear
  • Shower immediately after a workout or any activity where you sweat
  • Use properly maintained hot tubs, spas or heated pools  
  • Shower immediately after using a hot tub, spa or heated pool
  • Do not share personal items such as razors, towels or face cloths
  • Follow our guidelines for proper shaving methods

Is There a Cure for Folliculitis?

The type of folliculitis you have will determine the treatment method needed to alleviate the symptoms. While there is no universal cure, those suffering from specific types may be able to avoid the condition if they change their behavior and lifestyle.

For example, pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor burn) is caused by ingrown hairs. An effective ‘cure’ for this type of folliculitis is to either stop shaving the area, or to use a form of permanent hair removal, such as electrolysis or laser hair removal.

While this type of solution may work for a person willing to grow out their beard of remove hair along a small area, it is not a universal cure.

Soaking or swimming in properly maintained hot tubs, pools and spas can help prevent hot tub folliculitis. 

Using a mild antibacterial cleanser and showering after sweating can help prevent folliculitis, but is not a guarantee that it will never return.

What is the fastest way to cure folliculitis?

1. Application of warm compress

This helps soothe the swelling and irritation, and helps ease the pain. A cotton cloth or face towel can be used for this purpose. Repeat this at least twice or thrice a day for best results.

2. Clean Affected Skin

The affected area must be cleaned daily with warm water and antibacterial soap. Use a clean towel or washcloth at least twice or thrice a day to clean the area.

3. Soothing Gels and Packs

There are many home remedies that you can apply to the affected skin to treat the condition. Aloe vera gel may help the skin heal faster and provides a soothing sensation. Apple Cider Vinegar is considered an antimicrobial agent and can help manage symptoms. ACV can be used by mixing 1 tablespoon of ACV with ½ a cup of water, dipping cotton balls in the mixture, and applying to the affected area twice daily for 20 minutes. Turmeric supplements or paste can be used due to its antibacterial properties. 

4. Essential Oils

Tea tree oil, neem oil, grapefruit seed oil or geranium oil are very effective in treating folliculitis. The oils can be mixed into a lotion or carrier oil and rub it gently onto the affected area. A patch test is essential to make sure there are no adverse reactions. Tea tree oil has proven to be effective for people with recurring folliculitis. 

5. OTC medicine 

Over-the-counter medications are available in the form of soothing gels or creams, topical antibiotics, and antifungals. Anti-itching lotion helps deal with itching. Hydrocortisone is another option to manage the symptoms. Mild bacterial folliculitis may be cured with clindamycin lotion. However, if your folliculitis persists for a long time, it is best to see a doctor who will prescribe oral antibiotics to treat the condition.

6.  Avoid Shaving or Waxing

Do not shave or wax over the affected region; it may lead to permanent scarring or the spread of the infection. 

7. Protect the Affected Area

Protecting the area is a must to prevent the worsening of the condition. Ensure it does not come in contact with clothes to avoid friction. Avoid using public pools, and make sure the area is clean and dry.

When to Consult a Doctor for Folliculitis?

The best way to know if you have folliculitis is to speak with a medical professional.  Quality healthcare is available for everyone with Your Doctors Online. Our easy-to-use app gives you the advice of a doctor in the palm of your hand. Connecting with our healthcare professionals is easy and, best of all, free.

Get an expert opinion on your skin today!

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