2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi/rashes.html. Aug. 10, 2022. Jacob JS, Tschen J. Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis. If youre on the go, there are also effective body sprays that allow easy application for difficult areas to reach that may reduce acne breakouts anywhere on the body. More severe cases may require prescription medications or medical procedures. It can be caused by conditions that range from mild, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Specific types offolliculitissuch as pseudomonasfolliculitismay even require oral antibiotics. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. You can apply the cream directly to the affected area several times a day, as directed. Extensive cutaneous involvement may warrant systemic therapy (eg, cephalexin 250 to 500 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day for 10 days). Leave the wrap on for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. It may look like acne or a rash and can be isolated to one hair follicle or affect many. This roundup covers our top picks for best scar creams, from the best overall to creams for postsurgery, old scars, and fading discoloration. 2023 Copyright Derm Collective. An herbal supplement called tea tree oil may help with pityrosporum folliculitis. Some kinds of hair removal like waxing can open up the hair follicle too much. When too much of this yeast grows on your skin and gets into your hair follicles, it causes a fungal infection. It also helps to avoid shaving, scratching, and wearing tight or rough clothes on the infected area. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Use clean towels, razors, and other personal care items, and avoid sharing them with anyone else. Folliculitis is a skin disorder involving the inflammation of hair follicles. Pityrosporum folliculitis, also known as Malassezia folliculitis, is a condition that causes breakouts on your skin. Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. It destroys the hair follicles, meaning bacteria, fungi, or viruses can no longer infect them. They include: To prevent folliculitis, avoid or reduce exposure to the causes of the condition. The condition features small areas of raised, red, or white bumps. 2004;73(6 Suppl):18-24. The condition causes an itchy rash on the face, head and upper body. Additionally, its crucial to choose a reputable and experienced provider to ensure that the treatment is performed safely and effectively. See your doctor if you have any signs of a serious infection. Avoid friction caused by shaving or rubbing the infected area. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could In some cases, folliculitis appears as a large, single bump. So what exactly can you do about those small red or pus-filled bumps? Hydrogen peroxide can help get rid of some bacteria and fungi that cause folliculitis. Superficial folliculitis is when only part of the follicle is damaged, while deep folliculitis is when the whole follicle is damaged. They can become red, swollen and painful. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Blake E, et al. There are many types of folliculitis, or hair follicle inflammation. Gels, creams, and washes: Use over-the-counter antibiotics that you rub on your skin. See additional information. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Over-the-counter anti-itching lotions and creams can help soothe folliculitis symptoms. The superficial type involves part of the follicle, and the deep type involves the entire follicle and is usually more severe. If you have a severe or persistent infection, your doctor may prescribe a stronger antibiotic. The green tea extract calms and soothes skin to reduce redness and inflammation caused by blemishes. Hot tub folliculitis usually resolves without treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae Antibiotic or antifungal creams and other therapies can help. Folliculitis - Treatment Pimples: How Do They Form and How Long Do They Last? 01 of 08 Use a Decongesting Cleanser Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash $7.00 Shop Before heading to a professional, stop by your local pharmacy for some at WebFolliculitis refers to inflammation of hair follicles, the small openings from which each hair grows. You can try to prevent folliculitis by using these tips: Wash your skin regularly. Folliculitis This common skin condition is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Pseudofolliculitis cutis: A vexing disorder of hair growth. Steroid creams can help with skin inflammation but are not a cure. Some bacteria help get rid of germs that cause infections like folliculitis. A purpuric rash is made up of small, discolored spots under your skin from leaking blood vessels. They may also ask questions related to recent nonmedical activity, such as hot tub usage or recent changes to new clothing. Its also more likely to affect people who sweat a lot (hyperhidrosis) and those who live in hot, humid areas. Accessed June 21, 2022. Treatment is to destroy (eradicate) the staphylococci and prevent further folliculitis. Apply aloe vera gel on the skin after cleaning the area with soap and water. Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne. You may need a prescription-strength antibiotic or antifungal medication to help control the condition. You can pick up bacteria or fungi at pools or spas that are not well-sanitized. Mild cases often only require home remedies. How To Get Rid Of Folliculitis: Causes, Treatments, & More It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. In this article, we will discuss various treatment options for getting rid of folliculitis and provide tips for prevention. Improper shaving techniques, tight clothing, skin rubbing, and some medications can all cause follicle damage. For example, they may Its important to talk with your healthcare provider before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brands products. More-serious or repeat infections may need prescription medicine. 8 Dermatologist-Approved Ways to Clear Your Folliculitis for Good Its hard to know just how common because it doesnt always require treatment and can be misdiagnosed as acne. Folliculitis Make an appointment with your health care provider if your condition is widespread or the symptoms don't go away after a week or two of self-care measures. Limit your use of oils and other greasy skin products. Some of the bumps may be pustules raised areas that contain pus and may resemble pimples. Many dermatologists recommend the Replenix Gly Sal 10/2 Cleanser ($20), which contains two exfoliating ingredients to cleanse the skin and remove buildup. The following may increase a persons risk of developing the condition. Folliculitis is a common skin problem that happens when you get bacteria or a blockage in a tiny pocket in your skin called a hair follicle. 2nd ed. A warm, moist compress can help soothe soreness, swelling, and pain. Mayo Clinic; 2022. The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. These bumps can be itchy and uncomfortable, and they may fill with pus or become crusted over. Wear longer sleeve T-shirts and dresses to cover the skin under your arms. WebThe best treatment for folliculitis includes washing the area and applying aloe vera gel, diluted hydrogen peroxide or anti-itch agents. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes See additional information. The condition presents small discolored bumps that may have a white, pus-filled tip. Pityrosporum folliculitis may be contagious. Folliculitis can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but there are many treatments and preventative measures you can take to manage it. [5] Dont apply the cream heavily or you could block the hair follicles and make the infection worse. Malassezia furfur. You can also try wearing breathable fabrics, like cotton, to help keep your skin dry and cool. Hot tub rash. The biggest warning signs are when pimples become painful, pus-filled, or if the condition spreads to other parts of your body. Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by hairs that grow into and under the skin. You dont usually need tests unless treatments dont work. Try laser hair removal as a long-term option. Your provider may refer you to a dermatologist. 2020 Apr;13(4):36-38. Types of folliculitis, with the most common listed first, include: There is a problem with Learn how to treat it. Symptoms of folliculitis are mild pain, pruritus, or irritation. Essential oils, like tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that cause folliculitis. These include: A person should also treat underlying medical conditions and speak with a doctor if they are taking medications that increase the risk of folliculitis. They examine these cells under a microscope to look for signs of excess Malassezia yeast. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether tea tree oil is right for you. Because most folliculitis is caused by S. aureus, clindamycin 1% lotion or gel may be applied topically 2 times a day for 7 to 10 days. Growth of stiff hairs into the skin may cause chronic low-grade irritation or inflammation that may mimic infectious folliculitis (pseudofolliculitis barbae Pseudofolliculitis Barbae Pseudofolliculitis barbae is irritation of the skin due to hairs that penetrate the skin before leaving the hair follicle or that leave the follicle and curve back into the skin, causing a foreign-body read more ). It usually appears as small bumps. The hair follicle is the root of the problem, and the follicles affected can be removed by laser in some circumstances. However, folliculitis can result in painful skin inflammation, sores, and pimple-like bumps. Folliculitis can usually be treated with OTC antibacterial or antifungal cream, such as Neosporin or Terrasil. Try to avoid tight clothing for a while, which can cause friction or rubbing that further inflames your breakouts. The condition can be treated at home by: Applying warm, moist A yeast called Malassezia (pityrosporum) causes this condition. Oral antifungal medications can cause side effects such as: Yeast may grow when your skin becomes too hot, sweaty and moist. Last medically reviewed on February 28, 2020, There are many types of folliculitis, or hair follicle inflammation. In most cases, folliculitis is a harmless condition. A doctor can diagnose folliculitis by physical examination. 2nd ed. Not scratching itchy skin can help speed up healing. When hair follicles are damaged, they may be invaded by viruses, bacteria and fungi. Its most likely to occur on your thighs, buttocks, neck, and armpits places where friction is common. Antibiotic creams, like Neosporin, can help kill the bacteria that cause folliculitis and prevent the condition from getting worse. Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles). the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. To help yourself heal and ease symptoms, you can: Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesnt monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection that requires prescription medication, antibiotics, or further evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your folliculitis. Are there different types of Demodex mites? Antibiotics and other medications may not clear up chronic cases. We spoke with Dr. Zalka and dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi to find the best at-home and professional treatments for folliculitis. 1st line topical benzoyl peroxide. Folliculitis is typically caused by a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles. If you experience it regularly, they may refer you to a dermatologist to help you learn how to avoid and manage the condition. Policy. You can find hydrogen peroxide in the first aid aisle of your local pharmacy. In a recent study, researchers found that azelaic acid 15% foam could be used as an off-label treatment and maintenance therapy for patients with folliculitis of all body areas. Home remedies can help soothe symptoms like itching, tenderness, and redness. Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis. In most cases, mild cases of folliculitis can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and self-care practices. This type of treatment can help improve symptoms of deep folliculitis. 2015; doi:10.1111/bjd.13427. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. Review/update the Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Symptoms often go away with treatment and come back when treatment stops. So while acne presents as a facial breakout of pimples, folliculitis is a breakout that happens elsewhere on your body due to an inflamed hair follicle. Though the thought of having mites on your skin might sound unpleasant, its actually common to have small. Lin HS, Lin PT, Tsai YS, Wang SH, Chi CC. (2018). If you live with eczema, you might be looking for home remedies for symptom relief. To help prevent complications and lessen the severity of folliculitis when you have it: Ask your doctor for more tips on preventing folliculitis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Final Word. Folliculitis, inflammation of the hair follicles that may develop into a bacterial or fungal infection, usually manifests as an itchy, painful, blistering and/or oozing rash While not quite a home remedy, reducing body hair permanently may help you shave or wax less often. Some laser therapies arent suitable if you have darker or tanned skin. These include antifungal drugs such as WebStop doing what caused the folliculitis To clear your skin more quickly and get relief, apply warm compresses to the area. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The best treatment for folliculitis includes washing the area and applying aloe vera gel, diluted hydrogen peroxide or anti-itch agents. Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles: the tiny pouches in your skin from which hairs grow. It is a very common skin condition, and generally harmless. We Asked the Pros, How to Get Rid of and Prevent a Pimple Inside Your Nose Because Yes, That Happens, Here's How to Remove a Deep Ingrown Hair Safely, According to Derms, How to Know Whether Your Breakout Is Actually Folliculitis. To identify the cause, they may remove or take a small sample of one of the bumps for testing. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Available from: Draelos ZD. For sensitive skin types, try reaching for theCeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser. The doctor may examine the skin, note symptoms, and review the persons medical and family history. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Folliculitis. Wet wrap therapy is a way to help ease skin itching and irritation. However, it can progress to a more serious disease in people with compromised immune systems. Laureano AC, et al. They are present on all parts of the skin except the lips, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. You will need medical treatment for more severe folliculitis. To help yourself heal and ease symptoms, you can: Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with Webhot tub folliculitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. You can dilute the oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, and apply it to the affected area several times a day, as directed. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Folliculitis affects the hair-bearing areas of the body, often the arms, head, and face. Essential oils shouldnt go directly on your skin. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores. They may be accompanied by: Folliculitis can appear at first glance like an acne breakout, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Hormone fluctuations in turn lead to skin issues such as acne and folliculitis due to oil buildup. Pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options. Waldman RA, et al. But pityrosporum folliculitis can last for years. The aim is to reduce pain and encourage a faster recovery time. Its only when there is an overgrowth that pityrosporum folliculitis forms. Treatment Itching, also known as "pruritus" can be uncomfortable. Boils can occur outside of the vagina on the labia, vulva or pubic area. Folliculitis Itches, Rashes, Bumps and Other Adult Skin Problems, Minor Athlete Infections and Other Annoyances: How to Prevent and Treat Them, Groups of small red bumps like pimples, some with whiteheads on them, Large areas of red, swollen skin that may leak pus, Blockages from skin products, such as moisturizers with oils, Hair removal, such as shaving, waxing, and plucking, Other bacteria, such as the kind you might find in a hot tub, Have acne, especially if you use a steroid cream or long-term antibiotic for it, Wear tight clothes, rubber gloves, or boots that dont let sweat or heat out, Spend time in a pool or hot tub thats not cleaned regularly, Have an illness that affects your immune system, like diabetes, leukemia, or HIV/AIDS, Antibiotic cream if the folliculitis is caused by bacteria (pills for very severe cases only), Antifungal creams, shampoos, or pills if its caused by fungus. Clinics in Dermatology. (2017). Other things you can do: Indiana University Bloomington Health Center: Folliculitis., The International Foundation for Dermatology: Management of Bacterial Infections of the Hair Follicles., Primary Care Dermatology Society: Folliculitis and boils (furuncles/carbuncles)., American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Folliculitis.. It can be spread through shared razors and hot tubs or, less likely, through skin-to-skin contact between people. 2013; doi:10.1016/j.cger.2013.01.002. You also should not wear clothes that irritate your skin or trap heat and sweat, such as Lycra, rubber gloves, and high boots. Folliculitis can occur on your skin wherever hair grows, including your scalp. DOI: Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/steroid-creams-can-help-with-skin-inflammation-but-are-not-a-cure/, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634, pediatricpartnerskc.com/getattachment/Education/Illnesses-Symptoms/Dry-Skin-Eczema-Atopic-Dermatitis/wet-wrapping.pdf.aspx, How to Treat and Prevent Bumps After Waxing, 12 Natural Remedies to Reduce Eczema Symptoms, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, The Benefits of Dermarolling at Home: A Complete Guide, Overview of Purpuric Rash, a Symptom of Some Conditions, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, actinic folliculitis, which is from the sun. Ogunbiyi A. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options. This content does not have an English version. Talk to your dermatologist about the right laser hair removal for you. Your healthcare provider will check your skin during a physical examination. Acne and acne-related conditions. Mild folliculitis may cause signs and symptoms like: There are different kinds of folliculitis, including: Try home remedies to help relieve itching or soreness from folliculitis. Folliculitis causes small or crusty bumps to form on your skin. information submitted for this request. You might want to try an electric razor or hair removal products (depilatories) or other ways to remove hair. In the initial stages, folliculitis may look like a rash, a patch of small bumps, or yellow- or white-tipped pimples. Dilute the essential oil by adding a few drops to a carrier oil or a moisturizing cream. Learn more about how rashes can appear on dark skin tones here. Most cases of folliculitis are mild. Learn more about the medicated shampoos, lifestyle changes, and other treatments, Ingrowing hairs can be painful and irritating, and they can occur as a result of shaving or clogged follicles. When you do shave, use clean, sharp blades each time. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. Different kinds of folliculitis have other names you might have heard, such as: Your symptoms will vary based on the exact type of folliculitis you have and how bad it is. You have staph on your skin all the time, and it normally doesnt cause any issues. Cut a clean cotton cloth into strips or use gauze bandages the type used to dress cuts. The irritation caused by shaving, waxing or friction from clothing is a common cause. They may start with an antifungal cream (topical treatment) to reduce the amount of yeast on your skin. WebIt does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. Benzoyl peroxide cleansers daily in the shower are very effective, as they kill pathogenic bacteria and remove dead skin cells. Several home remedies are effective at treating folliculitis and its symptoms. This Neutrogena body wash comes highly recommended by Dr. Zalka, who says it may help prevent oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria from infiltrating your pores. What causes them, and what you can do about them. This article details the causes, symptoms, and complications of folliculitis. 2. Microbiologic testing is not routinely indicated. All rights reserved. Dip into hot tubs only if you know for sure they are clean and well-maintained. Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection that can affect one or more hair follicles. Here's how to identify it, as well as the other symptoms. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If these measures do not result in a cure, or folliculitis recurs, pustules are Gram stained and cultured to rule out gram-negative or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) etiology, and nares are cultured to rule out nasal staphylococcal carriage. Read ACOGs complete disclaimer. Mayo Clinic. This can lead to ingrown hair and skin infections like folliculitis. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media.