Folliculitis is a common yet annoying condition many people go through. (2021). The irritation caused by shaving, waxing or friction from clothing is a common cause. To help prevent this: Expect symptoms to clear up within a few weeks of starting treatment. If youve ever had a breakout on your body that you couldnt place, you might be dealing with a skin condition known as folliculitis. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils painful, pus-filled bumps that form a connected area of infection under the skin. These include antifungal drugs such as This can help remove excess oil and bacteria from the area, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent the condition from getting worse. Pour sterile water (or boiled water that has been cooled) into a bowl. Folliculitis is inflammation of a hair follicle. It often happens after shaving, like when you have razor burn. This can help prevent further folliculitis bumps. Hydrogen peroxide can help get rid of some bacteria and fungi that cause folliculitis. You can also try wearing breathable fabrics, like cotton, to help keep your skin dry and cool. It may look like a small pink or red rash on the skin. Your healthcare provider might recommend that you continue to use certain creams or medications to prevent symptoms from recurring. All rights reserved. You can try the home remedies given above for self-treatment, but if they do not seem to work or are just making the condition worse, consult a doctor right away. They contain hydrocortisone, a kind of steroid medication that helps bring down itching, swelling, and redness. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties that can help kill the bacteria that cause folliculitis. More severe cases may require prescription medications or medical procedures. This can happen when shaving the face, head, or body. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Assortment of Skin Care Products from Mayo Clinic Store, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Clusters of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles, Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over, Regularly wearing clothing that traps heat and sweat, such as rubber gloves or high boots, Soaking in a hot tub, whirlpool or public pool that's not maintained well, Causing damage to hair follicles through shaving, waxing, wearing tight clothes or hair styling practices such as traction, wigs and oils, Using some medications, such as corticosteroid creams, prednisone, long-term antibiotic therapy for acne and certain chemotherapy drugs, Having dermatitis or excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), Patches of skin that are darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than before the condition occurred, usually temporary, Destruction of hair follicles and permanent hair loss, Washing your skin with warm water and a mild facial cleanser (Cetaphil, CeraVe, others) before shaving, Using a washcloth or cleansing pad in a gentle circular motion to raise embedded hairs before shaving, Applying a good amount of shaving lotion before shaving, Avoiding shaving too close by using an electric razor or guarded blade and by not stretching the skin, Using a clean, sharp blade and rinsing it with warm water after each stroke, Avoiding shaving the same area more than twice, Applying moisturizing lotion after you shave, Avoiding the sharing of razors, towels and washcloths. The condition can affect one or many follicles and may last a short time or persist long term. Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne. The symptoms of folliculitis include red bumps that may resemble pimples or blisters. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat folliculitis and prevent it from recurring. In most cases, folliculitis will disappear independently. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. Certain types of folliculitis are known as hot tub rash and barber's itch. Mayo Clinic. Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Apply plenty of gel or shaving cream, not soap, and let it sit 5-10 minutes to soften your hair. WebWhen pityrosporum folliculitis is severe or doesnt go away, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal pills (systemic treatment). To do this, soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring out the excess moisture. What is the outlook if you have folliculitis? Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially rough fabrics such as denim. In: StatPearls [Internet]. You can often treat it yourself, but for more severe cases you may need to see your doctor. However, if symptoms do not resolve independently after a few days, it may be beneficial for a person to contact a medical professional. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Acne Acne Vulgaris Acne vulgaris is the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and/or cysts as a result of obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and their accompanying read more is a noninfectious form of folliculitis. It destroys the hair follicles, meaning bacteria, fungi, or viruses can no longer infect them. 2004;73(6 Suppl):18-24. 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. Hot Tub-Associated Pseudomonas Folliculitis: A Case Report and Review of Host Risk Factors. The condition is also called pseudofolliculitis barbae. How should you treat an ingrown hair cyst? Then, wrap the cloth around the affected area and cover it with a dry cloth or bandage. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. This study aimed to provide an evidence-based analysis of current treatment efficacy for FD. They include: To prevent folliculitis, avoid or reduce exposure to the causes of the condition. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] They may not be safe for babies. Most outbreaks will resolve by themselves. Some types may only cause superficial symptoms, while others can progress to a deeper follicle infection. Learn more about how rashes can appear on dark skin tones here. Its important to discuss your medical history and any preexisting skin conditions with a dermatologist before undergoing laser hair removal. This raises the risk of infection. WebStop doing what caused the folliculitis To clear your skin more quickly and get relief, apply warm compresses to the area. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Folliculitis usually occurs when the follicles are injured and then become infected with bacteria, fungus, virus or yeast.The most common culprit is the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.. You have hair follicles just about everywhere except your lips, your palms, and the soles of your feet. The superficial type involves part of the follicle, and the deep type involves the entire follicle and is usually more severe. Other symptoms include itching and burning. There are many different types of folliculitis, each with its own unique causes and symptoms. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area, or use a moisturizer or lotion that contains aloe vera. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The doctor may examine the skin, note symptoms, and review the persons medical and family history. This is because the treatment involves damaging the hair follicle, which can cause inflammation and infection in some cases. Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. Rich in antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties, neem can effectively cure folliculitis infection as well as soothe the follicles. This article details the causes, symptoms, and complications of folliculitis. These include antifungal drugs such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole. It occurs when hair follicles become inflamed and infected, leading to red bumps, irritation, and itching. Healthcare providers treat this fungal infection with topical and systemic antifungal medications. It is typically due to an infection and results in irritated pimple-like spots or pustules. 2. Last medically reviewed on March 17, 2022. When evaluated medically, a dermatologist will likely ask about your medical background and potential causes of the folliculitis. 2020 Sep 23;12(9):e10623. To do this, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess moisture. They examine these cells under a microscope to look for signs of excess Malassezia yeast. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection that requires prescription medication, antibiotics, or further evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your folliculitis. Acne and acne-related conditions. Apply the steroid cream or lotion thinly over the skin area. If youve had some success with any of these treatments, a dermatologist may suggest a hair removal laser course to prevent further folliculitis. Essential oils that may help treat skin infections like folliculitis include: Avoid essential oils if youre pregnant or breastfeeding. Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair In rare cases, a doctor may order a skin biopsy to exclude the possibility of other causes. Wear loose and breathable or moisture-wicking fabrics. By adopting some simple lifestyle habits, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition. Folliculitis can be caused by various pathogens and tends to be potentiated by perspiration, trauma, friction, and occlusion of the skin. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Certain factors increase the risk of getting it, including: Possible complications of folliculitis include: You can try to prevent folliculitis by using these tips: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Itching, also known as "pruritus" can be uncomfortable. Folliculitis can sometimes be serious. Rinse with warm water and use moisturizing lotion. Wash your skin with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Mild folliculitis can be treated at home. However, folliculitis can result in painful skin inflammation, sores, and pimple-like bumps. What causes them, and what you can do about them. Anyone can develop folliculitis. Sarkar R, Ghunawat S, Garg VK. For chronic folliculitis, your doctor may advise you to grow your hair for up to 3 months. Folliculitis will typically resolve on its own. So what exactly can you do about those small red or pus-filled bumps? Potassium hydroxide wet mount should be done on a plucked hair to rule out fungal folliculitis. Last medically reviewed on March 29, 2022, Learn how fluid-filled lumps known as cysts can form around an ingrown hair. 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. They will also ask: Your doctor may be able to diagnose folliculitis based on appearance alone. In severe cases, doctors may recommend light therapy or photodynamic therapy to treat folliculitis.