American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Pityrosporum Folliculitis - systemic therapy with oral antifungal agents, is often the treatment of choice for this condition. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. April 4, 2023 By Derm Collective (reviewed by Megan Kera, M.S., PA-C). What causes them, and what you can do about them. Wet skin is also more likely to get an infection. Folliculitis Home Treatment: 12 Remedies to Consider 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. All rights reserved. Over time, this can spread to nearby hair follicles and progress to crusty sores. Lifestyle changes can help strengthen nails and get them where wed like them to be. To the Editor: Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is the most common neutrophilic scarring alopecia, causing painful, recurrent purulent follicular exudation.1 Currently, there is a paucity of data regarding the efficacy of FD-specific treatments. What is the outlook if you have folliculitis? Wet wrap therapy is a way to help ease skin itching and irritation. Areas of the skin covered by swimwear such as the buttocks are most prone to develop the rash, but it may also affect the skin directly exposed to the contaminated water. Most aren't contagious. Read on to learn how to avoid some common pitfalls. Click here for an email preview. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. You may also be at higher risk if you: Pityrosporum folliculitis is a common type of dermatitis, a skin condition. Boil a soft cotton cloth or launder it in warm water and soap to make sure its clean. Folliculitis: Treatment, Causes, and Symptoms - Healthline In some cases, it can be caused by irritation from shaving, tight clothing, or other factors. She has contributed to Byrdie, as well as Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, Allure, Vogue, and the New York Times, and more, Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. To do this, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess moisture. Sometimes a doctor will drain a boil or carbuncle by making a small incision in the lesion to drain the pus. Boils can occur outside of the vagina on the labia, vulva or pubic area. Then, apply the compress to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. The condition can be treated at home by: Applying warm, moist Deep folliculitis affects more of the follicle or even all of it. The superficial type involves part of the follicle, and the deep type involves the entire follicle and is usually more severe. Wear shorts under a dress or skirt. The pathogen may be bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic. Ferri FF, et al., eds. When you do shave, use clean, sharp blades each time. Essential oils shouldnt go directly on your skin. It is often the result of improper shaving technique, poor hygiene, and wearing tight clothing. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Boil Mayo Clinic. Folliculitis is a common skin irritation. The rash commonly appears as scattered red bumps. The 14 Best Medicated Shampoos for Scalp Acne of 2023, This Is Why You're Getting Breakouts in Your Armpit, How to Treat and Prevent Hairline Acne, According to Dermatologists, Experiencing Cheek Acne? In some cases, you might need medical treatment, such as antibiotics. Home remedies can help soothe and treat symptoms of mild folliculitis. In most cases, folliculitis is a harmless condition. Avoid wearing clothing like yoga pants, tights, leggings, and other tight clothing. Before heading to a professional, stop by your local pharmacy for some at-home treatments. Glycolic acid removes oil and unclogs pores while salicylic acid helps regulate oil production and encourage skin healing. Home remedies can treat mild folliculitis only. Wash your skin with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Pityrosporum folliculitis often affects adolescents. Folliculitis is typically caused by a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles. A purpuric rash is made up of small, discolored spots under your skin from leaking blood vessels. Shaving can irritate the skin and make folliculitis worse. Other types include: Staph, a kind of bacteria, is most often to blame. This type of treatment can help improve symptoms of deep folliculitis. Gently press the washcloth onto your skin. Apply aloe vera gel on the skin after cleaning the area with soap and water. (2018). WebThe best treatment for folliculitis includes washing the area and applying aloe vera gel, diluted hydrogen peroxide or anti-itch agents. Hot tub rash. It rarely causes more severe problems. Your provider may refer you to a dermatologist. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 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. When hair follicles are damaged, they may be invaded by viruses, bacteria and fungi. What Is the Best Treatment for Folliculitis? - MedicineNet What are the risk factors for folliculitis? Leave the wrap on for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Accessed June 16, 2022. Waldman RA, et al. Extensive cutaneous involvement may warrant systemic therapy (eg, cephalexin 250 to 500 mg orally 3 to 4 times a day for 10 days). This common skin condition is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Treatment Accessed June 21, 2022. Minor surgery The doctor may surgically drain the pus from a large boil or carbuncle to relieve the pain, accelerate skin healing and minimize scarring. See additional information. Superficial folliculitis is when only part of the follicle is damaged, while deep folliculitis is when the whole follicle is damaged. Learn more about how rashes can appear on dark skin tones here. On darker skin tones, it may appear darker than the surrounding skin and may contain red, or purple hues. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. There are many different types of folliculitis, each with its own unique causes and symptoms. Several treatments are usually necessary to see results. Its hard to know just how common because it doesnt always require treatment and can be misdiagnosed as acne. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 2013; doi:10.1016/j.cger.2013.01.002. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection that requires prescription medication, antibiotics, or further evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your folliculitis. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options. Mayo Clinic; 2022. Kelly AP, et al., eds. Some types may only cause superficial symptoms, while others can progress to a deeper follicle infection. Avoid waxing the area where you have folliculitis. Laureano AC, et al. They cause a severe skin infection that leads to hair loss or scarring. These include a sudden increase in redness or pain, fever, chills, and a feeling of being unwell (malaise). Some kinds of hair removal like waxing can open up the hair follicle too much. Dip into hot tubs only if you know for sure they are clean and well-maintained. Home remedies can help soothe symptoms like itching, tenderness, and redness. We do not provide medical diagnosis, advice, or treatments. Allowing your hair to grow may help your follicles to heal. Shave only in the direction that hair grows, or use an electric razor. 2nd line ciprofloxacin. It can be hard to tell which type of folliculitis you have. Clean the area with warm water and soap twice a day. Some essential oils may work against bacteria and fungi that cause folliculitis. These Are the Causesand Your Treatment Options, Rachel is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dermatology. To help yourself heal and ease symptoms, you can: Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. If youve tried the at-home solutions and arent seeing the progress, it might be time to head to the dermatologist. This raises the risk of infection. In: Ferri's Fast Facts in Dermatology: A Practical Guide to Skin Diseases and Disorders. Accessed June 16, 2022. Learn how to treat it. This is because the treatment involves damaging the hair follicle, which can cause inflammation and infection in some cases. [6] They may also ask questions related to recent nonmedical activity, such as hot tub usage or recent changes to new clothing. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on areas of healthy skin you dont want to kill good bacteria on the skin. In this same vein, be sure to remove clothes ASAP after sweating or working out (and cleanse your skin right away). Last medically reviewed on February 28, 2020, There are many types of folliculitis, or hair follicle inflammation. Winters RD, Mitchell M. Folliculitis. Accessed June 16, 2022. To use, just spray onto affected areas and let the product dry before you put on your clothes. If youve ever had a breakout on your body that you couldnt place, you might be dealing with a skin condition known as folliculitis. They can be red, white, or yellow in color. 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. (2020). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Many people develop mild bumps and inflammation afterward. Epub 2020 May 1. Review/update the If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could This content does not have an English version. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. 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 OyetakinWhite P, Tribout H, Baron E. Protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in skin. 2015; doi:10.1111/bjd.13427. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores. It may look like acne or a rash and can be isolated to one hair follicle or affect many. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To confirm a diagnosis of pityrosporum folliculitis, your provider may gently scrape your skin to gather some skin cells. To treat acute folliculitis thats severe or slow to heal, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications. 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. Lifestyle changes can help strengthen nails and get them where wed like them to be. Claire is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers skincare and product reviews. Use OR to account for alternate terms Folliculitis is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become inflamed. Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. (2021). Folliculitis can be caused by various pathogens and tends to be potentiated by perspiration, trauma, friction, and occlusion of the skin. Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. Specific types offolliculitissuch as pseudomonasfolliculitismay even require oral antibiotics. You can pick up bacteria or fungi at pools or spas that are not well-sanitized. Sominidi Damodaran S (expert opinion). (n.d.). Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Hot tub folliculitis usually resolves without treatment. Folliculitis can sometimes happen from wearing clothing that irritates the skin or when skin rubs against skin. There are a number of factors that can cause folliculitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. They may take a swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus is the cause of the folliculitis. You may still need medical attention in serious cases. It develops when shaved hairs curve back into the skin, leading to inflammation. Then, wrap the cloth around the affected area and cover it with a dry cloth or bandage. Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. In the initial stages, folliculitis may look like a rash, a patch of small bumps, or yellow- or white-tipped pimples. Folliculitis can happen anywhere on the body, including the scalp. The condition is also called pseudofolliculitis barbae. But in most cases, it takes several treatments to see results. If you experience severe pain, spreading of the infection, signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus, or recurring infections, its important to see a doctor. Wear longer sleeve T-shirts and dresses to cover the skin under your arms. Dermarolling, aka microneedling, is the art of erasing unwanted acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Pityrosporum folliculitis happens when too much Malassezia yeast grows on the skin and infects the hair follicles. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the skin and reduce redness and swelling. Oakley A, et al. You dont usually need tests unless treatments dont work. Avoid sharing personal care products, such as razors and towels. Some bacteria help get rid of germs that cause infections like folliculitis. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. This can happen when shaving the face, head, or body. Symptoms often go away with treatment and come back when treatment stops. You can use antibiotic ointment or anti-itching lotion first. 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. Seek immediate medical care if you experience signs of a spreading infection. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes Basic skin hygiene practices can help lower your risk of developing folliculitis, but if the condition does appear, its helpful to know how to recognize it and how best to respond. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. All rights reserved. Azelaic acid is a topical treatment that has been found to be effective in treating folliculitis. British Journal of Dermatology. to Treat Buttock Folliculitis Folliculitis can usually be treated with OTC antibacterial or antifungal cream, such as Neosporin or Terrasil. Superficial folliculitis can look like a pus-filled bump. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. An acaricide is a pesticide that kills ticks and mites. While some skin types are more likely to get an outbreak than others, there are also underlying medical conditions and lifestyle choices that can lead to further irritation. Infected hairs easily fall out or are removed by the patient, but new papules tend to develop. Common terms for this condition include razor bumps, shaving bumps, or ingrown hairs . It may look like a small pink or red rash on the skin. Using PRISMA (Preferred In that case, your doctor may use a swab to take a skin sample and find out exactly whats causing the problem. Treatment for a mite infestation usually involves a cream, gel, lotion or wash containing an acaricide. Most outbreaks will resolve by themselves. Folliculitis can be triggered by a number of factors, including: Most cases of folliculitis will go away on their own within a few days to a week. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. Apply it onto your skin with a cotton swab. Apply OTC hydrocortisone creams lightly to reduce the itching. Wear loose and breathable or moisture-wicking fabrics. Folliculitis is a skin disorder involving the inflammation of hair follicles. Avoid using too much antibiotic cream and use it only where needed. Certain types may need more aggressive types of care, while others may go away with little WebIt does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. A doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory drugs. Folliculitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis. 3 Ways to Treat Folliculitis - wikiHow If needed, your provider may do a skin biopsy. This article details the causes, symptoms, and complications of folliculitis. The information on our website is intended for educational purposes only. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with clean, sterile water or use it directly. Folliculitis will typically resolve on its own. There are many types of folliculitis, or hair follicle inflammation. But if it gets inside your body, say through a cut, then it can cause problems. In a small number of cases, it can cause: If youve had folliculitis in the past, youre more likely to have it again in the future. If you have skin irritation thats accompanied by a fever, a spreading rash, or pus-filled and smelly bumps, seek medical help. A warm, moist compress can help soothe soreness, swelling, and pain. Folliculitis You can use a small spray bottle for larger areas. Compton GA. Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections in older adults.
