Folliculitis Treatment

Folliculitis is a condition, wherein the hair follicles get infected. It can affect one or more hair follicles and can occur in any part of the body, where there is hair. However, the most commonly affected parts are the face, scalp, back, and the areas rubbed by clothing, such as the thighs and groin. Primarily, folliculitis affects hair follicles which are damaged. Such damage can be caused by friction from clothes or jewelry, by shaving or waxing, insect bites, blockage by dust, sweat and oil, etc. These damaged hair follicles are infected by bacteria, causing folliculitis. Sometimes, yeast or other types of fungus or virus can also be the causative agent of folliculitis. Read on to know more about types of folliculitis and folliculitis symptoms.

Types and Symptoms of Folliculitis

The symptoms of folliculitis varies with the type of infection. Basically, folliculitis can be divided into superficial and deep ones. Superficial folliculitis affects the upper part of the hair follicles and causes symptoms, like, small red bumps around the follicles, inflammation, itchiness and tenderness. There can be pustules, that may break, releasing pus and blood. Deep folliculitis affects the deeper parts of the hair follicles, but, gradually spreads to the whole hair follicle. This type of infection is characterized by large bumps, which can be swollen and painful. In this case too, pus-filled blisters may develop. There is a possibility of scarring from this type of folliculitis. These two basic types of folliculitis are further classified into various sub-types.

Superficial folliculitis includes pseudomonas folliculitis or hot tub folliculitis, staphylococcal folliculitis, tinea barbae, pseudofolliculitis barbae, pityrosporum folliculitis, herpetic folliculitis, etc. This classification is based on the type of the causal agents such as bacteria and fungi. Herpetic folliculitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Deep folliculitis includes eosinophilic folliculitis, gram-negative folliculitis, boils and carbuncles, etc. While, some forms of folliculitis subside without any treatment, there are some, which may clear up with treatment, but, may recur. Let us take a look at the various modes of folliculitis treatment.

Folliculitis Treatment

Now, you know that folliculitis is a condition, which is caused by a hair follicle infection. In most cases, bacteria is found to be the causative agent, followed by fungi. Even, some types of virus can cause folliculitis. While, the condition subsides without any treatment in some cases, others need proper treatment to prevent its spreading and recurrence. If left untreated, severe folliculitis may lead to a cellulitis skin infection, destruction of hair follicles and bald patches, furunculosis, scarring, etc. The following paragraphs deal with the different types of treatment for folliculitis.

Folliculitis treatment at home is effective only for in mild cases. This includes washing the area with mild anti bacterial soap and applying some antibiotic ointment. The person should avoid shaving on and around the area and sharing of towels. You may also resort to some over the counter medication for folliculitis treatment. Over the counter medicines include hydrocortisone creams and antibiotic ointments. Application of a warm compress is found to be beneficial to relieve the discomfort caused by the condition and to help the bumps to drain out.

If the condition is severe and persistent, medical attention is needed. The treatment is decided according to the type and severity of infection. If the causal agent is bacteria, as in the case of staphylococcal folliculitis, treatment includes oral antibiotics and antibiotic ointments. In case of fungi infection, antifungal medicines are given, both orally and as a topical application. Hot tub folliculitis treatments include ointments to relieve itching, as a specific treatment is not needed for this type of infection. Folliculitis treatment is not necessary for infections caused by virus, as it may subside by itself. But, in case of immunocompromised persons, antiviral medication is administered. Boils and carbuncles are sometimes drained by making small incisions. Antibiotics may be administered to avoid possible infections. Eosinophic folliculitis is often treated with topical corticosteroids, but severe cases may need the medicine orally too. Natural treatment for folliculitis includes the intake of raw garlic, apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons in one glass of water), turmeric powder (one teaspoon with a little water for 3 or 4 times a day), etc.

Now, you have a basic idea about folliculitis treatment. If you notice these symptoms, it is better to consult a dermatologist and get the condition diagnosed. If the doctor feels that treatment is needed, you must stick to the folliculitis treatment plan, in order to prevent recurrence and other complications associated with this condition.