Folliculitis, a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles, usually occurs with itchy and painful blisters, also draining of liquid, that surround one or more infected follicles. It can be caused by a variety of pathogens, so there are different treatment options for different levels of severity. Whether yours is mild folliculitis or a severe case involving all of the skin, read on to get it right in no time.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating a Mild Folliculitis with Home Remedies
Step 1. Wash the affected area periodically with antibacterial soap
Most mild cases of folliculitis generally go away on their own. However, you can speed up this process by taking care of the infected area. Twice a day, use a mild antibacterial soap to clean the area and kill the bacteria responsible for the infection. Rinse and dry with a clean, dry cloth or towel.
- Make sure you wash gently. Do not use harsh soap and do not scrub, you could irritate the skin making the redness and inflammation worse.
- If folliculitis appears on the face, choose an antibacterial soap specifically indicated for the face. Generally this type is gentler than standard antibacterial soaps.
Step 2. Soak the area with warm water and aluminum acetate
Also known as Burow's solution, this product is an astringent and antibacterial, usually considered a good non-prescription treatment, to treat several minor skin conditions. Aluminum acetate is indicated to kill the bacteria responsible for folliculitis and to reduce swelling in the infected area, reducing irritation and accelerating recovery.
- To use this solution, simply dissolve the contents of one sachet in the recommended amount in hot water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, wring it out and apply it gently to the affected area. Let it act, soaking it every now and then in the solution as needed.
- When done, clean the container you put the Burow solution in and rinse the towel under cold water. Do not reuse the cloth; be sure to wash and dry it thoroughly.
Step 3. Treat your skin with oatmeal
Believe it or not, oatmeal has long been used as a homemade ingredient to treat skin irritations due to its anti-itch properties. Soak your entire body (or soak only the affected area) in a homemade oatmeal bath or cover the area with oatmeal lotion. Enjoy the soothing and regenerating sensation of this miraculous product but, to avoid further aggravating folliculitis, do not expose yourself to this solution for too long, even if it is delicate.
As mentioned before, be sure to use a clean cloth or towel to gently pat the affected area
Step 4. Try a simple salt water pack
You can easily prepare it by using a cloth or other absorbent material soaked in warm liquid and placing it against the affected area to soothe the irritation, promote drainage and speed up the healing process. Salt water provides an additional (albeit minor) antibacterial benefit. To prepare the pack, dissolve a few tablespoons of table salt in a cup or two of hot water. Wet a clean cotton ball or soak a cloth in the solution and hold it gently on the affected area.
Apply it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening
Step 5. Consider a holistic cure such as vinegar
Minor skin diseases, such as folliculitis, can easily be treated with "natural" or holistic cures. Some professionals are willing to swear on the effectiveness of these types of treatments, even if they are often not supported by traditional medicine. If you want to follow a holistic treatment, use common sense, do nothing that could aggravate your infection, do not introduce additional bacteria into the affected area, and do not prevent healing. A typical holistic treatment that involves the use of vinegar is described below (but you can find many others with a simple online search).
Make a mixture of two parts of hot water and one part of white vinegar and mix thoroughly. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and wring it out, then apply it to the affected area. Keep the pack on for 5-10 minutes, continuing to soak it in the vinegar solution as needed
Method 2 of 3: Treating Folliculitis with Drugs
Step 1. Don't hesitate to see a doctor if your case is severe
Very often folliculitis consists of a minor irritation (even if painful). However, like all infections, there is always a chance that it can develop into something more serious if not managed properly. If you have the impression that it does not improve on its own, or you notice that more serious symptoms arise, such as fever or severe swelling and irritation, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. It's far better to be safe than sorry, and a timely visit to the doctor can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
It is generally recommended to consult your family doctor. He will eventually tell you to go to a dermatologist
Step 2. Apply hydrocortisone to relieve itching and pain
This drug is a topical cream that treats skin irritation and reduces itching. Try a 1% cream 2 to 5 times a day (or as needed) to decrease pain. Apply it directly to the affected area, rubbing gently with your fingers or a clean applicator. If you use your hands, wash and dry them thoroughly before applying the ointment to avoid transferring bacteria to the lesions.
However, be aware that while hydrocortisone can relieve pain and inflammation, it does not actively fight bacteria
Step 3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers / anti-inflammatories
To relieve the pain and inflammation associated with folliculitis, it is helpful to take one of several non-prescription drugs suitable for treating this infection. Common and inexpensive pain relievers such as acetaminophen and aspirin can help in cases of mild pain caused by this disorder. Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, are also equally good solutions, as they not only help with pain, but also temporarily block inflammation.
Although most over-the-counter pain relievers are very safe when taken in small doses, keep in mind that taking too many and over an extended period can sometimes cause serious problems such as liver damage, so be sure to always follow the instructions and dosage given in the leaflet
Step 4. Take antibiotics if your folliculitis is severe
For cases of folliculitis that do not respond well to home care and treatments, it may be necessary to treat the underlying bacterial infection with antibiotics. You can get a topical antibiotic that is readily available at all pharmacies. The more potent antibiotics, to be taken by mouth, however, usually require a prescription and are only recommended for severe cases.
Step 5. Take antifungal medication if your folliculitis is caused by a fungus
Some cases of folliculitis are not caused by bacteria, but by a fungus. In this case, you should take an antifungal medication to treat your condition. These are available in both oral and topical form. Like antibacterials, mild antifungals are often sold without a prescription, but if your case requires more aggressive intervention, stronger prescription drugs need to be taken.
Step 6. See a competent doctor if you want to drain the blisters or pustules
In particularly severe cases, folliculitis can form painful blisters and boils with pus. If these blisters form, see a doctor. Draining them definitely speeds up the healing process and helps reduce any scarring, but you don't have to do it alone. Attempting to incise and drain blisters in an inadequately sterile environment such as a medical one is a surefire way to develop a secondary infection.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Behaviors That Cause Folliculitis
Step 1. Don't shave the area
Folliculitis is often caused by irritation from shaving or unsanitary shaving practices. If the infection has formed on the skin under your beard or in another area of your body that you shave regularly, give her a break from shaving. If you shave too often you can irritate the area and spread the disease from one patch of hair to another.
If you absolutely must shave, minimize irritation as much as possible. Try to use an electric razor rather than a blade and trim your beard by the hair rather than against the hair. Make sure the razor is clean every time you use it
Step 2. Do not touch the area
Fingers and hands are among the most common vectors for bacteria. This means that they contain a lot of germs and transmit them quickly just like an airplane transports and transfers people. Even if the affected area is itching, burning, or painful, it is important to resist the urge to scratch or tease your skin. Consider it a “forbidden” area and only try to touch it when applying soap, topical medication or a compress.
Step 3. Don't wear tight clothing
The mechanical action of clothing rubbing against the skin during the day can cause irritation and friction that can potentially lead to infection. Furthermore, bad perspiration can also cause them. If you are prone to folliculitis, be sure to wear loose, soft clothing to minimize any potential irritation.
Also try to avoid getting your clothes wet around the areas affected by folliculitis. Wet clothing adheres more easily to the skin, increasing the risk of irritation
Step 4. Do not expose your skin to irritants
Each person has different skin, and some people are more sensitive to rashes and breakouts, while others are more resilient. If you have (or are prone to) folliculitis, try to avoid coming into contact with substances you know can cause irritation (particularly substances you are allergic to), as the irritation can cause an infection or slow down the healing process during an existing infection.
Try avoiding certain cosmetics, oils, lotions, brushes, and so on, for example
Step 5. Don't bathe or swim in untreated water
Folliculitis is also commonly referred to as a "hot tub rash" for good reason. Swimming, getting wet, or otherwise immersing yourself in dirty water, such as hot tub water that hasn't been chlorinated, is a very easy way to catch this infection. Some bacteria that cause folliculitis, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are easily transmitted through dirty water. If you are prone to suffering from it, you should be careful and be sure not to come into contact with non-chlorinated standing water.
Step 6. Don't rely too much on topical steroid creams
Some medical treatments, if used for long periods of time, can increase the risk of folliculitis. Topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone, in particular, can contribute to these infections. Paradoxically, topical hydrocortisone is itself a common treatment for mild folliculitis. If you are using this drug to treat the infection, make an appointment with your doctor if you do not notice any improvement; putting off and relying too much on steroid creams can make the infection worse.
Step 7. Do not allow existing lesions to become infected
Hair follicles can become inflamed if there is an infected wound that gives rise to bacterial overgrowth. Therefore, we recommend that you treat all skin infections promptly and professionally. Don't let the situation get out of hand as they are much easier to deal with when small and localized.
