Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. Other types include: Staph, a kind of bacteria, is most often to blame. Seek immediate medical care if you experience signs of a spreading infection. Its also more likely to affect people who sweat a lot (hyperhidrosis) and those who live in hot, humid areas. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on In most cases, mild cases of folliculitis can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications and self-care practices. The following may increase a persons risk of developing the condition. The hair follicle may get inflamed and appear red and bumpy. Hot tub folliculitis often resolves on its own. An herbal supplement called tea tree oil may help with pityrosporum folliculitis. When using warm compresses, dermatologists recommend https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi/rashes.html. They include: To prevent folliculitis, avoid or reduce exposure to the causes of the condition. Here's how to identify it, as well as the other symptoms. The hair follicle is the root of the problem, and the follicles affected can be removed by laser in some circumstances. These include: There are several forms of folliculitis, depending on the depth of infection. Pityrosporum folliculitis may be contagious. Treat Folliculitis It may look like acne or a rash and can be isolated to one hair follicle or affect many. Alternatively, benzoyl peroxide 5% wash may be used when showering for 5 to 7 days. Review/update the All rights reserved. You can try to prevent folliculitis by using these tips: Wash your skin regularly. While treating folliculitis is important, its equally important to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Malassezia (mah-luh-SEE-zee-uh) or Pityrosporum folliculitis (pity-RAH-spur-uhm fuh-lihk-you-LIE-tiss) is a fungal infection that causes bumps to form on your skin. You have staph on your skin all the time, and it normally doesnt cause any issues. Sarkar R, Ghunawat S, Garg VK. Some types may only cause superficial symptoms, while others can progress to a deeper follicle infection. Dermarolling, aka microneedling, is the art of erasing unwanted acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. The condition causes itchy pimples to form on your face, scalp and upper body. 1st line topical benzoyl peroxide. Webhot tub folliculitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Folliculitis and mild furuncles may go away with no treatment. They are present on all parts of the skin except the lips, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. The two main types of folliculitis are superficial and deep. Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases. They may also ask questions related to recent nonmedical activity, such as hot tub usage or recent changes to new clothing. Jackson JD. The fluid-filled bumps can crust over and become painful and itchy. Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. An acne-looking rash erupts on the surface of the skin. Folliculitis is a common yet annoying condition many people go through. Folliculitis. While you can contract Staph bacteria through bodily contact with someone who has it, folliculitis caused by fungi is not passed through physical contact. Apply it Be sure to use a fresh cloth and towel each time. Waxing can irritate the skin and make folliculitis worse. Hot tub folliculitis is a skin infection that occurs around the lower parts of hair follicles as a result of bacteria that thrive in warm, wet areas. Various medications are available for folliculitis. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Folliculitis causes small or crusty bumps to form on your skin. One of the easiest home remedies for folliculitis, neem has been used since ages to treat all kinds of skin disorders. It may appear similar to an acne outbreak, but it is important to differentiate them. You can often treat it yourself, but for more severe cases you may need to see your doctor. Dry off and change right away if youre sweaty or wearing wet clothing. The condition causes an itchy rash on the face, head and upper body. You dont usually need tests unless treatments dont work. You may need a prescription-strength antibiotic or antifungal medication to help control the condition. If we combine this information with your protected It usually appears as small bumps. Schuler A, Veenstra J, Tisack A. Folliculitis Induced by Laser Hair Removal: Proposed Mechanism and Treatment. When pityrosporum folliculitis is severe or doesnt go away, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal pills (systemic treatment). Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. McGraw Hill; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The most common cause of folliculitis is damage to the hair follicle. Mild cases often only require home remedies. (2019). Read on to learn how to avoid some common pitfalls. Use a new blade each time you shave so you know its clean and sharp; single blades are ideal. At-home treatments are a good first step for mild cases of folliculitis. You can also find her work on Today. Folliculitis is usually minor and goes away on its own without treatment. The condition is also called pseudofolliculitis barbae. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. So what exactly can you do about those small red or pus-filled bumps? Essential oils are powerful, so using them directly or too much can irritate your skin. Blake E, et al. The rash commonly appears as scattered red bumps. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Acne keloidalis nuchae (keloidal folliculitis), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605388/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7380697/, Venus Freeze: Benefits, Treatment, Pictures, & Cost, CoolSculpting Cost: Pricing, Factors & Comparisons, What Causes Acne? Some of the most common types include: The treatment options for folliculitis depend on the type and severity of the condition. Some laser therapies arent suitable if you have darker or tanned skin. 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. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Common terms for this condition include razor bumps, shaving bumps, or ingrown hairs . Folliculitis can make these hair follicles red and swollen. Dry off with a clean towel and avoid sharing your towel with anyone. WebDiagnosis and Treatment. Try other kinds of hair removal methods like depilatory creams instead. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. These include a sudden increase in redness or pain, fever, chills, and a feeling of being unwell (malaise). Avoid using too much antibiotic cream and use it only where needed. Boil a soft cotton cloth or launder it in warm water and soap to make sure its clean. Folliculitis 9 How to: Advertisements Boil a lot of neem leaves in two liters of water. 2. The treatment for folliculitis varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. Your healthcare provider might recommend that you continue to use certain creams or medications to prevent symptoms from recurring. For most cases of folliculitis, the best treatment is time. This will usually involve three forms of treatment to be used at the same time. Hot tub rash. The fastest way to get rid of folliculitis is to use topical or oral antibiotics. If youre itchy, you can try oatmeal lotion or hydrocortisone cream. However, it can progress to a more serious disease in people with compromised immune systems. Folliculitis is typically caused by a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles. Folliculitis can occur on your skin wherever hair grows, including your scalp. Symptoms often go away with treatment and come back when treatment stops. When you do shave, use clean, sharp blades each time. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7098993/), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754/). 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. Treatment is to destroy (eradicate) the staphylococci and prevent further folliculitis. Pseudofolliculitis barbae. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/folliculitis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5489393, https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/8534/eosinophilic-pustular-folliculitis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6585396, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5821164, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1572100021001836, New clues to slow aging? Lifestyle changes can help strengthen nails and get them where wed like them to be. They may start with an antifungal cream (topical treatment) to reduce the amount of yeast on your skin. Folliculitis is sometimes itchy, which can cause discomfort. 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 To do this, soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess moisture. Apply it onto your skin with a cotton swab. They can become red, swollen and painful. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Hydrogen peroxide can help get rid of some bacteria and fungi that cause folliculitis. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/hair-disorders/pseudofolliculitis-barbae. 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. These can include antibiotics, antifungal medications, and corticosteroids. Some of the most common causes are bacteria or yeast infections in the pores, sweat left on the skin for long periods of time, hormonal changes, overuse of oily products that block your pores, waxing and shaving, tight clothing, and even hot tub use. Folliculitis is generally the result of an infection in a damaged hair follicle. In: Ferri's Fast Facts in Dermatology: A Practical Guide to Skin Diseases and Disorders. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have acne that doesnt go away with treatment it may actually be a fungal infection. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesnt monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. What are the risk factors for folliculitis? Accessed June 16, 2022. Examining 15% Azelaic Acid Foam for the Treatment of Folliculitis: A Pilot Study. Pityrosporum folliculitis, also known as Malassezia folliculitis, is a condition that causes breakouts on your skin. 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. British Journal of Dermatology. Razor bumps affect people with curly beards. Folliculitis keloidalis nuchae and pseudofolliculitis barbae: Are prevention and effective treatment within reach? Pityrosporum Folliculitis - systemic therapy with oral antifungal agents, is often the treatment of choice for this condition. For example, they may recommend: Chronic folliculitis can be more difficult to treat. Apply plenty of gel or shaving cream, not soap, and let it sit 5-10 minutes to soften your hair. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Some kinds of hair removal like waxing can open up the hair follicle too much. 2004;73(6 Suppl):18-24. Several treatments are usually necessary to see results. Mild cases may be treated by a topical antibiotic, while more serious cases may require an oral antibiotic, too. To help yourself heal and ease symptoms, you can: Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. Pityrosporum (Malassezia) Folliculitis: Causes & Treatment Folliculitis. 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. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Not scratching itchy skin can help speed up healing. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area, or use a moisturizer or lotion that contains aloe vera. The information on our website is intended for educational purposes only. The etiology of folliculitis is often unclear, but perspiration, trauma, friction, and occlusion of the skin are known to potentiate infection. Dermatologic Clinics. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. The irritation caused by shaving, waxing or friction from clothing is a common cause. other information we have about you. It rarely causes more severe problems. In that case, your doctor may use a swab to take a skin sample and find out exactly whats causing the problem. Regular swimming pools and water slides can also bring on the infection. Soak a cotton or gauze strip in the water. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on areas of healthy skin you dont want to kill good bacteria on the skin. Boil Specific types offolliculitissuch as pseudomonasfolliculitismay even require oral antibiotics. 2nd line ciprofloxacin. All rights reserved. Last medically reviewed on February 28, 2020, There are many types of folliculitis, or hair follicle inflammation. If your skin is itchy or inflamed (red), the following measures may help: An over-the-counter topical steroid ( hydrocortisone skin cream) to help alleviate the itchiness and inflammation. A purpuric rash is made up of small, discolored spots under your skin from leaking blood vessels. A doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory drugs. It can also be used to help reduce folliculitis symptoms like itchiness. Some healthcare providers may recommend photodynamic therapy. Research shows that aloe vera gel may also help stop some kinds of infection-causing bacteria. All rights reserved. It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. Antibacterial ointments to prevent infection. We break down causes, treatments, and when to see a. Sominidi Damodaran S (expert opinion). Avoiding these practices can help prevent folliculitis. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. information submitted for this request. While laser hair removal is generally a safe and effective treatment option for reducing the risk of folliculitis, there are some instances where it could actually cause folliculitis. Bacterial folliculitis is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but occasionally Pseudomonas aeruginosa (hot tub folliculitis) or other organisms have been reported. This can lead to ingrown hair and skin infections like folliculitis. Available from: Draelos ZD. Read ACOGs complete disclaimer. 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.
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