If the infection has progressed into a large boil, this may need draining by a doctor. If you have folliculitis from shaving, taking a break from shaving can help it settle down. Use plenty of gel (not soap) when shaving and avoid shaving against the grain.
In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like they're white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus (pustules). Folliculitis can feel itchy and uncomfortable.
Folliculitis affects the hair-bearing areas of the body, often the arms, head, and face. The condition presents small discolored bumps that may have a white, pus-filled tip. In most cases, folliculitis is a harmless condition. However, it can progress to a more serious disease in people with compromised immune systems.
"Hot tub folliculitis" most often appears about 72 hours after you've been in a hot tub or spa. Many small pimples appear on your stomach and sometimes on your arms and legs. You might have a mild fever and have an upset stomach. Most of the time, this kind of folliculitis goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days.
Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. More-serious or repeat infections may need prescription medicine. Left untreated, severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. Certain types of folliculitis are known as hot tub rash and barber's itch.
Folliculitis barbae and sycosis barbae
If untreated the infection and inflammation can gradually progress leading to a more deeply seated infection known as sycosis barbae1(Fig. 2). An atrophic scar bordered by pustules and crusts may result in this case.
People are most likely to mistake guttate or pustular psoriasis for folliculitis because all of these conditions can cause patches of small, red or yellow spots on the skin.
There are two home remedies that are best for folliculitis: a soap wash and a warm compress. A soap wash is exactly what it sounds like–a good scrub with soap and water. You should clean affected areas twice a day with warm water and soap. Avoid sharing your towels with anyone after using them to dry affected areas.
Lesions that are more inflamed usually respond well to warm compresses with or without the use of a topical antimicrobial agent. For refractory or deep lesions with a suspected infectious etiology, empiric treatment with oral antibiotics that cover gram-positive organisms should be considered.
Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes after the rash is gone, dark marks can be left behind. These are not scars, and the dark marks will go away with time.
Because most folliculitis is caused by S. aureus, treatment with topical mupirocin or topical clindamycin is generally effective. Alternatively, benzoyl peroxide 5% wash may be used for 5 to 7 days when showering.
The diagnosis of folliculitis is clinical. In general, no diagnostic testing or radiographic evaluation is necessary to diagnose this condition in lieu of a thorough history and physical exam. A standard KOH preparation can be used to visualize hyphae and spores associated with folliculitis caused by Malassezia.
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving.
Most cases of folliculitis are mild and go away within a few days that can be treated with home remedies. Folliculitis can be caused by razor bumps, a lot of sun exposure, unhygienic bathtubs, yeast infection, etc. If symptoms persist it is wise to consult a physician.
Chronic or recurring folliculitis is less likely to clear with just antibiotics. Often this is on the legs of women, but it can occur in any areas of shaving, waxing, hair plucking or friction. These need to be stopped for at least 3 months to allow the hair to grow in healthy.
The condition is also called Malassezia folliculitis or Pityrosporum folliculitis. Fungal acne causes clusters of small, itchy, red bumps (papules) on your skin. Sometimes, the bumps get a bit larger and turn into whiteheads, small pockets of white or yellow pus (pustules).
Folliculitis causes a rash with clusters of red bumps or whiteheads, each with a hair in the middle. These can become itchy or sore, and there may be pus. It can occur anywhere on the body where there is hair. If an infection is more severe or deeper under the skin, you may feel feverish or unwell.
Occasionally, a small skin biopsy may be used to help the doctor confirm the diagnosis. Infectious causes include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Usually, no specific blood tests are needed in the diagnosis of common folliculitis.
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. You can take care of yourself at home with: A warm compress. This may ease itching and help healing.
To help with itching or pain, put a warm, moist cloth (like a clean face cloth) on the area for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 6 times a day. Do not share your razor, towel, or face cloth. That can spread folliculitis. If folliculitis is caused by shaving, try to avoid shaving for at least a month.