Apply warm compresses to the infected hair follicles up to three times a day. They cause a severe skin infection that leads to hair loss or scarring. It may wipe out “friendly” bacteria that are good for your skin and body. It may also help prevent folliculitis from getting worse or spreading to other body areas. Can Powdered Vitamin C Improve the Health of Your Facial Skin? Avoid using too much antibiotic cream and use it only where needed. Several topical creams, gels, and washes are available for folliculitis without a prescription. Some bacteria help get rid of germs that cause infections like folliculitis. For itchy Folliculitis treatment over the counter medications can include anti-itching, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and analgesic creams and drugs. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and was a college reference librarian for eight years. "Dermatologic Conditions: Primary Care of Veterans with HIV - Organ Systems and Metabolic." Gram-negative folliculitis: Gram-negative folliculitis can occur after prolonged antibiotic use to treat acne. But recurring rashes, there are many types of treatments available, including antibiotics and home remedies for folliculitis. It can cause a lot of discomfort and may even become a…, The human digestive system is the means by which tissues and organs receive nutrients to function. Spa pool folliculitis is also known as hot tub or jacuzzi folliculitis, or pseudomonas folliculitis. In some cases, you might need medical treatment, such as antibiotics. How to Treat and Prevent Bumps After Waxing, 8 Natural Remedies to Reduce Eczema Symptoms, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Folliculitis isn’t contagious, but it can spread from one part of the skin to another area on your body. What Causes Some Men to Have Dry, Brittle Hair and How to Treat It, actinic folliculitis, which is from the sun. Dirt and other contaminants may prohibit healing and lead to more serious infection. No cure: Pityrosporum folliculitis usually is controllable with any of a range of medicines, some Rx, some (like blue dandruff shampoo) over the counter. This can lead to ingrown hair and skin infections like folliculitis. Roth earned a Bachelor of Arts in French literature from Brandeis University and Master of Library Science from Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Superficial folliculitis, a condition in which the staph bacteria infects the hair follicles, often can be treated with over-the-counter products and remedies 1. Folliculitis can sometimes happen from wearing clothing that irritates the skin or when skin rubs against skin. Home therapy for mild cases of bacterial folliculitis includes use of an over-the-counter antibacterial wash like benzoyl peroxide (Clearisil, Proactiv), chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), or Phisoderm twice a day. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. The condition is typified by the presence of small, white-and-red pimple-like bumps and pustules, which can erupt suddenly from the skin of the scalp. They can also help prevent folliculitis from happening or getting worse. Islands Earth Folliculitis Healing Support and Body Oil. You may need medical treatment like prescription antibiotics, steroid medication, and in rare cases, even surgery. Folliculitis. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on areas of healthy skin — you don’t want to kill “good” bacteria on the skin. Over-the-counter anti-itching lotions and creams can help soothe folliculitis … Electric razors provide a closer shave than razor blades, which reduces irritation. Shave with an electric razor, if possible, to prevent further infection of the hair follicles. At first it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each hair grows. Wash it off after some time. Common over-the-counter antifungal drugs include ketoconazole, econazole and ciclopirox. Over-the-counter antibacterial creams and ointments are also effective for mild folliculitis. Keep the cotton pushed against the folliculitis for 10 minutes. See your doctor right away if you have any signs and symptoms of severe folliculitis, such as: See your doctor or dermatologist if you’ve used hydrocortisone cream for 2 weeks or longer and still have skin itching. You may still need medical attention in serious cases. Some kinds of hair removal like waxing can open up the hair follicle too much. Dilute the essential oil by adding a few drops to a carrier oil or a moisturizing cream. Medical studies show that some essential oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Hydrogen peroxide can help get rid of some bacteria and fungi that cause folliculitis. This can happen when shaving the face, head, or body. They may not be safe for babies. If you have sensitive skin, simple friction and rubbing can cause the folliculitis rash. Here's how to identify it, as well as the other symptoms…. Soak a cotton or gauze strip in the water. See your doctor if you have any signs of a serious infection. 2009; 141(1):3–11. You can use a small spray bottle for larger areas. A warm, moist compress can help soothe soreness, swelling, and pain. Then apply the compress to help drain the boil. You will need medical treatment for more severe folliculitis. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Essential oils that may help treat skin infections like folliculitis include: Avoid essential oils if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. There is pityrosporum folliculitis treatment over the counter which can be effective in mild cases. Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis. Use anti-itching lotion. Cut a clean cotton cloth into strips or use gauze bandages — the type used to dress cuts. Apply over-the-counter antibiotics. If your hair tends to be dry, you may want to try changing your hair care routine. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Holistic Treatment for Folliculitis: This type of treatment option categorically involves making use of … Gels, creams, and washes: Use over-the-counter antibiotics that you rub on your skin. Below we list our favorite scalp folliculitis treatment over the counter so you can be free of folliculitis once and for all. It may look like a small pink or red rash on the skin. U.S. National Library of Medicine. whitehead pimples around the hair follicles. Try other kinds of hair removal methods like depilatory creams instead. 2. Prevent re-infection by keeping your towels and other personal items separate from those of the rest of your family. Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. Over-the-counter antibiotic creams, gels, and ointments may help clear up a small patch of folliculitis. Treatment involves over-the-counter bacterial washes, topical antibiotics, and/or topical steroids. Even if it helps, the infection may come back. They contain hydrocortisone, a kind of steroid medication that helps bring down itching, swelling, and redness. Folliculitis may look like acne pimples or crusty sores that don't heal. Over-the-counter topical antimicrobial washes and medications are often the first-line medical treatment for folliculitis, whether it’s treated at home or under the care of a healthcare provider. This product is widely available in supermarkets, mass merchandisers and pharmacies. Brand names include Lamisil and Lotrimin. We explore the different types, how to treat them at home, and what your doctor can…. Folliculitis, Revised September 2019. Essential oils are powerful, so using them directly or too much can irritate your skin. While not quite a home remedy, reducing body hair permanently may help you shave or wax less often. You need to be careful about treating folliculitis in the vaginal region to prevent transferring the infection and scarring. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company.