Medication for Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle, the small pockets of skin that hair grows out of. It is characterized by small, white-headed pimples that may cause pain and itching. Folliculitis occurs when bacteria, virus or fungus enter follicles. Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition; most cases are mild but more serious cases can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
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General Treatment Information
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If your folliculitis is mild, it will usually clear up in two to three days. Simple home treatments can ease the discomfort. Most likely, you will not need medication.
If your condition is persistent or recurs often, you will need medication. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication based on the type and extent of the infection. The goal of treatment is to clear out the offending bacteria, virus or fungus.
Boils and Carbuncles
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Your doctor will drain boils and carbuncles; this will reduce pain, speed up recovery and reduce scarring. If your infection is deep and cannot be completely cleared, it will be covered with gauze so the pus can continue to expel itself. You might also need antibiotics if the infection is severe.
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Pseudomonas Folliculitis and Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
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Pseudomonas folliculitis, also known as hot tub folliculitis usually does not require special treatment. It can be very itchy so your doctor might give you an oral or topical anti-pruritic, a medication that stops itching. Calamine lotion is an anti-pruritic readily available in supermarkets and drugstores.
Pseduofolliculitis barbae (barber's itch) is best treated by self-care strategies. Use an electric razor. If you do choose to use a blade, massage the hairs with a wet cloth or sponge to raise the hairs up so they can be cut more easily. Use shaving gel instead of cream and always shave in the direction of hair growth. If this does not clear up the infection, your doctor will prescribe tretinoin (Retin A).
Staphylococcal Folliculitis and Pityrosporum Folliculitis
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Staphylococcal folliculitis can be cleared up with either a topical or oral antibiotic. You should also refrain from shaving the infected area until it gets better. If you have to shave, use an electric razor.
Pityrosporum folliculitis requires topical or oral antifungal medications. This infection usually comes back after oral medications are stopped; you will probably need topical ointments indefinitely.
Herpetic Folliculitis and Eosinophilic Folliculitis
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If you are healthy, herpetic folliculitis usually goes away in seven to ten days without treatment. If you have HIV or AIDS or are prone to frequent cold sores, you will receive oral antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir.
Eosinphilic folliculitis responds best to topical corticosteroids. If you have HIV or AIDS, you will also take oral antihistamines. If you have a severe case of this type of folliculitis, you will need prescription medication for several months.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis and Tinea Barbae
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Gram-negative folliculitis is caused by prolonged use of antibiotics like tetracycline and monocycline to treat acne. Treatment consists of certain antibiotics. Tinea barbae is similar to barber's itch but is caused by a fungus rather than bacteria, and responds best to oral antifungal medications.
Self-Care for Mild Cases
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Warm, moist compresses can soothe the infected area. Treat itchy skin with oatmeal lotion or over-the-counter hydrocortisone. Use antibacterial soap to wash the infected skin twice a day. Wash clothes that come in contact with the infected area in hot water after each time you wear them; be sure to wash towels and washcloths in hot water as well.
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