What Are the Treatments for Recurrent Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a skin infection of the hair follicles. It commonly appears around one or more follicles, and usually causes mild irritation. Sometimes, however, folliculitis is recurrent and may need medical treatment. Treatment depends on the type of folliculitis.
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Identification
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Folliculitis usually appears as one or more pimple-like bumps topped with a pus-filled blister. The sores are most common in the armpit, on the face or neck where shaving is done and in the groin.
Mild Cases
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Mild folliculitis typically resolves on its own in a few days. Warm compresses and anti-itch topical solutions can help. If caused by shaving, changing the technique can stop folliculitis from recurring.
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Antibiotics and Corticosteroids
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Depending on the type of folliculitis diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic. Some recurrent folliculitis cases may need topical corticosteroid treatment or a short course of oral corticosteroids.
Fungal Infections
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Topical or oral anti-fungal medications can eliminate fungal folliculitis. Recurrent folliculitis may need long-term topical therapy. If the condition is caused by a fungus, antibiotics may make the condition worse.
Herpes Virus
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Herpetic folliculitis results from the virus that causes genital and oral herpes (cold sores). This type of folliculitis is rare and usually clears up on its own, but the person may need oral anti-viral medication.
Complications
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Recurrent folliculitis can spread and form a larger infection such as a carbuncle, which may cause a mild fever and flu-like symptoms. If the carbuncle lasts longer than two weeks, antibiotic treatment can help. A doctor might want to drain the sore if it has not ruptured by then.
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