Folliculitis - Home Treatment

Home Treatment

If you have folliculitis, try the following measures:

• Use an antibacterial soap to wash the infected area. If the infection is on your scalp or beard, use a shampoo containing selenium or propylene glycol. Your doctor may also prescribe a medicated shampoo with ketoconazole (Nizoral Topical).
• Apply warm, wet compresses 3 to 6 times a day to help folliculitis heal faster and stop the itching or pain. Wash your hands before applying a compress. To make a compress, moisten a clean cloth or piece of gauze with warm water. Place it over the infected area until it begins to cool (usually 5 to 10 minutes). You can make compresses with:
  • Burow's solution, which you can buy without a prescription in many drugstores and supermarkets.
  • White vinegar solution. Mix 1 Tbsp (15 mL) of white vinegar and 1.33 cups (315 mL) of water.

When to call a doctor

If you have folliculitis, call your doctor if:

• It spreads or keeps coming back.
• You develop other symptoms, such as fever over 101° (38°), redness, swelling, warmth, or increased pain over the infected area.

Preventing folliculitis

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent folliculitis from developing, spreading, or coming back:

• Bathe or shower daily with a mild antibacterial soap. Also, bathe or shower after you exercise and after you work around chemicals.
• Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or other personal items. If you have folliculitis, use a clean washcloth and towel each time you bathe.
• Don't scratch infected areas. Organisms that cause folliculitis can be carried under your fingernails and spread to other areas of your body or to other people.
• Wash your hands and under your fingernails often, especially when you or someone you are caring for has a skin infection.
• If you have folliculitis, avoid shaving the infected area. If you must shave, change the razor blade each time. Try using depilatory creams and lotions, which remove hair without shaving. These products are not recommended for use more often than once or twice a week.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. Tighter clothes trap sweat and bacteria on your body.
• Avoid using oils on your skin. Oils can trap bacteria in the pores of your skin and can cause folliculitis.
• Use a mild deodorant. Strong deodorants may contribute to folliculitis.
• After you use public hot tubs or spas, shower immediately with antibacterial soap. If you own your own hot tub, follow the manufacturer's instructions for keeping it clean.