How did I get folliculitis?

Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph). It may also be caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, medications or physical injury. Sometimes the cause isn't known.


Why am I all of a sudden getting folliculitis?

You get folliculitis when you damage your hair follicles. Once damaged, it's easy for germs to get inside the follicles and cause an infection. A common source of infection is Staph aureus, which is found on our skin. Other organisms on our skin can also cause an infection.

Is folliculitis caused by poor hygiene?

It is typically not a cause for concern and will remedy independently. However, folliculitis can result in painful skin inflammation, sores, and pimple-like bumps. It is often the result of improper shaving technique, poor hygiene, and wearing tight clothing. Avoiding these practices can help prevent folliculitis.


Is folliculitis an STD?

Folliculitis isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection, though in some cases it can transfer via close skin contact. However, the herpes simplex virus is spread through sexual contact. In rare cases, this virus can cause folliculitis.

Will my folliculitis ever go away?

Folliculitis is usually minor and goes away on its own without treatment. If you have skin irritation that's accompanied by a fever, a spreading rash, or pus-filled and smelly bumps, seek medical help.


Folliculitis | Causes (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral), Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment



Is folliculitis caused by stress?

These differ between people but often include stress, diet, and other lifestyle factors. The following factors can increase a person's risk of folliculitis: using an improperly maintained hot tub. shaving, plucking, or waxing.

What is the fastest way to heal folliculitis?

The following self-care tips may help relieve discomfort, speed healing and prevent an infection from spreading:
  1. Apply a warm, moist washcloth. ...
  2. Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
  3. Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
  4. Clean the affected skin. ...
  5. Protect the skin.


How long does folliculitis usually last?

The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days.


Can I pop my folliculitis?

Resist the temptation to squeeze or pop a folliculitis boil. While you might manage to express the pus and other infected fluid, you also run the risk of pushing those toxins more deeply into the skin, to the point that they may enter your bloodstream. Instead, let your dermatologist diagnose and treat the problem.

What aggravates folliculitis?

What aggravates folliculitis? In order not to aggravate folliculitis, avoid scratching or picking at the bumps, shaving the area, covering the area in makeup, or wearing tight clothing over the affected area (or going back into a swimming pool or hot tub if you have hot tub folliculitis, as mentioned above).

Where is folliculitis most common?

A common skin condition, folliculitis happens when a hair follicle becomes infected or inflamed. This condition may look like acne, often starting out as small red bumps. You can have folliculitis on your face, arms, back and legs. Mild cases can be cared for at home, while other cases are treated by a dermatologist.


Is folliculitis caused by diet?

Background. Neutrophilic folliculitis is an inflammatory condition of hair follicles. In some neutrophilic folliculitis, such as in patients with acne and hidradenitis suppurativa, follicular hyperkeratosis is also observed. Neutrophilic folliculitis is often induced and/or exacerbated by a high-fat diet (HFD).

How do you stop folliculitis from spreading?

Treatment depends on the type of folliculitis and its severity. But usually some form of topical cream or antibiotic pill will be used to kill the bacteria. Laser hair removal can help prevent a spread of the infection.

How do you permanently treat folliculitis?

Folliculitis Treatments
  1. Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. ...
  2. Use salt: Put warm saltwater -- 1 teaspoon table salt mixed with 2 cups of water -- on a washcloth and place it on your skin. ...
  3. Gels, creams, and washes: Use over-the-counter antibiotics that you rub on your skin.


Does Neosporin cure folliculitis?

Topical antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin or generic neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin b triple antibiotic ointment, may help scalp folliculitis heal up faster. Apply the ointment to the affected area a few times daily.

What foods should you avoid if you have folliculitis?

Brooks also advises avoiding diets high in carbs and sugars or with a high glycemic index, which can cause fluctuations in your glucose levels. “Rising glucose levels increase hormones in your skin, leading to oil production, which can cause folliculitis [inflammation of hair follicles],” he says.

Does folliculitis keep coming back?

Recurrent folliculitis occurs when the infection keeps coming back, although it disappears with treatment. The gaps between episodes may get shorter and, eventually, chronic folliculitis is the result.


What kills folliculitis naturally?

Home remedies
  • Do a soap wash. Clean the area with warm water and soap twice a day. ...
  • Wear loose, dry clothing. ...
  • Use a warm compress. ...
  • Try aloe vera. ...
  • Do a hydrogen peroxide wash. ...
  • Apply antibiotic creams. ...
  • Use anti-itching lotion. ...
  • Try wet wraps.


Can hydrogen peroxide clear folliculitis?

Hydrogen Peroxide

It works just as well for folliculitis. The chemical mix will immediately kill off bacteria and fungus, and the excess can be wiped off with disposable towels. You can repeat applications of hydrogen peroxide.

Is folliculitis bacterial or fungal?

Etiologic factors of folliculitis are numerous, such as bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and noninfectious factors such as eosinophilic infiltration and drugs2.


How contagious is folliculitis?

Most folliculitis is not contagious, however, folliculitis causes by infectious agents may be transmitted through skin contact, shared razors, or hot tubs.

How long does folliculitis last untreated?

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.

What vitamin deficiency causes folliculitis?

Severe vitamin A and C deficiency may cause folliculitis. [1] In vitamin A deficiency the skin shows follicular hyperkeratosis, dryness and generalised wrinkling. [11] It requires about 2 months of vitamin C deprivation to produce mucocutaneous signs, including perifollicular petechiae and follicular hyperkeratosis.


What soap is good for folliculitis?

  • This ItemOVANTE Folliculit Solution Body Wash for Body Folliculitis - 6.0 oz. ...
  • Folliculitis Soap by Terrasil 100% Natural Soap Bar with Calendula for Folliculitis Relief, Fissures, Angular Cheilitis, Lichen - Safe & Gentle Moisturizing Soap for Daily Use – 75gm Cleansing Bar. ...
  • OVANTE Demodex Control Body Wash - 6.0 oz.


What antibiotic kills folliculitis?

Bacterial folliculitis treatment

Severe cases may require topical antibiotic treatment, for example, with mupirocin or clindamycin. Deep folliculitis (furuncles or carbuncles) may require treatment with oral antibiotics like dicloxacillin or cephalexin.