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).


What causes folliculitis flare ups?

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.

What can make folliculitis worse?

Sometimes, when Malassezia gets into the hair follicles, it can cause an itchy condition that looks like an acne breakout. It usually occurs on the upper chest and back. This form of folliculitis is made worse (aggravated) by sweat.


How do you calm 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.


What foods make folliculitis worse?

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.


Folliculitis, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.



What should you avoid if you have folliculitis?

To help prevent complications and lessen the severity of folliculitis when you have it:
  • Avoid friction caused by shaving or rubbing the infected area.
  • Use a warm compress to calm irritation and reduce pain.
  • Wash your towels and washcloths every day until your symptoms have subsided.


What not to put on folliculitis?

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on areas of healthy skin — you don't want to kill “good” bacteria on the skin. Some bacteria help get rid of germs that cause infections like folliculitis.

How long does a folliculitis outbreak 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.


Is Neosporin good for 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 cure folliculitis?

The best sources are evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil, taken in capsules as dietary supplements. You can increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, freshly ground flax seeds or walnuts. You can also take a fish oil supplement.

Will my folliculitis ever go away?

Folliculitis usually looks like small, red, and raised bumps that may contain pus. It is caused by infection or irritation to the skin. Folliculitis is generally a minor skin condition that may resolve on its own, but it can be a greater health risk for people with compromised immune systems or if it's left untreated.


How do I know if my folliculitis is fungal or bacterial?

Diagnosis of folliculitis

They may take a swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus is the cause of the folliculitis. In rare cases, a doctor may order a skin biopsy to exclude the possibility of other causes.

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.


Why does my folliculitis keep spreading?

Complications That May Occur. Left untreated, folliculitis will continue to spread and worsen. Our immune systems are equipped to deal with infections like these quickly, but if your immunity is overwhelmed or compromised, the infection will take over without intervention.


Can 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.

Can folliculitis be autoimmune?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes inflammation throughout the body. That chronic inflammation leads to raised plaques and scales on the skin. These can appear anywhere on the body but mainly on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back.

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.


Does peroxide help folliculitis?

Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles. The best treatment for folliculitis includes washing the area and applying aloe vera gel, diluted hydrogen peroxide or anti-itch agents.

Should you moisturize folliculitis?

It may be helpful to use a moisturiser (emollient) which contains an antibacterial agent - for example, Dermol® cream or lotion or Emulsiderm®. This will improve the condition of the skin and soothe it. It may help the folliculitis to clear more quickly and reduce the risk of it becoming worse.

What virus causes folliculitis?

Viral folliculitis

Herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes cold sores, can cause folliculitis. This is an uncommon form of folliculitis. The bumps will appear close to a cold sore and can be spread by shaving.


What is the best cream for folliculitis?

Because most folliculitis is caused by S. aureus, clindamycin 1% lotion or gel may be applied topically 2 times a day for 7 to 10 days. Alternatively, benzoyl peroxide 5% wash may be used when showering for 5 to 7 days.

Is folliculitis caused by poor hygiene?

Folliculitis usually occurs in areas where the hair follicles have been damaged by friction or shaving or where there is obstruction of the follicle. Factors that trigger it are poor hygiene, humidity and tight clothes. If you have mild symptoms, they will probably go away in a few days with basic self-care measures.

Does sweat make folliculitis worse?

Folliculitis is often caused by yeast that lives on the skin. It becomes more common with heavy sweating when wearing these types of clothes on hot summer days.


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.

Does sunlight help folliculitis?

Antihistamines may be given to help decrease itching. Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy is used to help decrease inflammation on the skin. UV light treatments are only used to treat certain types of folliculitis.