Folliculitis Treatment and Remedies

Take a look at the list of folliculitis treatment, natural remedies and possible folliculitis cure below. But before going further, let's find out what folliculitis is and what are folliculitis causes and symptoms.

Folliculitis is the inflammation or infection of hair follicles. A superficial folliculitis looks like a pimple with a white pinhead at an infected hair follicle area and there is usually pus within it. One of the other symptoms of folliculitis is itching. If the infection affects deep in the hair follicle, it can cause a large blister with pus. When it breaks open, it becomes painful and cause raised scars when the infection is healed.

Hot tub folliculitis, hot tub rash, pseudomonas folliculitis is caused by the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. People who are exposed to a contaminated hot tub, spa, swimming pool or whirlpool are at risk of getting infected. The red rash will affect areas that were covered with your swimsuit.

Pityrosporum folliculitis, malassezia folliculitis or fungal folliculitis is caused by a type of yeast like fungus called malassezia. It is common among teens and adult men and the red and itchy pustules usually affect the back and chest but may also infect the hair follicles on the face, neck, shoulders and upper arms.

Folliculitis barbae can either be caused by infection of the staphylococcus aureus or staph bacteria in the hair follicles or when shaved hair curves back into the skin. This condition occurs when staph bacteria, which lives on the the skin, enter the hair follicle through a cut or wound during shaving or scratching of the skin.

Gram negative folliculitis is an infection that occurs mainly in people who have been taking continuous antibiotic treatment for acne and rosacea. Prolonged use of acne antibiotics treatment can cause an overgrowth of gram-negative or harmful bacteria in the nose which can then lead to severe acne.

Scalp folliculitis or folliculitis decalvans is caused by malassezia fungus which lives on most healthy adults. The triggers that can cause an overgrowth of the fungus include a suppressed immune system, hormonal changes, using too much oil on the scalp, bad hair hygiene and neurological disorders. A severe fungal folliculitis will cause scarring and permanent hair loss on the affected area.

Eosinophilic folliculitis may also be caused by malassezia. It is more common in people affected with HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. The symptoms include intense itching, patches of inflamed sores filled with pus which affect the face and sometimes the back and upper arms.

It is better to see a doctor or dermatologist to get a proper test and diagnosis especially if you suspect that it is deep follculitis such as eosinophilic folliculitis. If you are confident that the inflammation isn't severe, you can try these folliculitis treatment.

Folliculitis treatment No. 1- Natural remedies

Tea tree oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Dilute the oil in water and use it as a skin wash or in your bath tub. To use it on your scalp, mix a few drops with your shampoo.

Consider taking astragalus root extract as a supplement because it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. To use externally, add 4 drops of astragalus liquid extract to a pint of warm water, soak a clean cloth in it, wring the cloth and then place it on the affected area. Do this several times a day.

Folliculitis treatment No. 2- Alternative remedies

One of the ways to treat folliculitis is to soak the affected area in tepid water that has been mixed with Epsom salt. The amount of salt to use is up to you but if you are taking a bath, dissolve 2 cups of Epsom salt in the bath tub. If you choose to use white vinegar, add 1 part of the vinegar to 4 parts of water. Another option is to use food grade hydrogen peroxide or sulfur.

Folliculitis treatment No. 3- Use over the counter medication

Hydrocortisone cream, lotion or gel is a synthetic steroid and it is supposed to act as anti-inflammatory and anti-itch agents. Buy one which is enriched with an herbal extract such as aloe vera or vitamin E which will avoid dry skin and keep it moisturized.

Wash your skin with antibacterial soap daily but moisturize your skin after that to avoid it from drying. To treat scalp folliculitis, use antibacterial shampoo and conditioner.

How to Avoid Folliculitis

1. Before using a public hot tub or spa, find out if it has been cleaned and sanitized and the chlorine and pH levels are regulated.
   
   
   
2. Shave in the direction of hair growth instead of in the opposite direction and use an electric razor.
   
   
   
3. Wash your hair regularly and avoid using too much oil or hair products that contain irritants.
   
   
   
4. To avoid underarm or bikini rash, avoid shaving. Either pluck the hair or use wax. Always moisture the skin to soothe it.
   
   
   
5. Try to avoid antibiotics treatment for acne. Go natural and use herbs to treat acne.
   
   
   
6. Do not squeeze the pustules because the infection can spread. A warm compress may help drain the pus.
   
   
   
7. Eat anti-oxidant rich foods and take health supplements to boost your immune system and fight against infections.

Back to Remedies for Inflammatory Diseases

Back from Folliculitis Treatment and Remedies to Various Home Remedies