Folliculitis is most often caused by an infection of hair follicles with Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. Folliculitis may also be caused by viruses, fungi and even an inflammation from ingrown hairs.
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What aggravates folliculitis?
Folliculitis has many causes, including tight clothing, but tight clothes can aggravate the condition regardless of what caused it. Use loose-fitting clothing over the affected area. You should also avoid clothing that allows the skin to rub against the affected area.
How do you stop recurring scalp folliculitis?
Scalp folliculitis may be prevented in some cases.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Use clean razor blades and replace blades frequently, or use an electric razor or hair removal products (depilatories) instead of shaving or waxing.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can irritate the skin.
- Avoid use of oily skin products.
What foods to 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.
What helps with folliculitis on scalp?
What is the treatment for scalp folliculitis?
- Topical antibiotics (eg, fusidic acid gel), clindamycin solution, erythromycin solution.
- Mild topical steroid lotions or creams.
- Oral antihistamines.
- Oral antibiotics, particularly long-term tetracycline.
- Oral isotretinoin – long-term low dose treatment may be required.
Why won’t my scalp folliculitis go away?
A person should contact a doctor if they have scalp folliculitis that does not improve, or worsens after trying home or OTC treatments. People should also see a doctor if they develop: large pus-filled pimples under the skin. open sores that drain pus.
How do I get rid of folliculitis forever?
If other treatments fail, long-term hair removal with laser therapy may clear up the infection. This method is expensive and often requires several treatments. It permanently removes hair follicles, thus reducing the density of the hair in the treated area.
Why does folliculitis keep coming back?
Folliculitis usually occurs at sites where hair follicles are damaged by friction or shaving, or where there is blockage of the follicle. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) due to overactivity of the sweat glands can be another cause. Sometimes, using a steroid cream on the face can trigger a bout of folliculitis.
What can be mistaken for folliculitis?
The types of psoriasis that can resemble folliculitis include : Plaque psoriasis, which causes dry, red patches on the skin. The patches may be raised, itchy, and painful. Guttate psoriasis, which produces small, scaling lesions on the skin.
How can you tell if folliculitis is fungal or bacterial?
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.
What vitamins help with folliculitis?
Some research says vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, copper, and vitamin B3 help blocked hair follicles. Zinc may also work, but research is ongoing. Talk to your doctor before making changes to what you eat. When you have blocked hair follicles, smoking can make your symptoms worse.
What soap is good for folliculitis?
Terrasil Folliculitis Soap is good for cleaning skin areas with boils, cellulitis, folliculitis, impetigo, ingrown hairs, lichen sclerosus, razor burn, saddles sores, angular cheilitis, scalp folliculitis, inflammation of hair follicles and more.
Why is my folliculitis not going away?
Chronic folliculitis can be more difficult to treat. Antibiotics and other medications may not clear up chronic cases. If other treatment options fail, your doctor may recommend laser hair removal. During treatment, you should refrain from removing hair by plucking, waxing, or shaving.
What foods cause scalp inflammation?
What Are Inflammatory Foods?
- Sugar-rich foods, including those that contain high fructose corn syrup in them.
- Refined carbohydrates.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Vegetable-based oils.
- Artificial trans fats in foods.
- Processed meats.
How do you stop folliculitis from spreading?
Avoid shaving, or shave less frequently. Use shaving cream, and apply moisturizer after shaving. Practice proper shaving techniques, and don’t rush. Only go in hot tubs and pools that you know are clean and well chlorinated.
What happens if folliculitis goes untreated?
Boils and carbuncles
If folliculitis is left untreated, boils (or skin abscesses) can develop. As the hair follicle becomes deeply infected, the boil will come to a head and may drain. The boil may be painful and red. A large cluster of boils may also appear as many follicles become infected.
What autoimmune disease causes itchy scalp?
Autoimmune diseases that have been linked with scalp itch are dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and Sjögren syndrome. Itch may or may not be associated with skin lesions.
How long does folliculitis last on scalp?
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. You can take care of yourself at home with: A warm compress. This may ease itching and help healing.
What can a dermatologist do for folliculitis?
A board-certified dermatologist can tell you whether you have folliculitis and give you tips to help clear it. Some people need medication, such as an antibiotic, to clear the folliculitis. Seeing a dermatologist can also be helpful if you develop razor bumps from shaving and cannot stop shaving.
Is folliculitis a fungal infection?
Pityrosporum folliculitis: The cause of pityrosporum folliculitis is a fungal infection in your hair follicles. The bumps look the same (uniform) throughout your upper body. Acne: The cause is clogged oil-producing (sebaceous) glands.
What viruses cause folliculitis?
Folliculitis is most often caused by an infection of hair follicles with Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. Folliculitis may also be caused by viruses, fungi and even an inflammation from ingrown hairs.