Folliculitis: remedies and other treatment options

Folliculitis is inflammation at the root of the hair leading to the appearance of red pellets in the affected region and which can itch, for example. Folliculitis can be treated at home by cleaning the area with antiseptic soap, but it may also be necessary to use specific creams or ointments, which should be recommended by the dermatologist.

Usually, folliculitis is caused by ingrown hairs, but it can also happen due to an infection by bacteria or fungi, causing redness on the skin and small pus blisters, similar to acne, that cause burning and itching.

Folliculitis is more frequent on the buttocks, legs, groins, legs, arms and beard, especially in people who wear tight clothing, shave their hair or wear makeup.

How the treatment is done

It is important that treatment for folliculitis is done in the early stages so that inflammation in other regions is avoided. Treatment must be indicated by the dermatologist and is done according to the location of the folliculitis. Normally, hygiene of the affected region is indicated with an antiseptic soap, such as Protex, for example.

Depending on the region with folliculitis, specific treatments may be indicated, such as:

1. Face and beard

This type of folliculitis is more common in men, occurring mainly when hair is removed from the beard with a razor. In this type of folliculitis there are the appearance of small red balls on the face that can become infected, in addition to redness and itching on the face, for example.

How to treat: Folliculitis on the face and beard can be avoided with the use of an electric razor instead of a razor. In addition, if it does not disappear spontaneously, it is recommended to go to the dermatologist to have a cream indicated, for example, to treat this inflammation.

The treatment usually varies according to the intensity of the symptoms, and can be done with the use of corticoid ointments or antibiotics, when the infection is more severe. It is also interesting to wash your face with cold water or apply a soothing cream after shaving, for example. In addition to the electric razor, another option capable of reducing the occurrence of folliculitis is laser hair removal. See other tips to care for beard folliculitis.

2. Scalp

Scalp folliculitis is rare but can happen due to the proliferation of fungi or bacteria on the scalp. In the most severe cases of folliculitis there may be severe hair loss, and it is also called decalvating or dissecting folliculitis. This type of folliculitis is also characterized by the appearance of reddish pellets on the leather of the hair, full of pus and causing pain, burning and itching.

How to treat: It is important to go to the dermatologist to identify the causative agent in folliculitis. In the case of folliculitis caused by fungi, the use of antifungal shampoo, usually composed of ketoconazole, may be recommended. In the case of folliculitis caused by bacteria, the application of antibiotics, such as Erythromycin or Clindamycin, may be indicated.

It is important to follow the treatment as directed by the doctor and to carry out periodic consultations to verify the effectiveness of the treatment.

Also learn about other causes of head injuries.

3. Buttocks and groins

Folliculitis that can appear on the buttocks and groins is more frequent in people who regularly visit environments with water, such as swimming pools or hot tubs. This is because the buttocks and groins remain moist and wet for a longer time, which favors the growth of fungi and bacteria in the region, resulting in the inflammation of hair in the region.

How to treat: In these cases it is recommended to always keep the region dry and use ointments according to the dermatologist's guidance, it is usually recommended to use ointments that contain antibiotics, corticosteroids and / or antifungals in their composition, such as Trok-N or Diprogenta, also avoiding razor shaving.

Learn how to prevent bath and pool diseases.

4. Legs

Folliculitis in the legs is caused by infection by bacteria that are normally present on the skin and can enter small wounds, which can happen due to hair removal, for example. In addition to hair removal, this type of folliculitis can happen when wearing very tight clothes that rub against the skin, hindering the growth of hair.

How to treat: Folliculitis in the legs should be treated by cleaning the skin with warm water and mild soap, but it may also be recommended by the dermatologist to use antibiotic ointments for 7 to 10 days to combat the cause of folliculitis.

Know other causes of pellets on the skin.

5. Armpits

The appearance of pellets in the armpits may be indicative of infection or ingrown hair, and may be more frequent in those who remove hair from the armpit with a blade, for example, since there is a greater chance of damaging the skin and favoring the appearance of folliculitis.. See other causes of armpit pellets.

How to treat: If it is frequent, it is important to go to the dermatologist to check the extent of folliculitis and to indicate the best treatment. In some cases, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or the use of ointments with antibiotics may be recommended, for example, if folliculitis is caused by a bacterial infection.

How to do home treatment

To help relieve symptoms of folliculitis, some home treatments that help complete the doctor's treatment include:

• Place a warm compress on the affected area to reduce itching; Bathe with mild soap right after being in the pool, jacuzzi, spa or other public places; Do not scratch or poke your pimples.

When folliculitis symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, it is recommended to consult the dermatologist again to adjust the treatment.