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Key takeaways
The best treatment for folliculitis depends on what is causing it. For example, if a bacterial infection is causing your symptoms, you may need a topical or oral antibiotic.
Over-the-counter medicines, such as benzoyl peroxide or antihistamines, may help, depending on the cause, so it’s important to check with a healthcare provider before using them.
Keeping the area clean, wearing loose clothing, avoiding shaving, and applying warm compresses can also help.
Folliculitis is a swelling of the hair follicles, the tiny pouches in the skin from which hair grows. There are many causes of folliculitis, including infection, irritation, blockage, or injury. Any place on the body that has hair is vulnerable to folliculitis, which means everywhere except the palms and the soles. A healthcare provider can evaluate and diagnose folliculitis and come up with a treatment plan.
How is folliculitis diagnosed?
A primary care provider or dermatologist can evaluate and diagnose folliculitis. They will ask about your medical history and lifestyle (such as shaving habits) and examine the affected areas. In some cases, a dermatologist may order a skin biopsy for evaluation.
Folliculitis treatment options
Folliculitis may resolve on its own with home management, such as applying compresses and avoiding shaving the affected area. In some cases, medication may be required.
Types of folliculitis medication
If medication is needed, your healthcare provider will determine the best type based on individual factors such as what they think is causing your symptoms.
Antiseptics
Over-the-counter topical antimicrobial washes and medications are often the first-line medical treatment for mild folliculitis. A daily regimen of topical benzoyl peroxide may be enough to effectively treat folliculitis or prevent its recurrence.
Antibiotics
If bacterial folliculitis worsens, spreads, or will not go away, a dermatologist will prescribe topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or clindamycin. If the condition does not respond to topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin may be used, depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Antifungals
For fungal infection, a topical antifungal or oral fluconazole or itraconazole may be used. Fungal folliculitis might go on for a long time because the condition is sometimes mistaken for acne, but when treated with antifungal drugs, the condition tends to rapidly clear up.
Antivirals
Herpes infections will be treated with antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, but molluscum infections (which are rare) may require a procedure for removal.
Antiparasite drugs
Parasite folliculitis is rare and mostly caused by a type of mite called Demodex, a small animal related to spiders. Every human being has a population of mites living on their skin, and many people have Demodex living harmlessly in the hair follicles on the face. They can, however, get out of control and cause folliculitis or rosacea. The drug of choice is topical permethrin, an insecticide, or ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasite drug.
Retinoids
Retinoids are drugs related to vitamin A and are often used to treat acne or severe acne. Oral isotretinoin is the most effective treatment for gram-negative folliculitis caused by certain types of bacteria. It is also the go-to treatment for the most severe and resistant cases of scalp folliculitis called folliculitis decalvans. Other types of folliculitis, like barber’s itch, may be treated by a combination of topical retinoids with topical corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids
Over-the-counter topical corticosteroids can help manage the itching, discomfort, and swelling due to folliculitis. A healthcare provider may prescribe prescription-strength corticosteroid creams in certain cases.
Over-the-counter folliculitis medicine
Your healthcare provider can recommend over-the-counter products for folliculitis, based on what they suspect is causing your symptoms. In some cases, they may recommend an antihistamine or OTC topical steroid for itching, or benzoyl peroxide products to apply to the affected skin. They may also recommend other OTC products, such as soaps or other topical products for sensitive skin.
Most medications prescribed or recommended for folliculitis are intended to treat the underlying cause. Some drugs, like corticosteroids, help manage the symptoms. Your healthcare provider can determine the medicine that is most suitable for you, based on your folliculitis symptoms.
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This is not an exhaustive list of folliculitis medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for folliculitis based on your health condition and medical history.
Common side effects of folliculitis medicine
There are a number of common side effects of folliculitis medications, and different classes of medications have different side effects. For example, topical products may cause local reactions like burning or stinging, while antibiotics may cause stomach upset. Consult with your healthcare professional for possible side effects and drug interactions based on your specific situation.
Home remedies for folliculitis
Many people with folliculitis never see a healthcare provider. Anyone with a mild case of folliculitis, though, can speed recovery and find symptom relief through these home remedies:
Practice good hygiene. Wash the affected area two to three times a day with a gentle cleanser or mild antibacterial soap. Try to avoid soaps that have skin irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
Wear loose clothing. 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.
Avoid or modify shaving. Folliculitis may be caused by shaving, but no matter what the cause, shaving can make the problem worse. If you need to shave, moisten the hairs first with water or lotion, shave only with a sharp razor or electric razor, and shave with the grain of the hairs. Avoid stretching the skin while you shave.
Use a moist compress. To relieve the itching and pain, regularly apply a warm compress to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Expert takeaway
"If you think you have folliculitis, it is a good idea to see a healthcare provider," says Karen Berger, Pharm.D., member of the SingleCare Medical Review Board. "Folliculitis can look like other skin conditions, so an accurate diagnosis can help guide the best treatment and prevention strategies."
Frequently asked questions about folliculitis
What kills folliculitis?
Folliculitis caused by bacteria, viruses, yeast, or parasites can be killed by using medications that fight the infecting organism. Folliculitis caused by medications, sunlight, or shaving cannot be killed, but it can be treated and managed.
How do you know if folliculitis is healing?
Folliculitis usually takes a few days to two weeks to resolve. As it heals, you will notice less pain, itching, and swelling. You can manage the condition with warm compresses, good hygiene, oral antihistamines, and topical medications. If the problem persists for longer than two weeks, spreads to other parts of the body, or if the pain or itching gets worse, consult with a healthcare professional.
How do you stop folliculitis from spreading?
Folliculitis is a localized problem, but if it’s caused by an infection, that infection could spread. To prevent the infection from spreading, avoid scratching or shaving the area, clean the affected area regularly, and use topical antiseptics like benzoyl peroxide. If you have hot tub folliculitis, stay out of hot tubs and swimming pools until the problem resolves.
How do I get rid of folliculitis fast?
Like all conditions or infections, folliculitis takes time to heal. The process can be helped by applying warm compresses to the area, using topical antimicrobial medications, and keeping the area clean. If you have hot tub folliculitis, the fastest way to treat the condition is to stay out of hot tubs or swimming pools.
What do doctors prescribe for folliculitis?
Healthcare providers will prescribe medication based on the underlying cause. Depending on the cause, treatment may include topical or oral antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or other medications.
Why does folliculitis keep coming back?
Folliculitis may keep coming back for several reasons. For example, if your folliculitis is caused by an infection, the infection may return. If your folliculitis is caused by shaving, your shaving habits or products may be contributing to recurring folliculitis. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to prevent folliculitis from returning.
Sources
Folliculitis, MedlinePlus (2024)
Folliculitis, Cleveland Clinic (2021)
Folliculitis decalvans, Cleveland Clinic (2022)
Folliculitis, StatPearls (2023)
Folliculitis treatment and prevention, Harvard Health (2024)
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