How do I treat Folliculitis?

By Peter Rathbone

Typical Infected Hair Follicles

Folliculitis is a typical infection of the hair bulb, the 'root' of the hair which lies beneath the skin. It is caused by a staphylococcus bacterial infection and  Folliculitis treatment is mostly with warm compresses. Often, topical antibiotics with mupirocin or clindamycin are applied 2 to 3 times per day. Large areas of folliculitis may require orally taken systemic antibiotics, for example dicloxacillin, or cephalexin.

Hot-tub folliculitis goes away in a week without any treatment. Folliculitis caused by ingrown hairs is treated by a bunch of strategies with varying success. For bad, recurring problems, shaving and some other regular grooming practices may need to be abandoned. Trivial cases of bacterial folliculitis often resolve inside 2 - 3 days. If the condition continues or reappears or if a deep rooted infection sets in, you could need specific folliculitis treatment.

It is important to take the entire course of treatment for any infection, even if you think you are cured, or the infection may recur, worsen or spread as soon as treatment stops. The treatment your medical practitioner recommends will depend on the type and severity of your infection.

Insubstantial staph contagions can usually be cured by keeping the area clean and antiseptic and applying warm damp compresses to the areas affected for 20 to 30 minutes 3 or 4 times each day. Among the treatments believed to be useful for the person with a staph infection are  acupuncture (to draw heat away from the infection), and herbal cures using herbs that may help the body overcome, or resist, staph infection. These cures usually include garlic, which is said to have antibacterial properties.


Hatchet is good for Folliculitis treatment. This anti-inflammatory herb is said to support the lymphatic system. It could be taken internally to assist in treating staph abscesses and cut back the swelling of the lymph nodes. A cleavers compress may also be applied right to a skin infection. Another herb is believed to fight infection and ease swelling which is goldenseal. Goldenseal may be taken internally when indications of infection first appear. Skin infections can be treated by making a paste of water and powdered goldenseal root and applying it to the areas affected.

Severe or re-occurring staphylocoecal infections may need a seven- to 10-day course of folliculitis treatment with penicillin or other oral antibiotics. The positioning of the infection and the identity of the causal bacterium identify which of a few effective medications should be prescribed. In recent times, doctors have turned to such more modern folliculitis treatment as vancomycin or the fluoroquinolones to treat staph infections because strains of S. Aureus have appeared that are proof against penicillin and the older antibiotics. In case of a rather more serious infection, antibiotics could be administered intravenously for as long as six weeks.

Most healthy folks who develop staph diseases recover completely within a short time. Others develop repeated infections. Some become seriously ill, requiring long term care or emergency care. A tiny percentage die, so please take this seriously and consult a physician if the symptoms persist beyond 3 days.