Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles that can be caused by abacterial orfungal infections.Folliculitis can be caused by a variety of pathogens and can develop to various levels of severity and have many options for treatment.Whether you have a mild case or a full-blown skin emergency, this article will help you get your skin looking its best in no time.
Step 1: Use antibacterial soap to wash the area.
Mild cases of folliculitis will eventually go away on their own.It is possible to speed this process by taking good care of the area.Twice a day, use a gentle antibacterial soap.You can wash and dry with a towel.It's a good idea to wash gently.If you use a harsh soap or scrub, it can irritate the area and make it worse.Pick a soap that's specifically labeled for facial use if you have folliculitis on your face.These soaps aren't as bad as run-of-the-mill antibacterial soaps.
Step 2: A salt-water compress can be used.
Warm compress are rags or other absorbent materials soaked in warm liquid and held against the affected area to soothe irritation, promote drainage, and speed the healing process.There is an added benefit to using salt water for your compress.If you want to create a salt-water compress, you have to first make a small amount of table salt in a cup or two of warm water.Hold the cotton ball against the affected area after soaking it in the salt water.Twice a day, apply in the morning and night.
Step 3: The area should be soaked with warm water.
A cheap over-the-counter treatment for a variety of minor skin conditions, aluminum acetate is also known as Burow's solution.It can be used to kill folliculitis-causingbacteria and to reduce swelling in the area.Burow's solution can be used by dissolving one packet in warm water.After soaking a clean washcloth in the solution, wring it out and apply it gently.If you need to wet the cloth intermittently, hold the washcloth there.Clean out the receptacle and run the washcloth under the water.If you want to kill any germs on the cloth, submerge it in hot water.
Step 4: It's a good idea to treat with oatmeal.
Oatmeal has been used as an ingredient in home remedies for skin irritations due to its anti-itching properties.Try soaking your body in a homemade oatmeal bath or covering the affected area with an oatmeal lotion.If you want to enjoy the gentle soothing sensation of your oatmeal cure, avoid exposure to even mild solutions.To gently dry the affected area, be sure to use a clean towel or washcloth.
Step 5: It's possible to use a cure like vinegar.
folliculitis is an easy target for a wide variety of natural cures.These types of cures are not supported by the medical establishment.If you decide to use aholistic cure, use common sense, don't do anything that's likely to aggravate your folliculitis, introduce additionalbacteria to the affected area, or prevent healing.Many otherholistic cures can be found with a simple online search.Make a solution of two parts warm water to one part white vinegar.Put a clean cloth in the solution and wring it out.If you want to wet the cloth intermittently, hold the compress in place for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Don't hesitate to see a doctor if you have a serious case.
folliculitis is usually a minor irritation.It can develop into something more serious if left unaddressed.If your folliculitis doesn't seem to be improving on its own, you should schedule a doctor appointment as soon as possible.A timely doctor's visit can potentially save you a lot of time and money in the long run.It's fine to see your normal doctor.Your family or general doctor.S/he may refer you to a doctor.If your folliculitis is widespread, it is worth consulting a doctor.
Step 7: You can use hydrocortisone to dull the itch.
Hydrocortisone is a cream that is used to treat skin irritation.To dull the pain, try a 1% hydrocortisone cream 2 to 5 times a day.If you want to apply it directly to the affected area, rub it in with your fingers.It's a good idea to wash and dry your hands before applying something to a wound.Although the hydrocortisone will dull the pain and inflammation, it won't fight thebacteria.
Step 8: Anti-inflammatories can be used over-the-counter.
You may want to use one of the wide variety of over-the-counter medicines that are suitable for treating this condition.Mild cases of pain caused by folliculitis can be reduced by taking cheap, common painkillers.Ibuprofen is one of the best pain-reducing drugs that will help with the pain but also temporarily ease the inflammation.Children and teenagers shouldn't take aspirin without a doctor's approval.Even though most over-the-counter painkillers are very safe in small doses, heavy or long-term use can lead to serious conditions, so always follow the directions for safe use included with any medicines you purchase.
Step 9: Antibiotics can be used for serious cases.
Antibiotics may be necessary for cases of folliculitis that don't respond well to home cleaning and care.Antibiotics are available in grocery stores.Severe cases are usually reserved for the more powerful oral antibiotics.
Step 10: For cases caused by fungus, use antifungals.
The introduction states that some cases of folliculitis are caused by a fungus.You will want to treat your condition with an antifungal medication.There are two forms of anti-fungals: oral and topical.Mild antifungals can be bought over-the-counter, while stronger ones may need a prescription.Your doctor can help determine the cause of your problem.
Step 11: Medical professionals will drain any boils oruncles.
In severe cases, folliculitis can contribute to painful blisters.You should see a doctor if you have these symptoms.You won't want to do it on your own, as draining these will speed the healing process and reduce scarring.Attempting to lance and drain boil without the benefit of a sterile medical environment is a sure-fire way to develop a secondary infection.
Step 12: Don't shave the area.
Folliculitis can be caused by shaving or unsanitary practices.If you have folliculitis on the skin under your beard or another area that you regularly shave, give that area a break from shaving.The disease can be spread from one patch of hair to the next by persistent shaving.If you have to shave, make sure to minimize the irritation.Try to use an electric razor instead of a handheld razor.Every time you shave, make sure your razor is clean.
Step 13: Don't touch the area.
Most of the time, fingers and hands are the most common.They carry and transmitbacteria like an airplane carries people.It's important to resist the urge to itch or pick at the affected area.If you want to touch it, wash your hands, apply soap, or use a compress.
Step 14: Don't wear clothes that are tight.
Chafing and irritation can be caused by the mechanical action of clothing rubbing against the skin throughout the day.If clothing prevents air from reaching the skin, it can result in skin infections.If you are prone to folliculitis, make sure your clothing is loose-fitting and soft to avoid irritation.Try to keep the clothing out of the water.The risk of irritation increases when wet clothing clings to the skin.Change your clothes as soon as possible if you sweat or get wet.
Step 15: Don't put your skin in harms way.
Some people are susceptible to rash and others are resilient.If you have folliculitis or are prone to it, try to avoid coming into contact with any substances that you know to cause you irritation, as the irritation can lead to an infection or sidetrack the healing process of an existing infection.You may want to avoid certain things.
Step 16: Don't use the water for bathing or swimming.
For good reason, Folliculitis is referred to as "hot tub rash".Swimming, bathing, or otherwise submerging yourself in a pool or hot tub that is not properly maintained is a common way to get a folliculitis infection.There are certain types ofbacteria that are easy to transmit via dirty water.If you are prone to folliculitis, you'll want to make sure that you don't come into contact with stagnant water.
Step 17: Don't rely too much on steroid creams.
There is an increased risk for folliculitis when certain medical treatments are used for long periods of time.hydrocortisone can contribute to folliculitis infections.It is a common treatment for mild folliculitis.If you don't see any improvement after using hydrocortisone, you should schedule a doctor's appointment.
Step 18: Don't allow wounds to get infections.
If a nearby infection is irritated or allowed to spread, hair follicles can become Inflammation and Infections.You want to make sure you treat skin infections quickly and professionally.Infections are much easier to treat when they're small and local.