Folliculitis treatment antibiotics

Folliculitis can follow shaving or friction, or involve bacteria, yeast, or inflammation without infection. Small pus-filled bumps and tenderness can fit bacterial folliculitis, but these features are not enough to identify the cause by themselves. A clinician may examine the pattern and, when needed, sample drainage. Antibiotics work against certain bacteria; they do not treat yeast or simple mechanical irritation. Learn more about [Folliculitis](/conditions/folliculitis/).

If prescribed a topical antibiotic, apply it exactly as directed and keep the product away from eyes and mucous membranes. If an oral antibiotic is prescribed, follow the schedule and tell the prescriber about allergies, pregnancy, and other medicines. Do not use leftover tablets, share treatment, or stop and restart it without advice. Keep the area clean, pause shaving, and avoid squeezing bumps. Related information is available under [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) and [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/).

Contact a clinician if the rash spreads, pain increases, drainage grows, or there is no improvement with the prescribed plan. Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly expanding redness, facial swelling, or feeling faint or unwell. Stop and seek advice for a severe medicine reaction such as breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips or tongue.

Do you think this is bacterial folliculitis? Would a sample help? Should I use a topical or oral medicine? What should I do if the bumps return after treatment?