What should you know about antibiotic treatment for a hair follicle infection?

An infected follicle can cause a tender red bump, pus, crusting, or a cluster of spots around hairs. Irritation, ingrown hairs, bacteria, yeast, and friction can look similar, so an examination helps select treatment. A clinician may recommend cleansing, warm compresses, or a topical medicine for a limited problem. Oral antibiotics are considered when infection is spreading, deeper, recurrent, or associated with a higher risk of complications. Antibiotics do not treat every cause and should not be shared, saved, or used for a different illness.

Keep the area clean and dry, wash your hands after touching it, and avoid squeezing, shaving, or sharing towels and razors. If an antibiotic is prescribed, take or apply it exactly as directed and complete the planned course unless the prescriber changes it. Ask what to do after vomiting, a missed dose, or a new rash. Mention allergies, pregnancy, and other medicines before treatment. A clinician may need to review a recurrent infection or consider a swab.

Get prompt medical care if redness, warmth, swelling, or pain is spreading; pus is increasing; you feel feverish; or the infection is near the eye. Emergency help is needed for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, confusion, or faintness. A spreading skin infection can be Cellulitis and may require a different treatment plan.

Does this look bacterial, fungal, or irritated rather than infected? Do I need a topical or oral medicine? How should I protect nearby skin? What signs mean the treatment is not working?