How is folliculitis treated?

Folliculitis is inflammation around hair follicles and can look like small red bumps, pimples, pustules, or itchy spots. Friction, shaving, sweating, blocked follicles, bacteria, yeast, and some medicines can play a part. A clinician considers the site, depth, recurrence, and appearance before choosing treatment. An itchy scalp, ingrown hairs, or red bumps can have causes other than folliculitis, so avoid squeezing lesions or sharing towels while the diagnosis is uncertain.

Pause shaving, waxing, tight clothing, and products that sting the area until it settles. Wash gently, pat dry, change sweaty clothing, and use a clean razor if shaving is restarted. A clinician may prescribe topical antibiotic therapy for selected bacterial cases; oral antibiotics may be needed when infection is more extensive or deeper. Antifungal or anti-inflammatory treatment may be more appropriate when bacteria are not the cause. Use medicines exactly as directed and do not use leftover antibiotics.

Arrange an appointment if bumps keep returning, spread, form crusts or boils, leave scars, or do not improve with gentle care. Seek prompt medical help for rapidly expanding redness, severe pain, fever, red streaks, facial involvement near the eye, or feeling very unwell. People with diabetes or reduced immunity should seek advice sooner when infection is suspected.

Is this folliculitis or another type of bump? Could shaving, friction, bacteria, or yeast be contributing? Do I need a swab? Which treatment should I stop if irritation worsens?