What is the first treatment for folliculitis?

Folliculitis is inflammation around hair follicles. Small red bumps, pustules, tenderness, or itching can follow bacterial infection, yeast overgrowth, shaving, friction, sweating, or blocked follicles. Because these causes can look alike, the most suitable treatment depends on the distribution and appearance of the rash.

Topical antibiotic therapy may be used for a small, localized bacterial area. Oral antibiotics for skin infection may be considered when lesions are extensive, deeper, recurrent, or not improving with local treatment. Antibiotics do not treat every cause of follicle inflammation.

Pause shaving or waxing over the affected area, wear loose clothing, and change out of sweaty clothes promptly. Use a clean towel, avoid sharing razors, and do not pick or squeeze pustules. These measures reduce friction and the chance of spreading organisms between areas of skin.

A clinician may recommend topical antibiotic therapy after examining the bumps. Use it exactly as directed and do not save or reuse an old prescription. If redness is spreading, lesions are numerous, or local treatment is not settling the problem, ask whether oral antibiotics for skin infection are appropriate.

Seek prompt assessment for rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth or pain, a large tender lump, fever, chills, red streaks, or feeling unwell. Folliculitis near the eye or on a vulnerable area also deserves careful review, particularly if swelling is increasing.

Ask what cause seems most likely, whether a swab or other check is needed, and whether topical antibiotic therapy is enough for the affected area. If the problem keeps returning, ask how shaving, friction, sweat, medicines, or another skin condition could be contributing.