Prescription for folliculitis by dermatologist

Dr. Om recommends benzoyl peroxide washes as the most effective over-the-counter treatment for mild folliculitis, as they help reduce surface bacteria and inflammation. Salicylic acid cleansers can also help by exfoliating clogged follicles. He stresses the importance of gentle skin care, avoiding friction, and using fragrance-free moisturizers to support skin healing.

For folliculitis keloidalis, which most often affects the back of the scalp and leads to scarring and raised keloid-like bumps, Dr. Om focuses on early and aggressive treatment to prevent permanent scarring. He typically starts with topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and topical or oral antibiotics if there’s evidence of infection. He also may prescribe tretinoin or topical keratolytics to help reduce follicular plugging. If the condition is advanced, Dr. Om may recommend intralesional steroid injections to flatten thickened lesions. He also advises patients to avoid close shaving or haircutting in the affected area, as friction and trauma can worsen the condition.

Yes, Dr. Om confirms that antibiotics are a common and effective treatment for bacterial folliculitis. He uses topical antibiotics like clindamycin or mupirocin for localized cases and oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or cephalexin when the infection is more widespread. However, he cautions that antibiotics won’t help fungal folliculitis, which requires antifungal treatment, making proper diagnosis essential.

Dr. Om says that folliculitis is inflammation or infection of hair follicles, often showing red or pus‑filled bumps around hairs, commonly after shaving, friction, or in warm, moist areas. Acne vulgaris arises primarily from clogged pores (hair follicles + sebaceous glands) with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, frequently showing blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper nodules.

Dr. Om says that several skin conditions can look like folliculitis, including acne, ingrown hairs, hidradenitis suppurativa, infected insect bites, and contact dermatitis. These conditions may cause similar red or pus-filled bumps, but they each have different causes and treatment approaches. That’s why an accurate diagnosis from a dermatologist is important before starting any treatment.

Dr. Om says you should avoid squeezing an infected hair follicle. Doing so may push the infection deeper, increase inflammation, spread bacteria, or cause scarring. It’s better to keep it clean, avoid mechanical trauma, and let it heal or be treated with appropriate medications.

Dr. Om says that in some cases, acne medication may help, for example, antibacterial washes or retinoids might reduce plugging around follicles, but because folliculitis is often an infection of a hair follicle (bacterial or fungal) rather than purely blocked oil, acne treatments alone may not be enough or appropriate. If it’s true folliculitis you’ll likely need treatments targeted at infection (topical/oral antibiotics or antifungals) rather than just acne therapy.

According to Dr. Om, an ingrown hair occurs when a hair that’s been shaved or plucked grows back into the skin or curls under the skin surface, resulting in a bump that may be red and tender but is essentially mechanical irritation. Folliculitis involves inflammation or infection of the hair follicle itself (often bacterial or fungal). While an ingrown hair can lead to folliculitis (if the follicle gets infected), they are not the same process. The key difference is infection/inflammation (folliculitis) vs purely hair‑growth disturbance (ingrown hair).

Dr. Om doesn’t recommend applying tretinoin to an actively infected hair follicle because retinoids can irritate the skin, increase sensitivity, and may worsen inflammation if there is active infection. However, if you have an ingrown hair (without infection) tretinoin can help by increasing turnover and clearing the follicle.

Dr. Om says that to clear folliculitis you’ll want to reduce the infection, relieve inflammation, and address any contributing factors. This includes keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding shaving or friction where possible, applying antiseptic washes or antimicrobial creams, and using prescribed topical or oral antibiotics or antifungals depending on the cause. Also, modifying lifestyle factors (tight clothes, sweating, friction) helps prevent recurrence.

The main cause of folliculitis, according to Dr. Om, is a hair follicle being damaged (by friction, shaving, tight clothing, occlusion) which allows bacteria (commonly Staphylococcus aureus) or fungi to invade and inflame the follicle.

Dr. Om says that poor hygiene alone isn’t usually the sole cause, but it can be a contributing factor because sweat, dirt, occlusion (e.g., dirty clothes, dirty hats, helmets), and moisture can increase the risk of damaging follicles and fostering bacterial or fungal growth. So yes, neglected hygiene can increase risk, though folliculitis often involves other factors too.

Dr. Om says mild folliculitis may resolve within a few days to a week if treated, and irritants are removed. However, more widespread or recurrent cases may last weeks or become chronic if underlying causes aren’t addressed. The duration depends on severity, cause (bacterial vs fungal), your immune status, and how quickly you start appropriate treatment.

Dr. Om explains that only a trained medical professional, such as a dermatologist, can accurately determine whether folliculitis is bacterial or fungal. In some cases, a skin swab or culture is needed to confirm the cause. While there may be subtle visual differences, like fungal folliculitis often being itchier and less pus-filled, it’s not something most people can reliably diagnose on their own. A proper diagnosis is key to choosing the right treatment.

Things that worsen folliculitis, according to Dr. Om, include shaving or waxing frequently, tight or non‑breathable clothing, sweating, heat/occlusion (helmets, hats, wetsuits), scratching or picking at lesions, and not treating an existing infection. Also, immune suppression or certain medications can make it worse.

Dr. Om explains that the “best” cream depends on the cause. If the cause is bacterial, a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin or clindamycin may be used. If fungal, a topical antifungal like ketoconazole or ciclopirox works better. The cream must match the underlying cause and ideally be guided by your dermatologist. Topical antiseptic washes (e.g., chlorhexidine) may also help. Because each case varies, it is recommended seeing a dermatologist before choosing a cream.

Dr. Om says that folliculitis is an infection and an inflammation of the hair follicles, so it is not typically driven by hormone fluctuations the way acne is. However, hormonal changes might indirectly influence oiliness, sweating, therefore, hormones may have a secondary role.

Dr. Om says that prolonged sitting, especially when sweaty or using tight clothing, can contribute to folliculitis on the buttocks or back of thighs due to increasing friction, heat, moisture, and occlusion around hair follicles.

Dr. Om says you’re more prone if you shave or wax frequently, wear tight or non‑breathable clothing, use hot tubs frequently, have lots of sweating or friction, have a weakened immune system, or have underlying skin conditions. Also, people with obesity or diabetes may be at increased risk.

Typically, flares are triggered by shaving, ingrown hairs, tight clothing, friction (backpacks, straps), sweating, heat, humid conditions, occlusion (helmets, hats), hot tub exposure, and sometimes use of shared razors or contaminated water sources according to Dr. Om, once a follicle is infected, picking or scratching can worsen the flare.

To prevent folliculitis in the groin, Dr. Om recommends wearing loose, breathable underwear (cotton or moisture‑wicking), and shower after sweating. You should also avoid tight athletic clothing, avoid dry shaving and when shaving, use shaving cream and shave carefully in the direction of hair growth. Keep the area clean and dry, and change out of sweaty clothes promptly. Consult an online dermatologist to prevent the infection from spreading and causing scars.

To prevent folliculitis in the armpits keep the area dry, use an antiperspirant, wear loose‑fitting breathable fabrics, avoid shaving too frequently or use clean blades, cleanse the area after sweating, avoid deodorants with irritating fragrances if you’re sensitive, and avoid tight straps or backpacks that cause friction. Consult a dermatologist to get adequate treatment depending on the underlying cause of the infection.

To prevent folliculitis in the buttocks, Dr. Om, recommends avoiding sitting for long periods. Remove sweaty, workout clothes as soon as possible, use breathable fabrics, and keep the area clean and dry. You can also consider using an antiseptic or antibacterial wash if you’re prone and avoid sharing towels. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause, that is why a consultation with a dermatologist is your best option to get rid of this skin problem

Dr. Om says that sometimes folliculitis may lead to hyperpigmentation and to fade it, you can try using a gentle chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid or lactic acid a few times a week to help unclog pores and speed up cell turnover. Applying a brightening agent such as azelaic acid, niacinamide can gradually lighten dark spots, also remember to apply a moisturizer to keep the skin barrier healthy. A dermatologist may also prescribe tretinoin or hydroquinone for more stubborn cases

Dr. Om says that it is okay to wear jeans but it’s best to choose looser-fitting, breathable jeans made from softer denim. Tight, non-stretch or synthetic-blend jeans can trap sweat and increase friction, which may worsen irritation or delay healing. If you’re sitting for long periods (like driving or working at a desk), consider adding a breathable seat cushion and wearing moisture-wicking underwear to reduce pressure and sweat buildup. Once the skin is clear, you can return to your regular jeans, just keep an eye on fit and airflow.