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12 Folliculitis Treatments Supported by Dermatologists
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Whiteheads, blackheads, even cystic acne—these are the skin blemishes that many of us have become all too familiar with. But what happens when you come across a blemish or skin condition that you’re unsure of? There’s a chance it could be folliculitis, which is a very common skin disorder caused by the inflammation of hair follicles. “Think of it as acne that is on a skin site other than the face,” says dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD.
Fortunately, we spoke with Dr. Zalka and dermatologists Azadeh Shirazi, MD, and Morgan Rabach, MD, to find the best at-home and professional treatments for those small red or pus-filled bumps. Keep reading to see what dermatologists recommend to try to say goodbye to folliculitis.
Meet the Experts
- Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of skincare brand, Surface Deep.
- Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, CA.
- Morgan Rabach, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology at LM Medical NYC.
What Causes Folliculitis?
Some of the most common causes of folliculitis are bacteria or yeast infections in the pores, sweat left on the skin for long periods, hormonal changes, overuse of oily products that block your pores, waxing and shaving, tight clothing, and even hot tub use. Some skin types are more predisposed to getting an outbreak than others, but as you can see above, there are more than a few factors that can lead to folliculitis.
Use a Decongesting Cleanser
Before heading to a professional, make a trip to your local drugstore or Sephora for some at-home treatments. Dr. Zalka recommends using a cleanser that prevents pores from becoming clogged or inflamed. We love anything with an AHA or BHA, like the La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser or the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel.
Dig Deep With a Chemical Exfoliant
Sometimes it pays off to dig a little deeper. Exfoliating will help get rid of dead skin cells, which can help clear any ongoing outbreaks. Try glycolic acid, which removes oil and unclogs pores while salicylic acid helps regulate oil production and encourage skin healing. Green tea extract calms and soothes skin to reduce redness and inflammation caused by blemishes.
Try Spray Treatments
If you’re on the go, there are also effective body sprays that allow easy application for difficult-to-reach areas that may reduce acne breakouts anywhere on the body. Look for a hypochlorous acid spray like the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray and Paula’s Choice CLEAR Acne Body Spray.
Take a Break From Shaving and Waxing
If the problem you’re seeing persists, consider giving that area a break from shaving and/or waxing for a bit. Shaving and waxing can easily “open up” your breakout, exposing the whitehead and causing the spread of bacteria to other areas where you shave with the same razor head—thus leading to more breakouts.
Key Takeaways
- Folliculitis isn’t a typical pimple — it’s a common skin disorder caused by the inflammation of hair follicles. Dr. Zalka says to think of it as acne on the body, not the face.
- Folliculitis can be treated at home or, if needed, with the help of a dermatologist. Treatments include topical creams, lifestyle changes, deep cleansers, and when necessary, prescription medications.
Try a Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
Benzoyl peroxide cleansers daily in the shower are very effective, as they kill pathogenic bacteria and remove dead skin cells.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing
It’s important to be mindful of your clothing choices when you’re dealing with a folliculitis outbreak. Try to avoid tight clothing for a while, which can cause friction or rubbing that further inflames your breakouts.
In this same vein, be sure to remove clothes directly after sweating or working out (and cleanse your skin right away). Sitting in the sweat can lead to further inflammation or clogging of the pores, so your best bet is to hop in the shower (or at least make an outfit change once you’re done working out).
Shower Post-Sweat
In the same vein as avoiding too tight clothing, be sure to remove clothes directly after sweating or working out (and always cleanse your skin as soon as you can). Sitting in the sweat can lead to further inflammation or clogging of the pores, so your best bet is to hop in the shower (or at least make an outfit change once you’re done working out).
Use Acne Pads
Dr. Rabach says that acne pads containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or a mixture of both, can also help. “Salicylic acid 2 percent can help dry up folliculitis,” she says, adding that benzoyl peroxide can also help.
Consider Laser Hair Removal
Since the hair follicle is the root of the problem, and the follicles affected can be removed by laser in some circumstances, a dermatologist might recommend this option.
“Laser hair removal can thin the hair, reducing the incidence of folliculitis,” says Dr. Rabach. Laser therapy destroys the hair follicles, preventing them from becoming inflamed or infected again. But in most cases, it takes several treatments to see results.
Try Hydrocortisone Cream
“If folliculitis happens post hair removal, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream 1% can also soothe inflammation and redness,” says Dr. Rabach.
See a Dermatologist for Professional Treatments
If you’ve tried the at-home solutions and aren’t seeing the progress, it might be time to head to see a professional.
“If the over the counter medications do not work, if there is inflammation or pain that extends onto the skin, if the folliculitis last more than two weeks, or if the folliculitis is spreading, you should see a dermatologist,” says Dr. Rabach.
The biggest warning signs are when pimples become painful, pus-filled, or if the condition spreads to other parts of your body. When evaluated medically, a dermatologist will likely ask about your medical background and potential causes of the folliculitis. They may prescribe a medicated cleanser and perhaps an oral medication to treat bacteria or yeast if either of these are considered to be the cause.
Use a Prescription Antibiotic
Specific types of folliculitis such as pseudomonas folliculitis may even require oral antibiotics, such as minocycline or doxycycline for a course until the folliculitis subsides, says Dr. Rabach. If over-the-counter topicals are ineffective, Dr. Rabach says that topical antibiotics like clindamycin lotion or gel may be of help, as well as sulfacetamide sulfur.
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