{"id":1248106,"date":"2025-12-26T18:38:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T15:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1248106"},"modified":"2025-12-26T18:38:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T15:38:24","slug":"12-folliculitis-treatments-supported-by-dermatologists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1248106","title":{"rendered":"12 Folliculitis Treatments Supported by Dermatologists"},"content":{"rendered":"
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12 Folliculitis Treatments Supported by Dermatologists <\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Claire Phelan<\/p>\n
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\nClaire Phelan\n<\/div>\n
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Claire is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers skincare and product reviews. You can also find her work on Today. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Updated on April 24, 2025 09:02AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Medically reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
Julia A. Siegel, MD<\/p>\n
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\"Julia\"Julia<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Medically reviewed by<\/span>
\nJulia A. Siegel, MD\n<\/div>\n
\nJulia A. Siegel, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nABOUT BYRDIE’S BEAUTY & WELLNESS BOARD\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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Stocksy<\/p>\n

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Whiteheads, blackheads, even cystic acne\u2014these 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,\u201d says dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD.<\/p>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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  • Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of skincare brand, Surface Deep.<\/li>\n
  • Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, CA.<\/li>\n
  • Morgan Rabach, MD,\u00a0is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology at LM Medical NYC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    What Causes Folliculitis? <\/span><\/h2>\n

    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. <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    01<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Use a Decongesting Cleanser <\/span><\/h2>\n

    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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    02<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Dig Deep With a Chemical Exfoliant <\/span><\/h2>\n

    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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    03<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Try Spray Treatments <\/span><\/h2>\n

    If you\u2019re 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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    04<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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    Take a Break From Shaving and Waxing <\/span><\/h2>\n

    If the problem you\u2019re seeing persists, consider giving that area a break from shaving and\/or waxing for a bit.\u00a0Shaving and waxing can easily “open up” your breakout, exposing the whitehead and causing the spread of bacteria<\/strong> to other areas where you shave with the same razor head\u2014thus leading to more breakouts.<\/p>\n

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    Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

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    • Folliculitis isn’t a typical pimple \u2014 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.<\/li>\n
    • 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      05<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Try a Benzoyl Peroxide Wash <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Benzoyl peroxide cleansers daily in the shower are very effective, as they kill pathogenic bacteria and remove dead skin cells.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      06<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing <\/span><\/h2>\n

      It\u2019s important to be mindful of your clothing choices when you\u2019re dealing with a folliculitis outbreak. Try to avoid tight clothing for a while, which can cause friction or rubbing that further inflames your breakouts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      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\u2019re done working out).\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      07<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Shower Post-Sweat <\/span><\/h2>\n

      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\u2019re done working out).\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      08<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Use Acne Pads <\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      09<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Consider Laser Hair Removal <\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n

      “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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      10<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Try Hydrocortisone Cream <\/span><\/h2>\n

      “If folliculitis happens post hair removal, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream 1% can also soothe inflammation and redness,” says Dr. Rabach.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      11<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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      See a Dermatologist for Professional Treatments <\/span><\/h2>\n

      If you\u2019ve tried the at-home solutions and aren\u2019t seeing the progress, it might be time to head to see a professional.\n<\/p>\n

      “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<\/strong>,” says Dr. Rabach.\n<\/p>\n

      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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      12<\/span>of 12<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Use a Prescription Antibiotic <\/span><\/h2>\n

      Specific types of\u00a0folliculitis\u00a0such as pseudomonas\u00a0folliculitis\u00a0may 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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      FAQ<\/div>\n
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        What is the fastest way to cure folliculitis?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        The best and fastest way to cure folliculitis depends on the type you have, its severity, and the root cause. Aggressive cases may necessitate more aggressive treatments, while mild folliculitis may clear up with at-home treatment. The fastest and best way to cure it is determined on an individual level, which is why a dermatologist’s help may be necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        What do dermatologists recommend for folliculitis?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Dermatologists will recommend treatments for folliculitis based on your skin’s needs and the severity of it. Treatment options range from topical creams to laser hair removal, and even prescription antibiotics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        What kills folliculitis caused by bacteria?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        If your folliculitis is being caused by bacteria, dermatologists recommend cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide. It will help to kill pathogenic bacteria and remove dead skin cells.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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        What is the best topical cream for folliculitis?<\/span><\/div>\n
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        A topical steroid cream can help ease the itching caused by folliculitis while an antibiotic lotion or gel can help treat the root cause.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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        Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
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        1. \n

          Folliculitis | michigan medicine.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        2. \n

          Sarkar R, Ghunawat S, Garg VK. Comparative study of 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic\u201310% mandelic acid, and phytic acid combination peels in the treatment of active acne and postacne pigmentation.\u00a0J Cutan Aesthet Surg<\/em>. 2019;12(3):158-163.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        3. \n

          Koch W, Zag\u00f3rska J, Marzec Z, Kukula-Koch W. Applications of tea (Camellia sinensis) and its active constituents in cosmetics.\u00a0Molecules<\/em>. 2019;24(23):4277. doi:10.3390\/molecules24234277<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        4. \n

          Ogunbiyi A. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.\u00a0Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol<\/em>. 2019;12:241-247.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        5. \n

          Cook-Bolden FE, Barba A, Halder R, Taylor S. Twice-daily applications of benzoyl peroxide 5%\/clindamycin 1% gel versus vehicle in the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae.\u00a0Cutis<\/em>. 2004;73(6 Suppl):18-24.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        6. \n

          Folliculitis: appearance, causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        7. \n

          Folliculitis-folliculitis – diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          Read more:<\/div>\n
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          • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Scalp Care<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

            Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/folliculitis-treatment-5209168<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. 12 Folliculitis Treatments Supported by Dermatologists By Claire Phelan Claire Phelan Claire is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers skincare and product reviews. You can also find her work on Today. Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 24, 2025 09:02AM Medically reviewed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1248106","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1248106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1248106"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1248106\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1248106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1248106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1248106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}