Remedies for Folliculitis
October 3, 2009
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles, which in severe cases could lead to permanent hair loss. This infection is also known as barber’s itch or hot tub folliculitis. There are two types of folliculitis – superficial folliculitis and deep folliculitis. Superficial folliculitis usually heals without any medical intervention. However, deep folliculitis needs special care. If deep folliculitis becomes chronic, it can lead to scarring and hair loss.
Folliculitis causes
Besides scalp, folliculitis can occur in hair follicles present in any part of the body. If for any reason, the hair follicles are damaged they become vulnerable to bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Infections cause inflammation of the hair follicles, leading to folliculitis. Friction on the skin caused by shaving, skin injury, acne, dermatitis, inflammatory skin diseases, tight clothing, excessive sweating and exposure to certain chemicals increase the risk of this skin infection. It has been observed that weak immunity, prolonged use of antibiotics for treating acne, topical corticosteroid medicines, humidity, heat and obesity can cause this skin condition.
Folliculitis symptoms
Folliculitis appears as a cluster or small pink or red bumps around the hair follicles. The bumps are filled with pus. They can itch and are sometimes painful. People of all ages could be affected by this skin disease. However, teens and young adults are most susceptible to this disease.
Folliculitis remedies
Dermatologists usually prescribe antibiotics and antibacterial washes for treating folliculitis. Certain home remedies are effective in treating this condition. Soak a towel in hot saline water and compress the bumps three to four times every day. Take a handful or neem or margosa leaves and boil them in a liter of water for 15 to 20 minutes. You can wash the infected areas with this decoction several times a day. To make this neem decoction more powerful, add one teaspoon of turmeric paste to the solution. You can also wash the bumps with hydrogen peroxide solution. Applying tea tree oil on the infected area helps to cure folliculitis. Folliculitis is an infectious disease. You should not share your towel, clothes and even bathtub with others. Stay away from cosmetics until the infection has healed.
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