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Folliculitis

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Alternative Names:
Pseudofolliculitis barbae; Tinea barbae; Barber's itch
Treatment:

To prevent further damage to the hair follicles and infection:

  • Minimize friction from clothing.
  • Avoid shaving the area if possible. If shaving is necessary, use a clean new razor blade or an electric razor each time.
  • Keep the area clean.

Avoid reinfection from contaminated clothing and washcloths. Hot moist compresses may promote drainage of extensive folliculitis. Topical antibiotics (Bactroban), oral antibiotics (e.g., dicloxacillin), or antifungal medications may be needed to control the infection.

Expectations (prognosis):
Folliculitis usually responds well to treatment, but may recur.
Complications:
  • the folliculitis may return
  • the infection may spread to other body areas
Calling your health care provider:
Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if symptoms recur frequently, if they persist longer than 2 or 3 days, or if the infection spreads.
Folliculitis, decalvans on the scalp
Folliculitis, decalvans on the scalp
Folliculitis on the leg
Folliculitis on the leg
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