Have you ever come across folliculitis? It is the most embarrassing and uncomfortable skin problems you may face. You may notice acne developing on your neck or scalp. You may have seen pictures on the internet and it looks like severe acne.
It is an infection in your hair follicles. The hair on your skin is a blessing. It prevents you from many health disorders. For example- Nasal hair that blocks the entry of dust particles in the respiratory tract.
But there are times when you develop folliculitis (often-painful condition) in the hair follicles. Let’s understand what actually happens in this condition.
Table of Contents
Home Remedies To Treat Folliculitis
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is an excellent cure for many other diseases. People often use it to cure a cold and cough since ages. You can also use it to treat folliculitis. Curcumin present in turmeric has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation properties.
It helps reduce itching and inflammation of the hair follicles. Also, you get relief from the pain associated with this condition. It also fights the bacteria or fungi. Turmeric is an effective remedy to treat boils.
For External Use
Things You Will Need
- ½ tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Do
- Make a thick paste by adding turmeric powder to olive oil.
- Apply the paste to the infected area gently.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it off with normal water.
- Repeat this once daily.
For Oral Consumption
Things You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 glass of milk (cow, almond, or soy milk)
Do
- Pour one glass of milk into a pan.
- Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to it.
- Stir it well and let it cook on medium flame.
- Let it cook until it starts to boil.
- Drink the turmeric milk daily two times a day.
- Drinking turmeric milk and regular application can help you get rid of those red bumps.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is very effective in treating folliculitis on the scalp. It helps you get relief from inflammation and pain. It works as an antifungal agent that treats many skin disorders. Not only folliculitis, but also it treats ringworms, impetigo, and vaginal odor.
Things You Will Need
- 10-15 drops of tea tree oil
- ½ cup of olive oil
Do
- Pour the olive oil into a spray bottle.
- Add tea tree oil to it and then shake it well to mix the oils.
- Spray the mix on your scalp and hair.
- Massage with the oil for few minutes so the oils penetrate into the scalp. You may feel a tingling sensation, but that remains for few seconds only. Once you get used to it, you will less likely feel that sensation.
- Leave it overnight and wash off in the morning with a mild shampoo. Don’t forget to use conditioner.
Repeat this natural remedy for 2-3 times a week to get rid of scalp folliculitis.it also helps to reduce the itching due to folliculitis.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
As you all know apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient used in cooking. Even you will find it in natural hair care products.
Apart from this, it is one of the best remedies to treat folliculitis. It works as an antiseptic agent and kills the causative bacteria.
It may also restore the level of the scalp when used as a hair care product. Definitely, it has one more advantage that it is easily affordable and available, unlike the tea tree oil.
Caution– concentrated vinegar can irritate your skin and can be harmful. You must use the diluted vinegar and do a patch test to check your skin’s sensitivity.
Things You Will Need
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup of water
Do
- Mix water and vinegar together in a bowel.
- Use the diluted apple cider vinegar after washing your hair as a hair rinse.
- Keep it for 5 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
- Repeat this daily to treat scalp folliculitis. You will get the results within 2 weeks.
For Use On The Skin
- Soak a cotton ball in diluted vinegar.
- Apply it to the infected area and let it dry on its own.
- Repeat this daily before bedtime and you will notice the improvement within 2 weeks.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its curing and healing properties. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids. These fatty acids make the coconut oil antibacterial and antifungal. It cures various skin problems and is a good treatment for the red bumps due to folliculitis.
Not only this but also a regular application of coconut oil may prevent you from many skin problems.
How To Use
- Apply the coconut oil directly to the affected area using a cotton ball.
- Massage with it gently so that it penetrates well into the skin.
- Apply it at least two times a day. You may also apply it thrice a day. It is better to apply it before you go to bed.
5. Sea Salt
Sea salt is also on this list. It is an effective and natural remedy to treat folliculitis. Sea salt is high in minerals that rejuvenate the skin tissues.
It works as a disinfectant that kills the infection causing bacteria or fungi. Thus, it cleans the infected area and helps you get relief from pain.
Things You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- 1 cup of lukewarm water
Do
- Mix sea salt in water and stir it well.
- Ensure that it dissolves completely in the water.
- Soak the infected area in the salt solution for 10-15 minutes.
- Else dip a cotton ball in the solution. Apply it by pressing it over the infected area.
If you have the infection on your several body parts, it is better to take a bath using the solution.
- Add 1 cup of sea salt to your bathtub and fill it with water to the top. Soak in it for half an hour.
- Apply it on your skin or you can soak yourself in it. do this daily two times a day. You will start noticing the results within 2-3 weeks.
6. Listerine
Listerine is sound in almost every household. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. it is effective and not expensive that helps treat scalp folliculitis. Listerine acts a disinfectant and dries out the red or white bumps. It speeds up the recovery process.
CAUTION- Make sure that you are using amber-colored Listerine for this remedy.
How To Use
- Take a spray bottle and fill it with water up to its half.
- Now fill it with Listerine and the remaining half gets filled.
- Shake it well to dilute the Listerine.
- Shampoo and condition your hair as usual in the morning.
- Spray the diluted solution over your hair and massage with it for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water after 5 minutes with cool water.
Do this 2-3 times a week to get rid of the scalp folliculitis.
7. Neem
Neem is one of the oldest and natural home remedies for skin conditions. Also, it is inexpensive and easily available. Basically, the leaves of neem are used as a treatment.
Things You Will Need
- A handful of neem leaves
- A cup of water
Do
- Boil a handful of leaves with the water. Let it cool.
- Rub the water on the infected area.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse off with normal water.
- You can also extract juice from the neem leaves and apply it over the affected area.
Repeat this remedy two-three times a day to get the maximum benefits.
8. Garlic
Being a natural antibacterial agent in nature, it works wonder to treat folliculitis. Garlic is also anti-inflammatory that is great to reduce the inflammation of hair follicles.
Eating garlic is less fascinating. It does not have a romantic aroma that may attract you. But it will definitely cure the problem.
How To Use
- Include garlic in your diet like you can prepare its chutney.
- Else eat three to four garlic cloves a day. It is obvious that you will not like the taste. But a bad taste is secondary when it has such great benefits.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is present in many anti-folliculitis products. It is another home remedy for this disease. The creams with oatmeal are usually contaminated with other components. It is better to use it naturally instead of buying from any drugstore.
How To Use
- Prepare an oatmeal bath and soak yourself in it. It is effective in getting rid of folliculitis and relaxes your body.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera can be called as the mother of home remedies. It has a number of health benefits. Whether it is skin care or treating infections, it is always there to help us. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain and itching.
It also enhances the healing process and speeds up the recovery. It is always better to use the natural gel but you can buy it from the market too.
How To Use
- Extract gel from the aloe vera leaves. Apply it to the infected area and let it dry by its own.
- Leave it for one hour and then rinse it off with normal water.
Do this remedy for two to three times a day.
11. Oregano Oil
It is one of the most effective oils in treating folliculitis. You can take it internally as well as externally. Oregano oil on regular basis can help out with acne and other skin problems. It helps relieve irritation and itching.
How To Use
- Apply oregano oil with jojoba oil over the infected area. It will help you get rid of folliculitis and nourish your skin.
12. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another name in this list of natural home remedies. It can help treat the frequent bouts of minor folliculitis. It sweeps away the bacteria that are causing infection. It prevents the infection from spreading.
Caution- usually it will sting a little when you first apply it. But the sensation remains only for few seconds.
Things You Will Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
How To Use
- Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol.
- Apply it to the infected area. Let it dry on its own.
Repeat this daily two times a day until you get your infection cured.
How To Prevent Folliculitis
1. Avoid Wearing Tight Clothes
It helps to decrease the friction between your skin and clothes. That does not make your skin dry and infection-prone.
2. Dry Out Your Rubber Gloves After Use
After wearing gloves regularly, wash them off with water from in and out. Use soap to remove the dirt from your gloves. Dry them thoroughly.
3. Avoid Shaving Whenever Possible
Men with razor bumps must avoid shaving. Who does not like the idea of growing beard? Shave carefully.
If you need a clean-shaven face, inculcate some habits that are more hygienic. They may help reduce the symptoms of this condition and lower the risk of damaging your skin. Here are those good habits:
- Don’t shave too often
- Wash your skin with antibacterial soap and warm water before shaving
- Use a washcloth gently in a circular motion to raise the deeply rooted hair before shaving.
- Apply a good shaving lotion before shaving.
- Avoid shaving too close by using an electric razor. Do not stretch your skin.
- Make sure to apply a moisturizer after shaving.
- Avoid the sharing of razors or towels
- It is not for only men. Women who shave armpits using razors must adopt these habits. it will help you prevent developing those red and painful bumps.
Consider other methods of hair removal like depilatories. However, they may irritate your skin, but are better than razors.
4. Use Only Clean And Hygienic Hot Tubs
Clean your bathtub regularly and add chlorine to keep them clean. Also, avoid using any heated pools. Always avoid getting in the pool that is not treated with chlorine.
Change bed sheets often as being hygienic is the best prevention of folliculitis. Think of the dirt, dust, and sweat that accumulate on your bed sheets every night. For long hours, your skin constantly rubs against it that increases friction.
It leads to the dry and rough skin. It may seem stupid and troublesome to change bed sheets often. But not only folliculitis, it prevents you from many skin problems.
What Is Folliculitis?
Basically, folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles. The hair on your body grows out of a small cavity or pouch called a follicle. The human body has 5 million hair follicles. They are the sites from where your hair grows.
Usually, they function normally. But sometimes, a few of the follicles start malfunctioning and rise as red bumps.
It is the infection in the follicle that leads to this condition. It can affect a no. of follicles depending on the severity of the infection. However, in rare cases, white-headed pimples may appear.
Usually, it affects the scalp, armpits, beard area, and groin. It can also affect your genital area (penis, scrotum, or vaginal area).
Classification Of Folliculitis
Folliculitis is classified into two types. These two types are superficial and deep.
1. Superficial Type
It involves part of the follicle. It is less severe.
Below are some forms of the superficial type of folliculitis:
-
Bacterial Folliculitis
It is the most common type of all other forms. People with this type often develop itchy, white, and pus-filled bumps. When the bacteria attack your hair follicles, you suffer from this condition. Often it is the Staphylococcus aureus that infects the hair follicles. It is commonly known as staph.
These bacteria usually live on your skin. Don’t worry as it will cause no harm to your skin. It is inactive until you get a wound or a cut. They usually enter your body through a cut or wound. Then they become infectious and harmful. It often leads to folliculitis.
-
Pseudomonas Folliculitis
People with this type may develop red, round, and itchy rashes. The symptoms often appear two or three days after the infection.
Hot tub folliculitis is caused by the Pseudomonas bacteria. These bacteria often found in high temperatures. For example- it is found in hot tubs or heated swimming pools.
-
Razor Bumps
It is also known as pseudo folliculitisbarbae. It is a skin irritation that is caused by ingrown hairs. It is seen that men with curly hair are mostly affected. It is most visible on the face and the neck.
Also, bikini waxes may cause barber’s itch in the groin area. It is due to the unhygienic products and tools used during waxing. This condition may result in dark and raised scars (keloids).
-
Pityrosporum Folliculitis
People with this type develop red, itchy pustules on the back and chest. But sometimes it may appear on the neck, shoulders, arms, and face. It is caused by a yeast infection.
2. Deep Type
It involves the entire follicle. It is usually more severe than superficial folliculitis.
Below are the forms of deep folliculitis
-
Sycosisbarbae
It affects the men who have just begun to shave. Not every man who has started shaving will suffer from this condition. But the chances of developing this condition increases when you start to shave.
-
Gram-Negative Folliculitis
It develops when you are taking long-term antibiotic therapy for acne.
-
Boils (Furuncles) And Carbuncles
It occurs when the staph bacteria infects your hair follicles deeply. A boil is usually pink or red in color. It is often painful. But a carbuncle is a cluster of boils.
-
Eosinophilic Folliculitis
It usually affects people with AIDS/HIV. This type develops recurring patches of bumps and intense itching. Often they develop around the hair follicles on the face and upper body.
It can also lead to hyperpigmentation i.e. skin gets darker than before. The cause for this type of folliculitis is still unknown.
Causes Of Folliculitis
Infection in the hair follicle is the major cause of folliculitis. It is often caused by bacterial, fungal, and yeast infection. Here are some factors that can lead to the appearance of those red bumps:
- Friction due to shaving
- Wearing very tight clothes such as rubber gloves or high boots
- Exposure to extreme hot temperature
- Sweat that block or irritate the follicles
- Excessive use of cosmetics
- Acne or dermatitis
- Use of unhygienic hot tub or swimming pool
- An infected cut or wound
- Medical condition like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and chronic leukemia
- Medications such as steroid creams
- Complications
- Some possible complications include:
- Recurring infection
- Boils under the skin
- Permanent skin damage for example dark spots on the affected area
- Permanent hair loss
Symptoms Of Folliculitis
- Small red bumps
- It may be a single bump or may form a cluster. Usually, clusters are formed.
- Burning or itching in the bumps
- Tenderness or pain
- Blisters may appear sometimes that break open and drain out pus or blood.
Final Talk
Folliculitis is not painful but embarrassing too. You may not prefer to go outside with those red bumps on your neck. No one would prefer that. Treating folliculitis with natural remedies is effective and harmless.
When you stick to the regular use of these remedies, you will notice an improvement. It is not difficult to treat this condition.
However, prevention is always the best cure. You must maintain personal hygiene to stay away from such a condition.
