Folliculitis

Alternative names:

barber's itch; pseudofolliculitis barbae; tinea barbae

Treatment:

Self-care involves avoiding further damage to the hair follicles and prevention of 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, washcloths, etc. Hot moist compresses may promote drainage of extensive folliculitis. Topical (Bactroban) and/or 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 recurrence of folliculitis
• the spread of infection 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.