Folliculitis  Information for adults

In order to prevent folliculitis, try the following:

• Shave in the same direction of hair growth.
• Avoid shaving irritated skin.
• Use an electric razor or a new disposable razor each time you shave.
• Consider other methods of hair removal, such as depilatories.
• Avoid tight, constrictive clothing, especially during exercise.
• Wash athletic wear after each use.

The following measures may help to clear up folliculitis if it is mild:

• Use an antibacterial soap.
• Apply hot, moist compresses to the involved area.
• Try an over-the-counter corticosteroid lotion (cortisone) to help soothe irritated or itchy skin.
• Launder towels, washcloths, and bed linens frequently, and do not share such items with others.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.

Make an appointment to be evaluated by a dermatologist or by another physician if the above self-care measures do not resolve the condition within 2–3 days, if symptoms recur frequently, or if the infection spreads.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any recent exposure to hot tubs, spas, or swimming pools, as a less common form of folliculitis may be caused by contamination from these water sources.

If you are currently being treated for a skin infection that has not improved after 2–3 days of antibiotics, return to your doctor.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a strain of "staph" bacteria resistant to antibiotics in the penicillin family, which have been the cornerstone of antibiotic therapy for staph and skin infections for decades. CA-MRSA previously infected only small segments of the population, such as health care workers and persons using injection drugs. However, CA-MRSA is now a common cause of skin infections in the general population. While CA-MRSA bacteria are resistant to penicillin and penicillin-related antibiotics, most staph infections with CA-MRSA can be easily treated by health care practitioners using local skin care and commonly available non-penicillin-family antibiotics. Rarely, CA-MRSA can cause serious skin and soft tissue (deeper) infections. Staph infections typically start as small red bumps or pus-filled bumps, which can rapidly turn into deep, painful sores. If you see a red bump or pus-filled bump on the skin that is worsening or showing any signs of infection (ie, the area becomes increasingly painful, red, or swollen), see your doctor right away. Many people believe incorrectly that these bumps are the result of a spider bite when they arrive at the doctor's office. Your doctor may need to test (culture) infected skin for MRSA before starting antibiotics. If you have a skin problem that resembles a CA-MRSA infection or a culture that is positive for MRSA, your doctor may need to provide local skin care and prescribe oral antibiotics. To prevent spread of infection to others, infected wounds, hands, and other exposed body areas should be kept clean and wounds should be covered during therapy.