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Folliculitis is a mild infection of the hair follicles on your skin. It can lead to skin irritation, itching, and tiny red or white bumps around the follicles.
Folliculitis may occur due to a variety of reasons, such as razor cuts, sunburns, and improper hygiene, and can affect any area of the skin that has hair follicles.
While it may be an annoying condition for some, folliculitis is fairly easy to treat, and there are several easy DIY remedies you can try to treat it at home.
Home Remedies to Treat Folliculitis
Here are a few natural home treatment options to help you manage folliculitis:
1. Apply a warm compress
A warm compress is a quick and efficient way to get rid of any swelling or irritation on the skin. It helps soothe the area as well as slow down the spread of infection. (1)
How to use:
- Boil 1–2 cups of water for a few minutes.
- Let it cool down to lukewarm, and then add 1 tablespoon of salt to it.
- Dip a clean cloth into this salt solution, and apply it to the area once or twice a day.
2. Try using Indian lilac (neem)
Indian lilac, or neem, is a powerful natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It helps kill bacteria and fungi to treat infections and also promotes healing. (2)
How to use:
- Wash and clean neem leaves.
- Grind them and extract the neem juice from the paste.
- Using a cotton ball, apply a few drops of the neem juice to the affected area once a day.
3. Apply a soothing gel pack
You can make a gel pack using aloe vera gel to soothe the skin and get rid of inflammation. Aloe vera gel can also help curb bacterial growth for quick healing from folliculitis. (3) (4)
Turmeric is a well-known antibacterial and antifungal agent that helps fight skin infections and promote wound healing. (5)
How to use:
- Cleanse the area using a mild soap.
- Apply a paste made of aloe vera gel and turmeric powder to the area.
- Use a clean cotton cloth to lightly bandage the skin.
- Leave it on overnight before rinsing it off in the morning.
4. Colloidal silver can be employed
Colloidal silver is a potent remedy for bacterial and fungal skin infections. It has traditionally been used to treat folliculitis and is completely safe to use. (6)
How to use:
- Dip a cotton ball in colloidal silver and apply it to the affected area twice a day.
- Alternatively, spray the area with the colloidal silver using a small spray bottle.
5. Take the help of essential oils
Folliculitis can be reduced or even cured completely with the help of essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, or grapefruit oil. All of these contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the skin and get rid of the folliculitis bumps.
How to use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with some coconut oil. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of neem oil with coconut oil.
- Gently rub this oil onto the affected area once or twice a day.
6. Wet wrapping can work
Moistening the folliculitis-affected area using a clean wet cloth can promote healing and allow the skin to initiate the repair process. The added moisture replenishes the skin’s water content and boosts collagen production.
How to use:
- Wrap a clean cotton cloth soaked in sterile water over the affected area.
- Leave it on overnight for best results.
7. Dab on some witch hazel
Witch hazel contains astringent properties that can provide quick relief from skin irritation and itching. It is also a mild antiseptic and can curb the spread of skin infections, providing fast relief from folliculitis. (7)
How to use:
- Dip a cotton ball in witch hazel and dab it onto the affected areas of your skin.
- Repeat twice a day.
8. Give oil of oregano a try
Oil of oregano is another traditional treatment for folliculitis and acne. It contains active compounds called carvacrol and terpenes, which are antimicrobial agents.
Oregano is also filled with anti-inflammatory properties that can be effective in soothing the skin. (8)
How to use:
- Mix a few drops of oregano oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Apply this oil mixture to the affected area and let it rest.
- Rinse it off after 2–3 hours.
- Repeat at least twice a day.
9. Use hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic and helps kill the bacteria or fungi that caused your folliculitis.
Hydrogen peroxide should be used very carefully at home as it can be toxic if ingested and can irritate the skin if not applied properly.
How to use:
- Dilute the hydrogen peroxide solution with some water.
- Dip a cotton ball into it and apply it to the affected area.
Note: If you have tried at least two of the methods given above and your folliculitis does not seem to get any better, it’s highly recommended to visit a dermatologist and get your condition properly evaluated.
Self-Care Tips to Manage Folliculitis
Here are a few additional self-care tips to prevent and treat folliculitis:
- Use antibacterial soap to cleanse the affected area every day.
- Use clean towels, bed sheets, pillow covers, and blankets. Try to change your sheets every day until your folliculitis is cured.
- Take a bath every day and change clothes daily.
- Make sure to remain hydrated throughout the day. Water intake helps boost the body’s immunity. (9)
Prevention for Folliculitis
Observe these measures to prevent folliculitis from occurring:
- Avoid shaving your hair as much as possible. If you have to, make sure to shave in the direction of hair growth and apply moisturizer afterward.
- Avoid wearing tight or uncomfortable clothes that may cause excessive sweating. (10)
- Avoid using a swimming pool or hot tub as they may be the source of the infection that’s causing your folliculitis breakout. (9)
Most-Asked Questions About Folliculitis
Is folliculitis contagious?
No, usually not. However, in a few cases, folliculitis can be contagious and can spread by sharing the razors, towels, etc., of an affected person.
What foods should be avoided if I have folliculitis?
You should avoid high-carb and sugary foods. Both of these are known to trigger hormone imbalances if consumed in excess. Hormone fluctuations in turn lead to skin issues such as acne and folliculitis due to oil buildup.
Final Word
Folliculitis is a common yet annoying condition many people go through. You can try the home remedies given above for self-treatment, but if they do not seem to work or are just making the condition worse, consult a doctor right away.
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