Treatment

 Antibiotics applied to the skin (topical). These are used to treat bacterial
infections. They include benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. If the infection is from
the Staph bacteria, an antibiotic cream called Mupirocin is usually prescribed.
 Oral antibiotic (doxycycline or tetracycline). You may need to take a pill or you
may need medicine intravenously (IV).
 Antifungal or antiviral medication. This may be used for fungal and viral
infections

Mild cases of folliculitis may go away on their own. Keep an eye on the bumps to make
sure they don't get worse—redder or more painful.

If it gets worse or doesn’t get better, contact your doctor or a dermatologist.

If the rash becomes hot and red, has blisters, spreads quickly, becomes very painful, or you
have a fever, see a doctor immediately or head to urgent care or the ER.

How long does it last?

Folliculitis can take several weeks to get better

 Antibiotics applied to the skin (topical). These are used to treat bacterial infections. They
include benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. If the infection is from the Staph bacteria, an
antibiotic cream called Mupirocin is usually prescribed.
 Oral antibiotic (doxycycline or tetracycline). You may need to take a pill or you may need
medicine intravenously (IV).
 Antifungal or antiviral medication. This may be used for fungal and viral infections
 Antibiotics applied to the skin (topical). These are used to treat bacterial infections. They
include benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. If the infection is from the Staph bacteria, an
antibiotic cream called Mupirocin is usually prescribed.
 Oral antibiotic (doxycycline or tetracycline). You may need to take a pill or you may need
medicine intravenously (IV).

 Antibiotics applied to the skin (topical). These are used to treat bacterial infections. They
include benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. If the infection is from the Staph bacteria, an
antibiotic cream called Mupirocin is usually prescribed.
 Oral antibiotic (doxycycline or tetracycline). You may need to take a pill or you may need
medicine intravenously (IV).
 Antifungal or antiviral medication. This may be used for fungal and viral infections