Folliculitis Medications

Antibiotics: A dermatologist will give topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or clindamycin if bacterial folliculitis worsens, spreads, or does not resolve. If topical antibiotics are ineffective, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin, ampicillin, or ciprofloxacin will be given, depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Antifungals: Oral fluconazole or itraconazole can be used to treat fungal infections. Fungal folliculitis can last for years since it is misdiagnosed as acne, but it clears up quickly when treated with antifungal medications.

Antivirals: Herpes infections will be treated with antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, whereas molluscum infections may require surgery.

Minor Surgery: Your doctor can remove the pus from a large carbuncle or boil by making a small incision. This can help to reduce discomfort, scarring, and healing time. The doctor will next wrap the region with sterile gauze to prevent future pus drain.

Laser: Long-term hair removal can be done with laser therapy to clean up the infection if all other treatments fail. This is a painless procedure and less recovery time. It eliminates hair follicles permanently and reduces the density of the hair in the treated area. Scarring, discoloured skin, and blistering are some of the rare side effects.