Folliculitis treatment depends on its severity and cause, but general approaches include:

• Mild cases : Keep the affected area clean by washing gently twice daily with antibacterial soap or cleansers like benzoyl peroxide. Avoid irritants, tight clothing, and hair removal methods (shaving, waxing) until healed. Warm compresses can soothe itching and promote healing. Most mild folliculitis clears within 7 to 10 days without medication

• Topical treatments : Over-the-counter antibiotic creams (e.g., fusidic acid, mupirocin, clindamycin) can be applied to localized bacterial folliculitis. Hydrocortisone creams may relieve itching and inflammation. For fungal causes, antifungal creams or shampoos are used. In eosinophilic folliculitis, steroid creams may be recommended

• Oral medications : If folliculitis is severe, widespread, or persistent, doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin) for bacterial infections, oral antifungals for fungal folliculitis, antivirals for viral causes, or antiparasitic drugs for Demodex folliculitis

• Other treatments : In severe cases with large boils, minor surgical drainage may be necessary. Laser hair removal can help prevent recurrent folliculitis by reducing hair follicles prone to infection

• Home remedies and supportive care : Aloe vera gel may soothe and promote healing. Hydrogen peroxide washes can reduce bacteria and fungi but should be used cautiously. Wet wrap therapy can reduce itching and irritation. Avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors to prevent spread

If folliculitis does not improve with self-care or recurs frequently, medical evaluation is important to tailor treatment based on the specific cause and to rule out resistant infections