HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Is Chronic Folliculitis Treated ?

default
Posted on Fri, 13 Apr 2012
Question: I have been diagnosed with folliculitis on my buttocks by a Mayo dermotologist. Am using clindamycin phosphate lotion now. Helps, but no cure. A chiropractor suggested using a tanning bed, that the black light would kill the bacteria.........sound possible?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jasvinder Singh (23 minutes later)
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph). Folliculitis on buttocks is usually due to plugged sweat glands that become infected or by an ingrown hair.

Using tanning beds has no dramatic effects on treatment of folliculitis and sometimes tanning beds may worsen the condition. Hence it is not advisable to use tanning beds when you have folliculitis or boils. As far as the treatment is concerned, apply warm compresses and keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics.

Also avoid wearing tight fitting clothes and wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and underwears. Wash the area well with an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. Continue with Clindamycin which you have been prescribed as it is an oral antibiotic and is helpful.

If the symptoms worsen then get your blood sugar levels checked as it may cause recurrent and chronic folliculitis and boils.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Jasvinder Singh

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 1578 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Is Chronic Folliculitis Treated ?

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing or blockage of the follicle. In most cases of folliculitis, the damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus (staph). Folliculitis on buttocks is usually due to plugged sweat glands that become infected or by an ingrown hair.

Using tanning beds has no dramatic effects on treatment of folliculitis and sometimes tanning beds may worsen the condition. Hence it is not advisable to use tanning beds when you have folliculitis or boils. As far as the treatment is concerned, apply warm compresses and keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics.

Also avoid wearing tight fitting clothes and wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and underwears. Wash the area well with an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. Continue with Clindamycin which you have been prescribed as it is an oral antibiotic and is helpful.

If the symptoms worsen then get your blood sugar levels checked as it may cause recurrent and chronic folliculitis and boils.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.