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Conditions

Folliculitis

Folliculitis on the face

‘Barber’s itch’ sounds like something you might catch after an ill-advised sexual encounter with your hairstylist, but it’s actually another name for folliculitis. Also known as ‘hot tub folliculitis’, this condition manifests itself as small, white-headed pimples around one or more hair follicles, which, although itchy, cause little pain. However, deep or recurring folliculitis may need medical treatment. There are some simple treatments you can apply yourself, such as placing a warm, moist flannel over the affected area; trying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to help soothe itchy skin; and avoiding shaving the irritated skin altogether. A superficial case of folliculitis will usually clear by itself in a few days, but if there’s no improvement after two or three days, then you should go and see your GP.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

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I believe that I have suffered with folliculitis or something like that for most of my life. My legs were particularly bad, and also my bikini line, back and mainly my face which after a number of years of suffering is now quite uneven in texture.
I used laser treatment on my legs which seemed to clear it up but I have never really found a cure for ths problem and am finding that my face is getting worse again. I have tried various creams, anti biotics, the hospital prescribed roaccutane also which didn't really seem to work. Help!!! As I have run out of ideas!!

hi

ive had folliculitis twicenow and it took ages for it to clear the first time.well now i have it again but i am now pregnant so i cant take the tablets to clear it,is there anything else i can do as it is really getting to me now im itching my arms and legs all day and nite and it is really starting to hurt.

hi, i am i5 years old and since i was 4 i have had a rash on my uper arms in the summer it gets very red and in the winter its not so bad but still red i have seen my gp who gave me a cream to use but i don`t like it very much is there a nother way to get ride of it like a tablet?

hi, i have had folliculitis for many years and have tried different antibiotics and creams With no success. I get a red lumpy itchy rash on my bottom, thighs, knee's, shins, elbows, stomach pretty much everywhere and I am very irritated as cannot sleep. Please can you help me?

Hi, I'm 14 and I think I have Folliculitis.
But on the Penis?
I noticed it about 3-4 Months ago and it hasnt improved.
I need to know if its normal to have these small, white spots usually where the hair folicles are growning out and if not, advice on how to treat it.
Im just worried that it can become worse!

Hello
I have been to my GP a few times for my folliculitus on my legs, and have been on antibiotics and the fucadic cream each time ive been, but it didnt work after a while it cleared up on its own. But now comes back really bad. The spots get really big itchy and sore.I pop them and they seem to go, but then after a while the come back twice as bad again and i have found some of the spots on my arms and other areas now. Can you suggest anything that may help me as the cream and antibiotics dont work.

Hi,

Sometimes some facial hair always around my jaw feels like it becomes harder than the other hairs and it feels like the only thing to do is pull the hairs that feel like this out. This can lead to a spot in the exact situation where the hair felt ''harder''. I was given Fucidin cream for this but this seems to have done nothing.
Is this just infected hairs or spots under the hairs causing them to feel 'harder' or is this wrong. These 'harder' hairs and follow up spots have been occuring for around 3 years now.

any ideas? many thanks

Hi

I had been diagnosed with Folloculitis over my chest, buttocks and back.

I 4 weeks into roaacutane with another 6 to go.

I have seen dramatic improvement and the marks are nearly gone- taking a while as the case was fairly severe.

However, I am supposed to be away in November in a very sunny/ humid climate and worried that this condition will then re-occur.

Can you advise your thoughts please?

I get very bad bikini rash when I shave. I break out in an angry red rash. I have tried all the emollent creams and hyrocortisone cream but nothing works. Using hair removal creams gives the same results. The only way I can remove bikini line hair successfully is waxing but I can't do that every 4 weeks as it is quite expensive. I want to take up swimming which means I have to shave every week. Please could you include this problem in your response ! Thanks !

hi, i have had folliculitis for many years and have tried different antibiotics and creams, lotions (incl fucidin) with no success.
i get the ingrown hairs mainly on the back of the top of my arms and legs. i also get them on my scalp.
i would love to finally get rid of this condition but my doctor doesnt seem to be too interested!
i hate wearing shorts and sometimes even t-shirts as it can be really embarassing.

any help would really be appreciated.




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