How long does folliculitis last untreated?

Mild cases

Most cases or folliculitis are mild and do not need any treatment. It often clears without any treatment within 7-10 days.

Will my folliculitis ever go away?

Folliculitis is usually minor and goes away on its own without treatment. If you have skin irritation that’s accompanied by a fever, a spreading rash, or pus-filled and smelly bumps, seek medical help.

How long does a folliculitis outbreak last?

Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. You can take care of yourself at home with: A warm compress. This may ease itching and help healing.

Can folliculitis last for months?

Chronic or recurring folliculitis is less likely to clear with just antibiotics. Often this is on the legs of women, but it can occur in any areas of shaving, waxing, hair plucking or friction. These need to be stopped for at least 3 months to allow the hair to grow in healthy.

How do I get rid of folliculitis forever?

Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles. The best treatment for folliculitis includes washing the area and applying aloe vera gel, diluted hydrogen peroxide or anti-itch agents.

What happens if folliculitis doesn’t go away?

If folliculitis is left untreated, boils (or skin abscesses) can develop. As the hair follicle becomes deeply infected, the boil will come to a head and may drain. The boil may be painful and red. A large cluster of boils may also appear as many follicles become infected.

What does healing folliculitis look like?

Signs and symptoms include intense itching and recurring patches of bumps and pimples that form near hair follicles of the face and upper body. Once healed, the affected skin may be darker than your skin was previously (hyperpigmented).

What aggravates folliculitis?

Folliculitis has many causes, including tight clothing, but tight clothes can aggravate the condition regardless of what caused it. Use loose-fitting clothing over the affected area. You should also avoid clothing that allows the skin to rub against the affected area.

What soap is good for folliculitis?

Antibacterial soap: Use antibacterial bar soaps such as Dial® or Cetaphil®. Use skin washes that contain benzoyl peroxide. If these bumps are bothersome or painful.

What does folliculitis look like?

In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like they’re white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus (pustules). Folliculitis can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Many people feel the need to scratch when they have folliculitis.