Treatment for FOLLICULITIS
Folliculitis is a normally mild infection of hair follicles, usually caused by the Staphylococcus. Folliculitis of the thighs and buttocks is common, especially in young adult males. These minor infections are often asymptomatic and may be ignored. Sometimes, however, the infection invades deeper tissues and forms a large, tender nodule, offer referred to as a boil or furuncle. Furuncles usually soften and rupture within a few days. These bothersome lesions most often occur in hairy areas that are subject to friction such as the buttocks, neck, face, armpits, and around the waist. A group of furuncles, in close association with connecting channels under the skin, is referred to as a carbuncle.
Infections around the nose and upper lip should be treated carefully since problems of this area can spread to the brain.
Treatment:
If tenderness is present or the bumps are bothersome, they can be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical antiseptics.
Pustules dry up more rapidly if they are opened and drained with care, under sterile conditions. The skin should be carefully cleansed with alcohol; the pustule may then be opened with a sterilized needle. Alcohol itself is effective as it kills bacteria and dries up the pustule. Larger or more widespread infections, especially furuncles and carbuncles, may require oral antibiotics. Pustules or furuncles that develop red, swollen, hot, spreading areas around them may indicate cellulitis. Furuncles and carbuncles should normally be incised and drained by a physician; they can be resistant to treatment and sometimes recur.
Infections around the nose and upper lip should be treated carefully since problems of this area can spread to the brain.
Treatment:
If tenderness is present or the bumps are bothersome, they can be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical antiseptics.
Pustules dry up more rapidly if they are opened and drained with care, under sterile conditions. The skin should be carefully cleansed with alcohol; the pustule may then be opened with a sterilized needle. Alcohol itself is effective as it kills bacteria and dries up the pustule. Larger or more widespread infections, especially furuncles and carbuncles, may require oral antibiotics. Pustules or furuncles that develop red, swollen, hot, spreading areas around them may indicate cellulitis. Furuncles and carbuncles should normally be incised and drained by a physician; they can be resistant to treatment and sometimes recur.
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