What is the treatment for pubic folliculitis?

From the Guidelines

Treatment for pubic folliculitis typically involves a combination of home remedies and medical interventions, with the goal of eliminating the bacteria or fungi causing the infection and reducing inflammation in the hair follicles. The most recent and highest quality study on the management of skin and soft tissue infections, including folliculitis, is the 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. According to this study, treatment for folliculitis may include:

• Keeping the affected area clean with gentle washing using mild antibacterial soap and warm water
• Avoiding tight clothing and wearing breathable cotton underwear to reduce friction and moisture
• Over-the-counter treatments such as benzoyl peroxide washes (5-10%) applied once daily, or topical antibiotics like clindamycin 1% solution applied twice daily for 7-10 days
• For more severe cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe oral antibiotics such as doxycycline (100mg twice daily for 7-14 days) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (one double-strength tablet twice daily for 7-14 days)
• Antifungal creams like ketoconazole 2% may be recommended if the folliculitis is fungal in nature
• Warm compresses applied for 15-20 minutes several times daily can help drain pustules and reduce inflammation

It's also important to note that shaving the affected area should be avoided until the condition improves, and if shaving is necessary, a clean razor and shaving cream should be used to minimize irritation. Additionally, the study suggests that incision and drainage may be necessary for larger furuncles and carbuncles, and that systemic antimicrobials may be necessary in cases of fever or other evidence of systemic infection.

In terms of specific treatment options, the study recommends the use of topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin, and oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The study also notes that antifungal creams such as ketoconazole or clotrimazole may be effective in treating fungal folliculitis.

Overall, the treatment of pubic folliculitis should be individualized based on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health status. It's also important to note that prevention of folliculitis can be achieved by practicing good hygiene, avoiding tight clothing, and avoiding shaving or waxing the affected area.

Some key points to consider when treating pubic folliculitis include:

• The importance of keeping the affected area clean and dry
• The use of topical antibiotics or antifungal creams to treat the infection
• The potential need for oral antibiotics in more severe cases
• The importance of avoiding shaving or waxing the affected area until the condition improves
• The potential need for incision and drainage in cases of larger furuncles or carbuncles.

It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of pubic folliculitis, as they can provide personalized recommendations and guidance on the best course of treatment.

From the FDA Drug Label

A small amount of mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area three times daily. The treatment for pubic folliculitis may involve applying mupirocin ointment to the affected area three times daily. Key points to consider:

• Apply a small amount of mupirocin ointment
• Cover the area with a gauze dressing if desired
• Re-evaluate patients if there is no clinical response within 3 to 5 days 2

From the Research

Treatment for Pubic Folliculitis

The treatment for pubic folliculitis typically involves addressing the bacterial infection that causes the condition. Some key points to consider include:

• Topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, mupirocin, and clindamycin can be effective in treating folliculitis 3.
• For more severe cases, oral antibiotics like cephalexin or dicloxacillin may be prescribed 3.
• In cases where the folliculitis is resistant to treatment, other options like fusidic acid may be considered 4.
• It's also important to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal care items to prevent the spread of infection.

Considerations for Treatment

When treating pubic folliculitis, it's essential to consider the following:

• The cause of the infection, whether it's bacterial, viral, or fungal 5.
• The severity of the condition, as more severe cases may require oral antibiotics or other treatments 3.
• The potential for scarring or long-term damage to the hair follicles, which may require more aggressive treatment 6.
• The need for follow-up care to ensure the infection has fully cleared and to prevent recurrence.

Alternative Treatment Options

In some cases, alternative treatments may be necessary, such as:

• Oral isotretinoin, which has been shown to be effective in treating folliculitis decalvans, a type of folliculitis that leads to scarring alopecia 6.
• Topical antiseptics or antibiotics, which can help to clear the infection and promote healing 3, 7.
• Phototherapy, which may be used in conjunction with other treatments to help clear the infection 7.