From the FDA Drug Label
A small amount of mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area three times daily. The treatment for folliculitis may include 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 1
From the Research
Folliculitis treatment typically involves topical or oral antifungal therapy, with oral antifungals being the most successful treatment option, achieving a complete response in 92% of cases, as reported in the most recent study 2. The treatment approach for folliculitis depends on the underlying cause, which can be bacterial, fungal, or other.
- For bacterial folliculitis, topical antibiotics like mupirocin or clindamycin applied 2-3 times daily for 7-10 days may be effective, as suggested by earlier studies 3, 4.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study 2 focuses on Pityrosporum folliculitis, a fungal acneiform disease, and reports that oral antifungals are the most successful treatment option.
- Daily cleansing with antibacterial soap containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine can help remove bacteria and prevent recurrence, as mentioned in earlier studies 3, 4.
- Warm compresses applied to affected areas for 15-20 minutes several times daily can reduce inflammation and promote drainage.
- For fungal folliculitis, antifungal creams like ketoconazole or oral medications such as fluconazole may be prescribed instead, with oral antifungals being more effective, as reported in the most recent study 2.
- To prevent recurrence, maintaining good hygiene, avoiding tight clothing that causes friction, changing out of sweaty clothes promptly, and avoiding sharing personal items like razors or towels are recommended.
- The most recent study 2 highlights the importance of proper diagnosis, as many patients with Pityrosporum folliculitis were initially treated incorrectly, suggesting that the condition may be distinguishable from acne vulgaris by the presence of pruritus or suggested when a new acneiform eruption develops following antibiotic therapy or immunosuppression.