From the Guidelines
The best treatment for folliculitis of the buttocks involves a combination of good hygiene practices and topical medications, with oral antibiotics reserved for more severe or persistent cases. When considering treatment options, it's essential to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as the primary outcomes. According to the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the infectious diseases society of america 1, folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle, usually caused by S. aureus, in which the inflammation is more superficial and pus is limited to the epidermis.
Some key considerations for treatment include:
- Good hygiene practices, such as gentle cleansing of the affected area twice daily using an antibacterial soap or benzoyl peroxide wash (5-10%)
- Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin 1% solution or mupirocin 2% ointment, applied to the affected follicles twice daily for 7-10 days
- Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide 2.5-5% gel, applied once or twice daily
- Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline (100mg twice daily), minocycline (100mg twice daily), or cephalexin (500mg four times daily), for 7-14 days in more severe or persistent cases
- Warm compresses applied to the area for 15 minutes several times daily to help drain pustules and reduce inflammation
Preventive measures are also crucial, including:
- Wearing loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear and clothing
- Changing clothes after sweating
- Avoiding sharing personal items like towels
- Maintaining good hygiene
It's worth noting that the provided evidence from the infectious diseases society of america 1 focuses on the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections, including folliculitis, and provides guidance on treatment options. However, the specific treatment approach may vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the infection.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Folliculitis of the Buttocks
- The treatment for folliculitis, including folliculitis of the buttocks, typically involves topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection 2.
- Topical benzoyl peroxide is a first-line nonantibiotic treatment for simple folliculitis, while mupirocin and clindamycin are topical antibiotic options 2.
- For treatment-resistant cases, oral cephalexin or dicloxacillin may be prescribed 2.
- Other treatment options, such as turpentine ointment, have shown efficacy in treating folliculitis, with statistically significant superiority over placebo for certain secondary endpoints 3.
- Folliculitis decalvans, a rare form of primary neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia, has been successfully treated with oral fusidic acid, which has anti-staphylococcal properties and few adverse effects 4.
Considerations for Treatment
- The choice of treatment may depend on the severity and location of the folliculitis, as well as the presence of any underlying conditions or allergies 2, 4.
- Topical retinoids have been reported to be effective in treating actinic folliculitis, a rare recurrent seasonal photodermatosis 5.
- It is essential to note that folliculitis can be caused by various factors, including bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, and the treatment should be tailored to the specific cause of the infection 6.