Folliculitis is a common skin condition characterized by inflamed hair follicles. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most often seen on the scalp, face, back, chest, arms, and legs. Folliculitis presents as small red bumps or pustules surrounding the base of hairs. Mild cases may simply be itchy or irritating, while more severe cases can be painful and may lead to permanent scarring if not properly treated. Using the right kind of soap is an important part of managing folliculitis.
Causes of Folliculitis
Folliculitis occurs when bacteria, fungi, or viruses infect the hair follicles. Some common causes include:
- Staphylococcus aureus bacteria – This is the most common cause of folliculitis. Staph bacteria normally live on the skin but can multiply and cause infection if they enter broken skin or clogged follicles.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria – This bacteria thrives in wet environments and can infect hair follicles, especially after hot tub use.
- Fungal infection – Fungal folliculitis is most often caused by yeasts like Candida or Malassezia.
- Viral infection – The herpes simplex virus can cause folliculitis, usually on the face or scalp.
- Irritation from shaving, waxing, or friction – This can damage hair follicles, allowing bacteria to enter.
- Occlusion from tight clothing – Tight clothes trap heat and sweat, increasing bacterial growth.
- Skin conditions like acne or keratosis pilaris – Existing skin problems can make follicles more vulnerable to infection.
Symptoms of Folliculitis
The most common symptoms of folliculitis include:
- Small red bumps with a white pus-filled center surrounding hair follicles
- Itchiness or irritation around bumps
- Mild inflammation and redness around bumps
- Pain or tenderness, especially if bumps are squeezed or scratched
- Pimple-like lesions that can crust or ooze
- Bumps that develop a few days after hair removal procedures like shaving or waxing
- Bumps clustered together in patches
Types of Folliculitis
There are several different types and classifications of folliculitis:
- Hot tub folliculitis – Caused by Pseudomonas bacteria in contaminated spas/tubs
- Eosinophilic folliculitis – Related to a buildup of white blood cells around follicles
- Pseudomonal folliculitis – Caused by Pseudomonas bacteria
- Gram-negative folliculitis – Caused by Gram-negative bacteria
- Pityrosporum folliculitis – Caused by a fungal yeast infection
- Barber’s itch – Occurs in people who shave; caused by staph bacteria or irritation
- Razor bumps – Caused by irritation from shaving curly hair
- Bikini folliculitis – Occurs after waxing or shaving the bikini area
- Scalp folliculitis – Inflammation of hair follicles on the scalp
Diagnosing Folliculitis
Folliculitis can often be diagnosed simply by examining the appearance of the skin. However, your doctor may also:
- Take a small sample of skin to examine under a microscope
- Culture a skin sample to identify the type of bacteria or fungus causing infection
- Order a blood test to check for underlying conditions like diabetes
- Consider the possibility of other skin conditions like acne, miliaria, or herpes
Being able to identify the cause of folliculitis allows for proper treatment with antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medications as needed.
Treatment for Folliculitis
Treatment options for folliculitis may include:
- Warm compresses applied to the skin
- Antibacterial soaps and gentle skin cleansers
- Topical antibiotic creams/gels like mupirocin or clindamycin
- Oral antibiotics for moderate to severe infections
- Steroid creams or ointments to reduce inflammation
- Antifungal pills or creams for fungal folliculitis
- Antiviral medications for viral infections
- Laser hair removal for recurrent ingrown hairs
- Incision and drainage of large, painful pustules by a doctor
- Avoiding irritants like tight clothing, scrubbing, or overheating the skin
Using antibacterial soaps can help reduce staph bacteria levels on the skin and prevent recurrent folliculitis infections.
What Types of Soap are Best for Folliculitis?
When choosing a soap for folliculitis, look for products that contain antibacterial ingredients while still being gentle enough for frequent use:
- Tea tree oil soap – Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties that can help treat and prevent folliculitis outbreaks. It may also soothe itching and inflammation.
- Triclosan soap – Triclosan is an antibacterial agent added to many soaps. Make sure it comprises at least 0.3% of the product.
- Benzoyl peroxide cleanser – Popular acne treatment benzoyl peroxide can kill folliculitis-causing bacteria. It may bleach fabrics though.
- Chlorhexidine gluconate soap – This antimicrobial ingredient reduces bacterial populations on the skin.
- Sulfur soap – Sulfur has antibacterial, keratolytic, and comedolytic effects that can treat folliculitis lesions.
In general, look for a soap that has antibacterial activity but is free of fragrances, dyes, and harsh irritants. Avoid products with sulfates or exfoliating beads.
Other Important Considerations for Soap Selection
- Opt for liquid over bar soaps, as bacteria can collect in bar soap trays. Antibacterial liquid washes are ideal.
- Avoid harsh exfoliating scrubs, loofahs, and brushes. Gentle cleansing is best.
- Use lukewarm water, as very hot water can exacerbate folliculitis.
- Cleanse affected areas 1-2 times per day and after sweating heavily.
- When washing with soap, gently massage it over the skin and rinse thoroughly.
- Pat dry after cleansing and avoid rubbing the skin with towels.
- Consider a residual skin cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine and stays on the skin after rinsing.
5 Best Soaps for Folliculitis
Based on the criteria above, here are 5 top soap choices for folliculitis:
1. Hibiclens Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser
Hibiclens contains 4% chlorhexidine gluconate as its active ingredient. It is highly effective at killing bacteria on the skin and compacting biofilm formation. Regular use of Hibiclens can significantly reduce staph bacteria populations that cause folliculitis outbreaks. It lathers well but does not contain harsh detergents. Hibiclens may stain some fabrics with prolonged use.
2. PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
Containing 10% benzoyl peroxide, this cleanser treats existing breakouts while preventing new ones. The creamy formula is gentle on all skin types. It works by exfoliating dead skin cells in pores while killing acne-causing bacteria. With regular use, PanOxyl can eliminate recurrent folliculitis infections.
3. Tree To Tub Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
This natural tea tree oil body wash contains a 5% concentration of pure tea tree oil along with soothing aloe vera. It balances bacteria-fighting antibacterial effects with calming anti-inflammatory benefits. The pH balanced formula is gentle enough for daily full body use. It helps heal current lesions while deterring future outbreaks.
4. Remedy Antifungal Body Wash
Containing 4% sulfur, Remedy wash treats fungal folliculitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Sulfur eliminates fungus and yeasts on the skin. Tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils provide additional antimicrobial effects. Skin feels calmed and conditioned after each wash. This soap is ideal for pityrosporum folliculitis and malassezia infections.
5. DermaHarmony 2% Pyrithione Zinc (ZnP) Bar Soap
ZnP bar soap contains 2% concentration of pyrithione zinc, a proven anti-fungal and antibacterial ingredient. The pH balanced formula unclogs pores, reduces dandruff flakes, and kills yeasts like Malassezia for clearer skin. It can be used as a daily facial or body bar for myriad skin conditions including folliculitis.
Home Remedies for Folliculitis
In addition to medicated cleansers, some home remedies may help improve folliculitis when used along with proper hygiene and any prescribed treatments. Some options include:
- Apple cider vinegar – Dilute apple cider vinegar 1:1 with water and dab it on bumps with a cotton ball up to twice a day. Its antibacterial acids may help eliminate infection. Rinse off after 10-20 minutes.
- Warm compress – Applying a warm, wet washcloth to affected areas for 10-15 minutes can help draw pus to the surface and encourage healing.
- Diluted tea tree oil – Mix a few drops of tea tree essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Apply to bumps with a cotton swab up to 3 times daily.
- Colloidal oatmeal bath – Add a cup of colloidal (finely ground) oatmeal to bath water and soak for 15-30 minutes to soothe inflamed skin.
- Aloe vera gel – The cooling gel from the aloe plant can reduce inflammation and itch when applied to irritated areas.
Avoid picking, squeezing, or popping folliculitis lesions as this can worsen infection and spread bacteria. See a dermatologist promptly if home remedies do not improve symptoms within a few days.
Preventing Folliculitis
Using medicated soap is part of a good folliculitis prevention strategy, which also includes:
- Shaving properly – Use a sharp, sterilized razor; shave in the direction of hair growth; and apply a shaving cream or gel.
- Avoiding tight clothing – Wear loose, breathable clothing in moisture wicking fabrics.
- Quickly washing after sweating – Rinse and change out of sweaty clothes after exercise.
- Avoiding irritation – Stop using products that seem to worsen folliculitis.
- Treating underlying conditions – Get any fungal infections or skin problems under control.
- Disinfecting hot tubs – Change water and clean tubs regularly.
- Practicing good hygiene – Keep skin clean and avoid touching or picking at lesions.
With proper hygiene and consistent use of antibacterial products like medicated washes, most cases of mild folliculitis can be controlled and recurrences prevented. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or persist despite treatment.
Conclusion
Folliculitis is a common, and often recurring, skin condition marked by infected hair follicles. Using an antibacterial soap can help treat existing lesions while preventing new outbreaks by reducing levels of bacteria on the skin. The best soaps contain ingredients like chlorhexidine gluconate, benzoyl peroxide, pyrithione zinc, tea tree oil, or sulfur. Combine medicated cleansers with good hygiene habits for optimal results. Mild cases often resolve with regular washing with antibacterial soaps. See a dermatologist if folliculitis is severe or keeps returning after treatment. Consistent skin care can help manage this bothersome skin condition.