Folliculitis is a skin condition where the hair follicles become inflamed. This can lead to an infection of the skin that presents as whiteheads or red bumps. If left untreated, the infection can turn into sores, penetrating deep under the skin. It’s also commonly referred to as hot tub folliculitis (or rash) and barber’s itch.
Folliculitis is caused by an infection of the hair follicle. It can happen as a result of an ingrown hair, a virus, a fungal infection or a bacterial skin infection (such as staph infections). It normally appears as red, pus-filled bumps or whiteheads.
Some factors that can contribute to this skin infection are: a history of acne or dermatitis, a medical condition that weakens the immune system’s response (HIV/AIDS, diabetes, leukemia, etc.), shaving, waxing or wearing tight clothes. You may also run the risk of developing this condition if you are in a wet and unclean environment for an extended period of time (such as a badly maintained hot tub).
It can be prevented by shaving or waxing less and wearing breathable clothes to avoid trapping sweat. You should also avoid entering dirty hot tubs or pools.
There are four different types:
• Bacterial folliculitis, caused by staph bacteria in the hair follicle;
• Pseudomonas folliculitis, found in hot tubs, water slides and heated pools where the chlorine and pH levels aren’t correct;
• Pseudofolliculitis barbae, caused by shaving
• Pityrosporum folliculitis, which results from a yeast infection.
Although rare, if the scalp infection becomes chronic, folliculitis can cause hair loss and scarring over time. This chronic infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria that leads to severe inflammation in some people.
There are both generic and brand versions of Clindamycin, Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin Phosphate and Mupirocin. These antibiotics are prescribed in different forms (such as gels, foams, lotions, or creams) to accommodate the sensitivity of different skin types. All of them are antibiotics that work to slow down bacterial growth and reproduction.
Dr. B offers several different antibiotic treatments for this condition depending on your skin type. Folliculitis treatments are prescribed as a gel, lotion, foam, cream, or solution. Clean and dry the affected area before applying a thin film of the medication to the skin.
Common side effects may include: dryness or peeling of treated skin, redness or other irritation, joint pain, mild burning or stinging, itching or tingling, heartburn, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, vomiting or white patches in the mouth. These symptoms are typically mild and may diminish over time. Talk to your prescribing doctor if they continue or worsen.
Dr. B can help provide an accessible online prescription for folliculitis. To get started, you'll complete an in-depth virtual health assessment covering your current symptoms and medical history--no video call required. Next a doctor or medical provider will review your assessment and if a folliculitis prescription is appropriate, it will be sent to your pharmacy. With 22+ brand and generic folliculitis drugs available, Dr. B can help you get the right prescription treatment to start feeling better soon.
Consultation: A virtual medical consultation for folliculitis costs $15.00, which is lower than most doctor co-pays. Currently we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies, but you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.
Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we enable you to choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to get the prescription filled. Prices for your medication will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic.
At this time we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies, but you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.
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