A seamless online consultation for prescription folliculitis treatment

Folliculitis is a skin condition often caused by a bacterial infection. This creates inflamed hair follicles and can cause itchy or uncomfortable whiteheads or red bumps where hair grows. It is sometimes referred to as hot tub folliculitis (or rash), vaginal folliculitis or barber’s itch.

If left untreated, severe infection can create sores that penetrate deep under the skin. These may lead to hair loss or permanent scarring.

Folliculitis usually happens when a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus infects a hair follicle and creates red, pus-filled bumps or whiteheads. Ingrown hairs, shaving or a yeast infection can also trigger this result.

Treatments include changes to your skincare routine and prescription lotions, gels or creams that you apply to the affected area.

You can prevent folliculitis by avoiding activities that irritate the skin. These include:

• Don’t wear tight-fitted clothing that traps sweat for long periods, like wigs, high boots or rubber gloves.
• Only swim in pools or hot tubs that are clean and properly maintained.
• Shave less often or use alternative hair-removal techniques.
• Treat related conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or dermatitis.
• Ask your doctor if long-term medications (like prednisone or corticosteroid creams) may increase skin irritation and infection.

There are several types of folliculitis. To find the right treatment, you have to know which type you have.

• Bacterial folliculitis is caused by Staphylococci bacteria in the hair follicle. It may require topical or oral antibiotics.
• Pseudomonas folliculitis is caused by a microorganism found in poorly-maintained hot tubs, water slides and heated pools. It usually clears up on its own in a few weeks.
• Pseudofolliculitis barbae is caused by shaving—but it usually doesn’t involve an infection. Treatment is often as simple as taking a break from shaving, changing your shaving technique or switching to laser hair removal. Topical antibiotic creams can help treat infected hair follicles.
• Pityrosporum folliculitis results from a yeast infection and may require antifungal creams.

Your medical provider can help you determine the cause of your skin problems. They can also help you figure out the best treatment and lifestyle changes to clear up symptoms.

Folliculitis symptoms can look like other skin conditions, including acne, rosacea and scabies. When symptoms appear around hair in the genital area, it may be a question of folliculitis vs. herpes—but folliculitis is not a sexually transmitted infection (like genital herpes).

Speak to a medical provider to determine what's going on. They’ll look at your skin and ask questions about your skincare routine, recent activity and history of skin issues. Then help you find the proper treatment for your condition.

On top of prescription antibiotic treatments, good hygiene practices can help your skin heal and recover. They can also help prevent the condition from returning.

Start by washing the skin twice a day with an antibacterial cleanser like benzoyl peroxide, then dry with a clean towel. To relieve discomfort, dip a warm washcloth in a solution of 1 tablespoon of vinegar mixed into 1 pint of water. Apply the washcloth to the affected area several times a day. Hydrocortisone cream can also help relieve inflammation and itching.

If shaving triggers the condition, take a break from shaving for a few weeks or consider alternative hair removal options. If you start shaving again, wash the skin before shaving. Use a sharp, clean razor blade and apply a large amount of shaving cream or lotion. Shave in the same direction as the hair growth. Rinse the blade in warm water after each stroke and avoid shaving the same area twice.

With 22+ brand and generic folliculitis drugs available, Dr. B can help you get the right prescription treatment so you’ll feel better soon.

To get a prescription for Clindamycin lotion online—or another medication of your choice—start an in-depth virtual health assessment. You’ll share your current symptoms and medical history. A licensed medical provider will review your assessment. If they recommend a prescription folliculitis medicine, they will send it to your pharmacy.

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation for folliculitis costs $15.00, which is lower than most doctor copays. 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 let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Prices for your medication will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is brand or generic.