Folliculitisis an infection of hair follicles caused mostly by bacteria. It appears anywhere on the skin, usually in areas where the skin gets irritated either due to shaving or abrasion from clothes. Common areas where you can get folliculitis include face, scalp, underarms, legs, chest and back.

Red rash, itchy skin, pus-filled pimples, crusted over lesions after the pus has drained are some of the common symptoms offolliculitis.

Folliculitis should be treated immediately. If it is a mild case it may clear up on its own in about 10 days. In mild cases using a moisturiser containing an antibacterial agent may help to clear it up. But if the problem persists it is advisable to visit your doctor.

The doctor makes his diagnosis based on appearance of the rash and the lesions and the treatment depends on the cause of the rash. If it is just localised the doctor will prescribe you antibiotic creams and ointments in case of a bacterial infection and anti-fungal creams for a fungal infection, but in more severe cases he may also prescribe some antibiotic tablets.

Apart from the antibiotics treatment, there are somenatural treatmentsavailable for folliculitis. There are natural cure books available that help to treat folliculitis and give you a folliculitis free life. There are also certain home remedies (certain changes in your daily activity) that are simple and can be tremendously beneficial in mild cases of folliculitis. Let us discuss these home remedies in detail:

· Place a warm, moist washcloth on the affected area several times a day.
· Use an oatmeal lotion to soothe itchy skin.
· Wash the infected are gently twice a day with an antibacterial soap.
· Avoid shaving irritated skin.
· To help a boil or carbuncle burst and drain more quickly, apply a soft cloth soaked in warm salted water to the affected area for about 30 minutes several times a day.

However, the best way totreat folliculitisis to ensure that you do not get it, remember ‘precaution is better than cure'.  To lead a folliculitis free life keep your skin clean, avoid damaging the hair follicles and wear loose clothing that do not chafe the skin.