Folliculitus - what will help?

[Mum30389]

How can I get rid of it?

I've had it for around 2 months and its spreading more and more (currently on one leg). The GP has given me some antiseptic cream but it's not clearing up. I'm assuming it's too mild so I haven't been given oral pills.

The GP suggested no shaving and an antibacterial wash which is what I've been using, but it's not doing anything at all. I really want to be able to wear shorts coming up to spring/summer

I have had this for a few years since going in a bloody hot tub at a holiday rental cottage ! The only thing that cleared it up was a prolonged course of flucloxacillin tablets , even then it hasn't completely gone.

Hibiscrub is pretty good for clearing it up whenever I get it and I use pre-emptively as well

Another vote for hibiscrub. However it has now come back as I stopped using hibiscrub once weekly. Hoping I've caught it quickly and it will clear up in no time

@PervyMuskrat @minnie465 how do you use the Hibiscrub? Diluted or not? I had a course of antibiotics and antibiotic cream which largely cleared it but it still rears its head from time to time, it's so annoying. I have some hibiscrub though so...

@Babyroobs was yours very bad to be prescribed oral medication? I think I need some but they don't seem to want to unless my legs completely covered

Hibiscrub is what I've been prescribed. I use it liberally twice a day and it's not clearing at all

@LemonySippet neat but a small amount.

@Mum30389 I wash as normal and then use it neat as the last thing I do in the shower so it almost leaves a protective coat. If it’s not shifting, definitely escalate and ask for antibiotics

Is it definitely Folliculitis? Only asking as I know it’s difficult to get a face to face diagnosis in person during the pandemic

I had a similar thing going on with my scalp and GP initially prescribed steroid lotion. Again I wasn’t confident in my GP’s diagnosis as didn’t see me in person (or look at photos) and my layman description of my issue can apply to multiple conditions. A medicated shampoo seems to help more.

@PervyMuskrat I do a few rounds of it everytime I shower, I'll persist for a few more days and then give them another call. It's just so annoying because its scarring so I want to try and prevent it spreading even more

@flakymate it was diagnosed in person so it's definitely folliculitis. Can I ask what you mean by a medicated shampoo? the GP recommended tee-tree products but I can't see them working if hibiscrub isn't shifting it for me

Mine was diagnosed remotely with photos, it was on my neck all around my hairline. It was really bad and starting to scar, hence the oral antibiotics as well as the cream.

Fair enough, I tried both nizoral and tar shampoo. Just had a quick google and it seems they’re suitable for your condition too

@LemonySippet what was the oral medication called? I think I will try to push for this

@Mum30389 I wash myself with plain soap then turn the shower off and use my hands to put the hibiscrub on. I leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Don't use any creams afterwards as the hibiscrub is supposed to leave a layer on your skin. If it's not clearing go back to GP. Medicated shampoos didn't work for mine. I think mine might be bacterial instead of fungal. It's worth a try though. Nizoral meant to be good.

@Mum30389 It was an antibiotic, I don't recall which one sorry!