Seeking advice for Folliculitis

[SassySloth]

After googling and not getting so far I am seeking advice on Folliculitis.
This is for my 15 year old daughter who goes on holiday next week, and is conscious of the rash type spots on her legs. Although after what I’ve seen on Google, her case is fairly mild!

We thought it was eczema at first and were regularly applying moisturiser. After a trip to the docs it seems we might have made it worse by doing this and have been told not to put anything on the area. This is affecting her shins on both legs and is probably a result of shaving.
The doc has prescribed Flucloxacillin and said to do nothing else.
However, I’m wondering if we can do more to help clear it up? I’ve read tea tree or a benzoyl peroxide wash or antibacterial soap could help?
I feel a bit helpless as she is worrying about the trip which is with school. Any advice would be gratefully received!

Also does anyone know if the sun will harm the flare up or benefit it? Thanks!

I get folliculitis on my lower legs. I've seen a dermatologist and many GPs. I get red spots which sometimes get infected and can be very nasty.
According to my dermatologist moisturising is key. It's much easier for bacteria to get in if skin is dry. Also no shaving, ever because the razor does microscopic damage to the skin. I'm not very hairy anyway but I use hair removal cream if I must - for holidays.
I get diprobase on prescription but in the last six months Ive had better results with nivea as it seems to soak in better.
I also use hibiscrub after a shower but only a couple of times a week. I wouldn't use the things you suggested as they are drying.
When I get an infected follicle I try fucid cream before oral antibiotics.

Thank you @LarchFairy
She has Doublebase for eczema but he told us not to use it on the area affected by the infection. (I am tempted to add some tea tree drops have you ever done that?)
I am unsure of what to do with her now about shaving as she will need to for the holiday. I’m a bit scared to try something new like a hair removal cream at this time.

By coincidence we have some Fucidin from a recent naval piercing being slightly infected so would you recommend trying that? I can’t understand why the doctor said not to put anything on the skin as it is starting to look a bit dry. Thanks so much

I hesitate to comment because the advice your doctor has given contradicts everything I was told.

I would only use the fusid cream if the spot is infected. I get so many but although they look red and inflamed they go away. I only treat the ones that cause heat and swelling.
I've never used tea tree. I avoid all bath cosmetics and anything perfumed.
I really only "shave" very rarely ( 3 or 4 times a year?) but there was definitely an improvement when I avoided razors and I had no reaction to veet.
If her skin is really bad I wouldn't shave or exfoliate.

Just to add I get eczema as well and it's different but dry skin makes both worse.

This advice is good:

patient.info/skin-conditions/skin-rashes/folliculitis

My dd got prescribed dermol lotion which is a moisturiser plus anti microbial. It can be used as a wash, moisturiser and shaving cream. Also available to buy otc

Hi! I'm a qualified Master Medicinal Herbalist and I'd recommend you use some witch hazel in a bath - it is a natural anti-microbial (as is tea tree). Try not to use too many creams from the doctors - or check if they have a steroid component if you do. You don't want to use steroids as they tend to suppress the symptoms rather than fixing anything - and they are difficult to come off. I'd recommend some massage on the affected area too - try and get the blood flowing. Perhaps skin brushing with a soft cloth (up the legs, towards the torso) too but only if its not painful.

Just reading through these comments. I hope your daughter’s skin is better now? My 13 year old son has what the GP thought to be folliculitis. He’s been using a steroid/antibiotic gel for shampoo/body wash for 3 weeks. He’s so upset and hates how much it’s spread and is constantly itchy. I will go back with him, but wondering if there was anything in particular anyone else tried? I’ll try the witch hazel in the bath.