Folliculitis
Bacterial folliculitis is a common skin condition characterized by the inflammation of hair follicles due to a bacterial infection. Hair follicles are tiny sacs in the skin from which hair grows, and when they become infected, it leads to the development of small, red bumps or pustules.
What do I need to know?
You are cleared to get back on the mats 3 days from initiation of treatment given your rash is improving and there are NO pustules, it is NOT oozing or weeping, NO new lesions have formed, and all lesions are scabbed over or healed. SEE PRECAUTIONS BELOW.
Signs of improvement include decreased redness, improvement of pain, improvement of pustules, and a decrease in the size of the rash.
If the rash spreads and becomes more painful or if you develop a fever, chills, or night sweats, then you should go to the emergency room for treatment.
Until the rash is completely healed, you are required to keep the rash covered while back on the Mats with secure bandage and wrap.
Oral Treatment
Doxycycline 100mg
Prescription Treatment.
Take one tablet daily for 7 days.
If not taken after a large meal, doxycycline can make you nauseas and vomit. You should not lay down 2 hours after taking this medication as it can cause upset stomach. In addition, this medication can make you more sensitive to the sun and make you more prone to burning. Less common and rarer side effects include GI disturbances, esophagitis, glossitis, headache, hemolytic anemia, hepatotoxicity, intracranial hypertension, nausea, neutropenia, pericarditis, serum sickness, skin rashes, hives, and pancreatitis.
Use sun protection measures while on this medication.
Topical Treatment
Mupirocin 2% Ointment
Prescription Treatment.
Apply to the affected area three times daily for 1-2 weeks until the rash resolves. This ointment is an anti-bacterial.
This topical ointment is generally safe to use as directed. Rare side effects can include rash, allergic reaction, redness, anyphylaxis, and C diff infection.
Your physician may have prescribed you another medication that isn’t on this page. You can search our site for the prescribed medication in the search bar. Please use the medication as directed – your physician may likely be treating a secondary symptom of your rash.
We recommend a followup visit in 1 week. Follow the link in your email to submit a followup visit for review by your doctor. If you have any questions about your treatment you can email our medical team and reach your physician at [email protected]
