What Is The Best Antibiotic To Treat Folliculitis

What Other Options Are There

Unfortunately, MRSA is constantly becoming more resistant to more antibiotics. I agree with the CDC who stated it is only a matter of time before antibiotics can no longer can be relied upon.

Additionally, antibiotics often make people so sick they are unwilling to go another round. May people have tried everything with no luck. Fortunately, there are alternative treatment choices that actually work for MRSA and have little or no side-effects.

What You Can Do

• List your key medical information, such as other conditions you’re dealing with and any medications, vitamins and supplements you’re using.
• List key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• List questions to ask. Having a list ready can help you make the most of your time with your health care provider.

Below are some basic questions to ask your health care provider about folliculitis. If any other questions occur to you during your visit, don’t hesitate to ask.

• What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• Do I need any tests?
• What’s the best treatment for my condition?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• What are the possible side effects of the treatment you’re recommending?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing me?
• Do you have any relevant brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend?
• What will determine whether I should plan for a follow-up visit?

Folliculitis Causes And Risk Factors

Staph , a kind of bacteria, is most often to blame. You have staph on your skin all the time, and it normally doesnât cause any issues. But if it gets inside your body, say through a cut, then it can cause problems.

These other things can also cause folliculitis:

• Blockages from skin products, such as moisturizers with oils
• Other bacteria, such as the kind you might find in a hot tub
• Some drugs, such as corticosteroids that are used to ease inflammation

In general, youâre more likely to get the condition if you have damaged follicles. This can happen from things such as shaving, skin injuries, sticky bandages, and tight clothes.

You also might be more likely to have folliculitis if you:

• Have acne, especially if you use a steroid cream or long-term antibiotic for it
• Are a man who has curly hair and shaves
• Wear tight clothes, rubber gloves, or boots that donât let sweat or heat out
• Spend time in a pool or hot tub thatâs not cleaned regularly
• Have an illness that affects your immune system, like diabetes, leukemia, or HIV/AIDS

Also Check: Can I Get Antibiotics For Chlamydia Over The Counter

Top 4 Antibiotic Treatments For Internal Or Severe Infections

Hospitalized patients with more complicated or severe forms of infections are often prescribed one of the following four antibiotics. These infections can include deep soft-tissue infections, surgical infections, major abscesses, wound infections and burn patients.

Oftentimes a broad-spectrum antibiotic is used in conjunction with the following antibiotics. Most options below use intravenous methods of delivering antibiotics into the body. A picc line may be used for prolonged treatment.

1. Intravenous Vancomycin

Vancomycin is often called an antibiotic of last resort for MRSA, though resistance against it has been growing. Vancomycin requires IV administration into a vein and can occasionally have severe side effects. Duration of treatment can last weeks to months. Tissue penetration is variable and it has limited penetration into bone. Its often prescribed for pneumonia .

• Resistance: Some strains of MRSA are now becoming resistant to Vancomycin, with one strain called VRSA .
• Side Effects and Precautions: Serious side effects can include ringing in ears, diarrhea, and hearing problems. Like most antibiotics, it can cause secondary infections like thrush or yeast infections. Because this medication is eliminated through the kidneys, it could cause kidney problems in the elderly or those with impaired kidney function.

2. Oral or Intravenous Linezolid

See the skin infection above for more info.

3. Intravenous Daptomycin

4. Oral or Intravenous Clindamycin

How To Save On Cephalexin

There are currently no manufacturer coupons or patient assistance options available for generic Cephalexin. However, customers may be able to save on Cephalexin with a SingleCare Cephalexin coupon. With a free SingleCare coupon, you could pay a discounted price of $5.41 for 28, 500mg Capsule at your local CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, or Kroger pharmacy, among other pharmacies

Also Check: Natural Antibiotics For Oral Infection

What To Expect From Your Health Care Provider

Your health care provider is likely to ask you a few questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Your health care provider may ask:

• How long have you had this skin infection?
• Do you have a history of dermatitis?
• Does your work or a hobby expose your hands to heat and moisture, such as from wearing rubber gloves?
• Were you in a hot tub or a heated swimming pool a day or two before you noticed your skin rash?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• Does your skin itch? Is it painful to the touch?
• Does anything make your symptoms worse?
• What treatments or self-care steps have you tried so far? Have any been effective?

Can Folliculitis Be Prevented

In many cases, you can work to prevent folliculitis or manage it by changing your lifestyle habits. Folliculitis infections usually involve bacteria and yeast entering your hair follicles. By changing some parts of your normal self-care routine, you can limit the amount of infectious material in your hair follicles.

A few tips for preventing folliculitis include:

• Keeping your skin clean.
• Limiting shaving.
• Checking the chemical disinfectant levels of hot tubs and heated pools before using them. The warmer a pool or hot tub, the faster the chemicals will fade away making them less effective against bacteria.
• Washing off and removing your swimsuit when you get out of a hot tub or pool.
• Wearing breathable clothing to keep sweat from getting trapped between your clothes and skin.

Don’t Miss: How Long Does It Take Antibiotics To Stop Tooth Pain

Which Antibiotics Should You Avoid

MRSA is currently immune to the following types of antibiotics:

• Penicillin class antibiotics including: Methicillin, Penicillin, and Amoxicillin
• First generation Cephalosporins such as cefazolin, cephalothin and cephalexin. These are a Penicillin-like class of antibiotics and they may be used for non-resistant Staph aureus infections or mild cases of MRSA.
• Resistance has been growing in many other classes of antibiotics as well including Vancoymcin.

Per the CDC and other research studies, these antibiotics are not good choices because MRSA develops resistance to them quickly. Other options should be considered first:

• Fluoroquinolone class antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin
• Macrolide class antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycine.

Importantly, Fluoroquinolones can have very severe side-effects and have been associated with myelosuppression, temporary and permanent neuropathy and lactic acidosis during prolonged therapy. They also have some of the highest risks for causing colonization with either MRSA or C. difficile.

Independent Side Effects Listing. RxISK.org is a free, independent drug safety website where you can research your antibiotic for ALL of the side effects that actual people are experiencing. You can also report your side-effects. .

How Are Folliculitis Boils And Carbuncles Diagnosed

Diagnosis of folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles are made by your healthcare provider after a thorough medical history and physical exam. After examining the lesions, your healthcare provider may culture the wounds . He or she does this to help confirm the diagnosis and to help in selecting the best treatment.

Recommended Reading: How To Cure Yeast Infection Caused By Antibiotics

What Are Common Types Of Folliculitis

Acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris occurs almost universally in teenagers at puberty. Acne vulgaris is usually not considered a folliculitis, but it specifically affects the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back.

Drug-induced folliculitis

Systemically administered or topically applied steroids are a well-known cause of folliculitis. Certain anti-cancer drugs produce a form of folliculitis.

Cutting oil folliculitis

Machinists exposed to insoluble cutting oils that are used to decrease the friction while machining metal parts can develop a folliculitis on the exposed skin.

Staphylococcal folliculitis

Staphylococci are bacteria that commonly inhabit the skin. One species, S. aureus, is a frequent cause of folliculitis. Occasionally, this organism may be insensitive to a number of commonly used antibiotics . In this situation, it is very important that a culture of the organism with sensitivities be performed so the ideal antibiotic is selected to treat the infection.

Fungal folliculitis

Folliculitis from a fungus infection can occur on the face and on the lower legs. It is often exacerbated by shaving. It can also occur on the trunk .

Viral folliculitis

Folliculitis from a virus infection often affects the face and is from herpes simplex virus affecting the lips, commonly known as a cold sore.

Scarring scalp folliculitis

There are a variety of rare, inflammatory, scarring types of folliculitis that can result in permanent hair loss.

Eosinophilic folliculitis

Deterrence And Patient Education

In the vast majority cases of folliculitis, the only therapy needed is time, as most cases will resolve spontaneously. More severe cases can be managed medically with either antibiotic, antifungal, or anti-parasitic agents. Patients should be counseled on proper hygiene for the affected area as well as the use of warm compresses several times daily for up to 15 minutes on the affected area. Patients should also receive counsel against scratching or shaving the affected areas as this could cause increased irritation and could potentially spread the causative agent.

You May Like: Can You Take Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

What Are Folliculitis Boils And Carbuncles

Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles due to an infection, injury, or irritation. It is characterized by tender, swollen areas that form around hair follicles, often on the neck, breasts, buttocks, and face. Boils are pus-filled lesions that are painful and usually firm. Boils happen when infection around the hair follicles spreads deeper. They are usually located in the waist area, groin, buttocks, and under the arm. Carbuncles are clusters of boils that are usually found on the back of the neck or thigh. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacteria to cause these infections.

When To Contact A Doctor

Folliculitis will typically resolve on its own. However, if symptoms do not resolve independently after a few days, it may be beneficial for a person to contact a medical professional.

A doctor will be able to confirm a folliculitis diagnosis and advise on suitable treatment courses. Persistent folliculitis may signify an immunodeficiency disorder or other underlying condition.

Also Check: Antibiotics For Colitis Flare Up

What Are The Side Effects Of Cephalexin

Common side effects of Cephalexin include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and upset stomach. Most side effects of Cephalexin are mild and go away on their own. Consult a healthcare professional if side effects persist or get worse.

Cephalexin may cause hypersensitivity reactions in those who are allergic to any ingredients in the drug. Seek medical attention if you experience severe rash, hives, dizziness, or trouble breathing.

The use of Cephalexin may be associated with diarrhea caused by a bacteria called Clostridium difficile. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience diarrhea that persists or worsens.

This may not be a complete list of side effects. Consult your healthcare provider for other possible side effects, drug interactions, and warnings before using Cephalexin.

Who Is At Risk For Folliculitis Furuncles And Carbuncles

Anybody can develop folliculitis, furuncles, or carbuncles. A child may be more at risk if he or she:

• Has diabetes or a weak immune system
• Has other skin infections
• Has close contact with someone with a skin abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle
• Has skin injuries, such as scrapes, cuts, or insect bites
• Is getting IV medicine
• Has been in hot tub or spa water that is not properly treated

Also Check: Does Urgent Care Prescribe Antibiotics

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Folliculitis is a very common condition that can easily be identified by all members of the healthcare team, including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nursing staff. All of these individuals can play essential roles in the diagnosis and patient education of this condition.

Proper hygiene is of paramount importance to prevent recurrence as well as to facilitate the resolution of this condition. In more severe cases, medical therapy may be necessary. In these cases, the local pharmacist can be consulted to help determine correct coverage for the underlying causative agent for these patients. However, most cases of folliculitis are self-limiting and will resolve on their own with proper home care.

Whats The Best Antibiotic For Mrsa

Finding the right antibiotic. If you think you have MRSA, talk with your doctor about getting tested to help see which antibiotics could actually work against your particular infection .

Whats best for you? The antibiotic your doctor may prescribe can vary due to the location of your infection, severity, your health status and if you have allergies to any antibiotics. So keep in mind that the information on this page is not all-inclusive, nor is it meant to imply that any of these drugs are safe or effective options for you.

About side effects, drug interactions and things to avoid with these drugs. Many things can weaken the effects of some antibiotics, and some things dont mix well with these drugs. Youll get the most benefit from antibiotics by knowing how to use them properly, safely and effectively. The info on this page is abbreviated and does not include all possible side effects, interactions and contraindications. so be sure to talk with your doctor about your medications and look at the drug product insert for a complete listing side-effects, possible drug or food interactions and precautions.

You May Like: Which Pharmacy Gives Free Antibiotics

Wear Loose Dry Clothing

Folliculitis can sometimes happen from wearing clothing that irritates the skin or when skin rubs against skin. Avoid wearing clothing like yoga pants, tights, leggings, and other tight clothing.

Also, avoid wearing outfits that allow your thighs to rub against each other. Wear shorts under a dress or skirt. Wear longer sleeve T-shirts and dresses to cover the skin under your arms.

Wet skin is also more likely to get an infection. Wear loose and breathable or moisture-wicking fabrics. Dry off and change right away if youre sweaty or wearing wet clothing.

Recommended Reading: Pink Eye Treatment Antibiotic Eye Drops

What Are The Symptoms Of Folliculitis

In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like theyre white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus . Folliculitis can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Many people feel the need to scratch when they have folliculitis. Its best to try and not scratch at the spots because you dont want to open them up .

Don’t Miss: Will Antibiotics Work Against Viruses

Top 5 Mrsa Antibiotic Therapies For Skin Infections

MRSA is now resistant to many types of antibiotics.

Below are the five commonly prescribed antibiotics for MRSA skin infections, which are commonly picked up in communities as community type MRSA or CA-MRSA.

1. Clindamycin

It has been successfully and widely used for the treatment of soft tissue and skin infections as well as bone, joint and abscesses caused by Staph and MRSA. MRSA is becoming increasingly resistant to clindamycin in the United States.

• Resistance: MRSA is becoming increasingly resistant to clindamycin in the United States.
• Side Effects and Precautions: Diarrhea is the most common side effect, and it can promote C. difficile overgrowth infections in the colon. C. difficile infections appear to occur more frequently with clindamycin than other antibiotics. Other side-effects are pseudomembranous colitis, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, skin rashes and more.

2. Linezolid

Folliculitis is a common type of MRSA skin infection often treated with oral antibiotics.

Approved for use in the year 2000, Linezolid is FDA approved for treating soft tissue and skin infections, including those caused by MRSA. It is often prescribed for CA-MRSA pneumonia and in particular, HA-MRSA pneumonia. Its commonly prescribed to people of all ages and is one of the most expensive treatment options, for a single course costing upwards of $1-2,000 for 20 tablets.

3. Mupirocin

4. Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole

5. Tetracyclines

What Is Pityrosporum Folliculitis

Pityrosporum folliculitis, also known as Melassezia folliculitis, is a common skin condition that many people often mistake for acne. This is mostly because of the way it presents itself on the skin. When youâre living with pityrosporum folliculitis, the condition will look nearly identical to an acne breakout. As a result, you might be trying to treat pityrosporum folliculitis like you would treat acne, which just wonât work. This condition occurs when a specific type of yeast called Malassezia, which naturally occurs on the skin, gets into your hair follicles and causes infections. And, as stated above, traditional acne treatments wonât make pityrosporum folliculitis go away because they donât treat the yeast infection that causes it. Fortunately, there are two ways you can tell the difference between pityrosporum folliculitis and acne. First, pityrosporum folliculitis lacks comedones that are a telltale sign of acne. In addition, pityrosporum folliculitis is typically a very itchy condition, whereas acne is not. In addition, youâre more likely to have conditions like dandruff if youâre living with pityrosporum folliculitis. But how do you get rid of this acne-like condition?

Read Also: When Will My Uti Go Away With Antibiotics

Lifestyle And Home Remedies

Mild cases of bacterial folliculitis often improve with home care. The following self-care tips may help relieve discomfort, speed healing and prevent an infection from spreading:

• Apply a warm, moist washcloth. Do this several times a day to relieve discomfort and help the area drain, if needed. Moisten the washcloth with a vinegar solution made of 1 tablespoon of table white vinegar in 1 pint of water.
• Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. Try one of the many infection-fighting lotions, gels and washes that are available in stores without a prescription.
• Apply a soothing lotion or cream. Try relieving itchy skin with a soothing lotion or a nonprescription-strength hydrocortisone cream.
• Clean the affected skin. Gently wash the infected skin at least twice a day with an antibacterial soap or cleanser, such as benzoyl peroxide. Use a clean washcloth and towel each time and don’t share your towels or washcloths. Use hot, soapy water to wash these items.
• Protect the skin. If you shave, stop if you can. Barber’s itch usually clears up a few weeks after you stop shaving.