Folliculitis
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Folliculitis

| Modified on Mar 06, 2025
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Folliculitis is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed due to bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. It can cause itching, redness, pus-filled bumps, and discomfort. While mild cases often clear on their own, chronic or severe folliculitis may require treatment. Fortunately, several natural remedies can help reduce symptoms, prevent infection, and promote healing.

What Causes Folliculitis?

Folliculitis can develop due to various factors, including:

  • Bacterial Infections: Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a common cause of folliculitis.
  • Fungal Infections: Yeast and fungi can infect hair follicles, leading to irritation.
  • Blocked Hair Follicles: Shaving, tight clothing, and excess oil production can clog follicles.
  • Weakened Immune System: Chronic conditions like diabetes may increase susceptibility.
  • Hot Tub Folliculitis: Caused by Pseudomonas bacteria from improperly maintained hot tubs.

Best Natural Remedies for Folliculitis

These home remedies help reduce inflammation, fight infection, and promote healing.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

How It Works: Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help cleanse infected hair follicles and restore the skin’s natural pH balance.

How to Use:

  • Mix one part ACV with two parts water and apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball.
  • Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat twice daily for best results.

2. Coconut Oil

How It Works: Coconut oil contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as lauric acid, which help soothe irritation and prevent further infection.

How to Use:

  • Apply extra virgin coconut oil directly to the affected area.
  • Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
  • Use twice daily to maintain skin hydration and reduce redness.

3. Tea Tree Oil

How It Works: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial agent that helps kill bacteria and fungi responsible for folliculitis.

How to Use:

  • Mix 5–7 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil).
  • Apply to the affected area using a cotton swab.
  • Leave it on for 20–30 minutes before rinsing.
  • Use twice daily for best results.

4. Turmeric

How It Works: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compound that helps reduce redness and fight bacterial infections.

How to Use:

  • Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water or coconut oil to make a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  • Rinse with warm water and repeat twice daily.
  • Alternatively, take 500 mg of turmeric supplements daily for internal healing.

5. Aloe Vera

How It Works: Aloe vera has soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve itching and promote skin healing.

How to Use:

  • Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the affected area.
  • Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
  • Repeat twice daily for best results.

6. Garlic

How It Works: Garlic is a natural antibiotic and immune booster that helps fight bacterial infections.

How to Use:

  • Crush one garlic clove and mix it with coconut oil.
  • Apply to the affected area for 10–15 minutes before rinsing.
  • Use once daily to prevent further infection.

7. Oregano Oil

How It Works: Oregano oil contains carvacrol, a potent antimicrobial compound that helps combat bacterial and fungal infections.

How to Use:

  • Mix 3–5 drops of oregano oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
  • Apply to the affected area and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing.
  • Repeat twice daily for best results.

Prevention Tips for Folliculitis

  • Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep skin clean and dry to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
  • Avoid Tight Clothing: Wear breathable fabrics to reduce friction.
  • Shave Carefully: Use a clean razor and shave in the direction of hair growth.
  • Boost Your Immune System: Eat a nutrient-rich diet and take probiotics to support gut and skin health.

Final Thoughts

Folliculitis can be frustrating, but using natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, tea tree oil, turmeric, and aloe vera can help reduce inflammation, fight infection, and promote healing. By incorporating these remedies along with proper skincare habits, you can effectively manage and prevent future flare-ups.

Have you tried any of these natural remedies for folliculitis? Share your experience in the comments below and continue reading to learn which treatments have worked best for others!


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Joe (Sydney) on 09/17/2016
★★★★★

H.i I was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago that I have Folliculitis Decalvans, the dermatologist gave me prescription for Rifampin 300mg twice a day and Clindamycin 300mg twice a day for 8 weeks. After purchasing the medication I did some research as I knew taking this much antibiotics for that period of time was not going to be good for my health, and reading that in some cases the bacteria came back more aggressive. I came across earth clinic site last week and I am at day 3 drinking turmeric 2 times a day and before I shower I have massaging apple cider vinegar on my scalp.

Day 3 - my scalp has almost no redness left and only 2 small pimples today. Before this my scalp was red and full of blisters and lumps, and now they are 95% gone.

My wife who has been really looking at it day in and day out is shocked with the results.

Not sure if this will last working so well or if I made the mistake and not getting on the antibiotic asap but so far so good.

The turmeric gives me a slight tummy pain but nothing really. My head is at 95% if I can keep it at this level I can live with it. Should I have jumped on the antibiotics?

Replied by Eileen
(Harrisonburg, Va)
10/06/2016

No, It will return as soon as the course is finished. Better to use natural ingredients. 😀

Replied by Karthikeyan
(San Francisco)
10/09/2016

Hi,

Thanks for sharing the information. Like to know, have your taken turmeric powder or used root in juices? Also how much qty have you taken.

Thanks, Karthik

Replied by Ziga
(Indonesia)
09/07/2022
★★★★★

Two years ago in 2020, I was diagnosed with folliculitis by the dermatologist. Initially, the infection only affected my chest hair with red bumps and were so itchy. After a few months, it spread to my pubic hair and also beard hair. It became so bad to the point that one of my beard area and hair area stopped growing due to the inflammation.

To be honest with you guys, I still have this condition today. I tried various antibiotics including doxycycline, cefixime, azithromycin, meiact and many more. Some of them helped to treat the condition, but it reoccurred again after it finished. Topical cream antibiotics helped to cool the skin temporarily, but it would get red and itchy again once I stop applying the cream.

After that experience, my hope almost became 0 as no skin doctor out there could actually cure me. I came across this website today and really enjoyed reading people's reviews. I am leaving this comment to keep you guys updated as I will try the 'ACV' and 'turmeric' remedy to update you guys on whether it worked for me. Hopefully we will be cured from this infection. Stay strong my friends, God will help us all. Amin.

Mary
(NY, NY)
09/08/2022

You could also try a teaspoon of coconut oil in the AM and PM. It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Raw garlic is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. My husband's eczema cleared up when we started eating more fruits and vegetables and quality protein like canned wild alaskan salmon, free range chicken and grass fed beef. A good multi vitamin is beneficial. I focus on broccoli, sweet potatoes, almonds, bananas, avocados, ground flax seeds and good oils like grapeseed oil and olive oil.


Baking Soda + Tea Tree Oil Bath

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Kaylee (Wash) on 06/27/2022
★★★★★

I was having a reoccurring yeast infection so I began taking bath every evening I would add the following to my bath water 1 Cup of baking soda, a few drops of essential oil, I used tea tree oil (started with five drops because tea tree oil is very strong) I also add 2 or 3 drops of pine needle oil. I noticed that my folliculitis began to be going away, by the first week and by the second week it was all gone and my skin became super soft and smooth.


Dietary Changes, Raw Garlic

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Ella (London) on 04/13/2023
★★★★★

What works for my folliculitis, which seems to be mild but chronic, and all over my scalp and eyebrows (no spots, just mild itching) is abstaining from all dairy products, reducing sugar and refined carbs and consuming two or three cloves of raw garlic chopped into tablet-sized pieces and drunk down with water before meals. All of these things combined gets rid of the itching within a week.

I suspect in my case, I have pre-diabetes and a high sugar diet is feeding yeast within the hair follicles. When I stick to the above mentioned regime I'm fine. When I fall off the wagon the itching comes back.

Getting into direct sunshine without sunscreen is useful too. UV kills bacteria/yeasts, etc.


Epsom Salt Poultices

Posted by David Simons, M.D. (Boulder, Co 80302) on 04/29/2017 2 posts

Editor's Choice

Recurrent Staphylococcal Folliculitis and early superficial wound infections (presumably staphylococcal)

The probability is that any person such as myself who gets occasional occurrences of of these conditions is probably a so-called carrier of staphylococcus aureus which means that these bacteria tend to colonize some part of their body surface. The most commonly studied area for this condition has been the mucosa of the anterior nose and it has been well shown that a full course of oral antibiotics for such organisms can be transiently successful but is followed by recurrent colonization in the anterior nose within 1 to 3 months of treatment. This is the so-called carrier state. Inasmuch it is not permanently curable some interest has been shown in the management of people who are staph carriers. The problem in medical research is that most interest for study is often directed at prescription medications.

Treatments which are nonprescription are rarely studied. Such is the case with magnesium sulfate which is otherwise known as Epsom salt.

Personal experience with spraying the skin surface with Listerine mouthwash solution and then applying a dusting of powdered Epsom salts followed by massaging this into the area of where Listerine has been applied on a once daily basis usually results in resolution of folliculitis within 3 to 7 days.

For what it is worth, I have personally had numerous small skin injuries which have resulted in redness and swelling around such injuries within 1 to 3 days. Traditional prescription treatment of this situation is with oral antibiotics. As a nonprescription alternative I have found that a poultice comprised of a gauze pad covered with aquaphor ointment and then dusted with powdered Epsom salts applied to the wound area on a daily basis as a dressing usually results in decreased redness and swelling around the area of the wound within 3-5 days and if continued usually results in total resolution and wound healing. It is well-known that ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor are agents which can successfully transfer into the skin, almost any substance which is mixed with these agents. This makes the use of these agents on gauze or non-adherents wound dressings a reasonable medium with which to apply the Epsom salts to an infected wound area.

I have been unable to find any scientific studies of the use of Epsom salts in the early management of wound infection but based on personal experience feel that it is a subject worthy of study.

Inasmuch as it is nonprescription, it will probably never receive financial backing for formal study.

Replied by Dave
(Fountan Inn, Sc)
04/30/2017

Hello Dr. Simons;

This was a very helpful article as I use poultice solution applications and recommend the same often. First, your article helped in again affirming my high opinion of magnesium sulfate and in application as a "dusting" on top of the target area. Second, your suggestion of Vaseline or aquaphor ointment which would act as a carrier...I have only used DMSO cream/liquid as a carrier (usually of colloidal silver). So, thank you for your non prescription recommendations.

Replied by David Simons
(Boulder Colorado)
04/30/2017
2 posts

As an additional note, Epsom salts/Magnesium sulfate is sold in a granular form that interferes with its use in poultices in that the granules are too large. The best way I have found to process Epsom salts granules is to use a rotating blade single speed Krups coffee grinder to convert the granules into a fine powder. It is easiest to spread this on gauze or nonadherent pads covered in Aquaphor or Vaseline by putting a small amount of the Epsom salts powder in a small strainer and gently shake it over the Vaseline to dust it with the powder. The dry backside of this dressing can then be placed on the sticky midsection of a wide piece of paper tape for bandaging, leaving the sticky tape exposed beyond the borders of the dressing. This bandage/poultice can then be pressed in place over the infected small wound, pressing the sticky paper tape borders on to normal skin for attachment.

This type of dressing should be replaced at least once daily.

Replied by James R
(Sydney)
11/04/2020

I tried literally everything. The only thing that worked and has continued to keep my butt, thighs and lower abdomen clear of bumps and boils is a daily product that contain 12% lactic acid.

Replied by Julie
(Seattle)
05/28/2022

This is very interesting. I'm losing my hair and my scalp is sometimes so itchy that I can't sleep. I wonder if it's magnesium-related. I've been taking the diuretic furosemide (which depletes magnesium) and suffering from muscle cramps as well. Will be adding magnesium and see if it (and the ACV/turmeric) clear it up. Thank you!


Ivermectin

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Neil (Devon, England) on 07/07/2022
★★★★★

Ivermectin for folliculitis

Had a rash on my abdomen and chest for many weeks. Diagnosed as folliculitis by GP. Prescribed fucibet cream but that made it worse. GP then prescribed doxycycline which I never took as you can't even go in the sunshine when on that. Tried loads of soaps, acv, eurax etc. Nothing worked. Naturopath friend advised a single dose of Ivermectin 0.2mg per kg of your weight. Gone in 3 days.


Manuka Honey

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by A. (ottawa) on 10/12/2019
★★★★★

Manuka Honey for Folliculitis

Manuka Honey(16 factor) works well to eliminate folliculitis. It can be applied to pus filled and broken skin when apple cider would be too painful. Apply twice a day and cover with gauze/cotton and surgical tape.



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