Therapy of hair follicle inflammation

The hair follicle inflammation can usually be treated well with locally applied ointments. Depending on the underlying pathogen, antibiotic (e.g. Fucidine, Refobacin®) or antimycotic agents are used. In the case of very severe cases or if large parts of the body are affected, it may also be necessary to treat the hair follicle inflammation with systemic antibiotics.

Treatment with phototherapy can also contribute to healing. As a supplement, disinfecting solutions, for example alcohol-based disinfectants, can be applied externally. For the head area there are correspondingly disinfecting shampoos.

Only if the hair follicle inflammation has developed into a boil or an abscess, it may be necessary to proceed surgically. If the hair follicle inflammation is due to diabetes, it is important to check the blood sugar level. In general, superficial hair follicle inflammation does not need to be treated.

They usually heal by themselves without any consequences. In some cases, however, it is helpful and supportive to use ointments and creams.These contain antiseptic or antibiotic additives. Common antiseptic additives are chlorhexidine, octenidine, triclosan or polihexanide.

Fusidic acid is the antibiotic additive of choice. Superficial hair follicle inflammation does not always have to be treated with antibiotics. If they occur regularly, the elimination of the causative factors, for example an immune deficiency, should be the main focus.

However, topical antibiotics can also be used to support the treatment. This means that the antibiotics are not taken in the form of tablets, but are applied directly to the skin. The antibiotic of choice in these cases is fusidic acid.

Retapamulin can also be recommended, although fusidic acid is usually preferred due to better empirical values. Only in very rare cases can a systemic antibiotic therapy be recommended, in which antibiotics are also taken in the form of tablets or administered through the vein. This is especially the case if there is a severe immune deficiency.

In particular, the antibiotics clindamycin, cefalexin or flucloxacillin are then used. Myristica sebifera is considered the homeopathic remedy of choice for emptying the hair follicle inflammation. Belladonna can be used in case of a strong inflammatory reaction and overheating of the region.

Pyrogenium or Hepar sulfuris also have a similar effect. Thuja, sulfur iodatum or Staphylococcinum are also used. As mentioned above, however, serious complications can also arise from the hair follicle inflammation, which is why one should not try to treat on one’s own for too long.

The main approach of homeopathy in this area is also the long-term strengthening of the immune system and improvement of the skin flora, rather than acute therapy. The aim is to influence the skin in such a way that the hair follicle inflammation no longer occurs or occurs much less frequently. Particularly in the case of chronic occurrence, for example, silica is used, which should also ensure a more thorough healing process.

In the field of phytotherapy, oils or ointments made from myrrh or rosemary are said to have an anti-inflammatory and thus supporting effect. Warm compresses with chamomile, curd cheese, healing earth or calendula are said to have a disinfecting effect and alleviate the symptoms. Sulphur baths are also said to alleviate the complaints and, above all, prevent recurrence.

Bags with hay flowers or chamomile blossoms are said to accelerate healing. Tea tree oil, St. John’s wort oil and aloe vera also have a disinfecting effect. However, one should be careful with oil-based products in particular, as the oil itself can in turn promote the development of hair follicle inflammation.

So-called traction ointment (e.g. Ichtholan®) is said to be able to help to empty the pustule without squeezing the pustule itself. Also remedies that are supposed to strengthen the immune system can contribute to healing. These include Echinacea, Umckaloabo or Metavirulent, for example, which are supposed to directly activate the immune system. Vitamin preparations can also improve the immune system under certain circumstances.