How do I get rid of folliculitis in my pubic area?
Table of Contents
Genital folliculitis treatment
- Creams or pills to control infection — Your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic cream for mild cases.
- Creams, shampoos, or pills for fungal infections — Antifungals are for infections caused by yeast rather than bacteria.
How do you get rid of swollen hair follicles?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Apply a warm, moist washcloth or compress. Do this several times a day to relieve discomfort and help the area drain, if needed.
- Apply over-the-counter antibiotics.
- Apply soothing lotions.
- Clean the affected skin.
- Protect the skin.
What causes hair follicles to swell?

Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. At first it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each hair grows.
Can hair follicles swell?
The follicle holds the thin hair in place and is home to oil glands. Unfortunately, follicles can gather bacteria and other materials from the outside world that could cause inflammation or infection. When something is inflamed, it’s swollen. A swollen hair follicle will bulge up and make a bump on the skin.

What does an infected pubic hair follicle look like?
Oftentimes, an infection of an ingrown hair can start off as a red bump. As the infection progresses, you may see pus and the bump may grow larger. The area around the infected ingrown hair may also: appear red and irritated.
Will folliculitis go away on its own?
Most cases of folliculitis are mild. It usually goes away on its own within a few days. In some cases, you might need medical treatment, such as antibiotics. Folliculitis isn’t contagious, but it can spread from one part of the skin to another area on your body.
Can folliculitis cause swollen lymph nodes in groin?
It is common for lymph nodes to become swollen due to chemical skin irritations (e.g. from deodorant, small wounds (e.g. after hair removal), folliculitis, or an ingrown hair.