Folliculitis means your hair follicles, or pores, have a bacterium called "staph aureus" in them. This bacterium can cause a red, often itchy bump or pus bump. The infection can linger for months.

The staph aureus bacteria is often carried in your nose, underarms, belly button, and/or around your anus. To keep the infection under control, or to get rid of it entirely, these areas need to be treated as well as the areas with folliculitis.

Treatment instructions

1. Take the antibiotic orally as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
2. Shower daily. Use 1 teaspoon of Phisohex or Hibiclens (both can irritate eyes, so be careful) on a clean, wet washcloth and wash your body head to toe including the outside openings of your nose, underarms, bellybutton, and anus last. If you have a problem in your scalp, wash your scalp with the cleanser on the washcloth AFTER you have used shampoo and creme rinse. Use the washcloth only once, launder it before using it again. Do this daily for 1 month.
3. Apply a topical antibiotic (Bacitracin, over the counter, about $2 a tube or prescription Bactroban) with a Q-tip inside your nose as far as your pinky nail will go in. Use a fresh Q-tip everytime you touch the medication tube. Do this daily for 1 month.
4. If you have the infection in an area that is being shaved, use only a disposable razor, and throw it away after one use.
5. Call your healthcare provider if your condition persists despite these treaments.