Herbal Remedies For Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of your hair follicles. Healthy hair follicles can resist infection; however, when friction or shaving damages your hair follicles, they can become infected with Staphylococcus, a bacterium that lives on the surface of your skin. Symptoms may include itching, rashes or the formation of pimples. Certain herbs may help prevent or treat folliculitis. Check with your doctor before taking any herb to address folliculitis.

Garlic

Garlic is well-known for its role as an immune system booster -- ancient Greek and Roman physicians recommended this herb to prevent bacterial and viral infections, but this herb may also help prevent folliculitis. Garlic is a rich source of sulfur, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, which is a mineral that plays an important role in preventing and treating skin disorders, including folliculitis, when applied to the skin. Talk to your physician before using garlic externally to treat or prevent folliculitis -- this herb may irritate your skin, causing burn-like lesions.

Thyme

Thyme is a common culinary herb used in pasta sauces, casseroles and legume dishes. However, thyme also has a long history of use in herbal medicine. It contains thymol, a chemical compound that may provide antibacterial benefits, according to medical journalist Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Thymol may help clear Staphylococcus bacteria from the surface of your skin, reducing your risk of folliculitis. Check with your doctor before treating folliculitis with thyme. It may cause headaches and nausea.

Clove

Clove is a pungent herb that appears prominently In Indian and Asian cooking. Ancient Chinese physicians used the buds of the clove tree to mask bad breath, and Indian Ayurvedic healers recommended it to treat digestive disorders. Clove contains eugenol, a chemical compound that may help destroy bacteria, says Castleman. This may prevent infection of hair follicles, which can lead to folliculitis. Consult your physician before using clove to address folliculitis -- eugenol may cause diarrhea.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is an herb native to the northeastern United States and was used by Native Americans in this region to treat sore throat and skin wounds, notes Castleman. Berberine, the primary chemical compound in goldenseal root, may destroy Staphylococcus bacteria, preventing the infection of hair follicles. Talk to your doctor if you plan to use goldenseal to prevent or treat folliculitis -- goldenseal may cause blood pressure changes and stomach pains.