Folliculitis is a skin condition characterized by inflammation of your hair follicles. Shaving, blockage of follicles by skin oils or dead skin cells or friction caused by clothing can damage your hair follicles, which can become infected with fungi or Staphylococcus bacteria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Herbs cannot cure folliculitis; however, certain herbs may help reduce your risk of developing this condition. Talk to your physician before using any herb to treat folliculitis.
Aloe
Aloe has been used in herbal skin remedies for more than 3,500 years -- ancient Egyptians used this herb as a treatment for skin rashes and infections. Greek healers used aloe to soothe skin burns and cuts. Aloe may speed the healing of skin damage, reducing the risk of fungal or bacterial infection, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." The gel contained in aloe leaves may also offer antibacterial and antifungal benefits. Check with your doctor before treating folliculitis with aloe. In rare cases, aloe may cause an allergic reaction that produces skin welts.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is most well known in the United States as an herbal treatment for depression. However, this herb has a long history of use as a remedy for skin problems. Greek and Roman physicians used St. John's wort as a treatment for wounds and burns more than 2,000 years ago, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." St. John's wort contains hypericin, a chemical that may offer antibiotic benefits. This herb may help prevent infections of damaged follicles. Consult your doctor if you plan to treat or prevent folliculitis with St. John's wort -- it may elevate blood pressure, particularly with taken with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors used to treat depression.
Ginkgo
The "Pen Tsao Ching," a Chinese herbal manual written about 3,500 BCE, described ginkgo as a remedy for heart and lung problems, according to Castleman. Ancient Chinese healers also treated asthma, inflammation and chills with ginkgo. This herb may also offer benefits for folliculitis. Ginkgo may improve blood flow to the veins in your skin, which may improve delivery of vitamin E and oxygen necessary for healing. Consult your physician before using ginkgo to prevent or treat folliculitis. Ginkgo may reduce your body's ability to produce platelets necessary for blood clotting.
Garlic
Although people in the United States know garlic for its potential to ward off flu and cold symptoms, this herb may have a variety of other uses. Greek and Roman healers used garlic to treat digestive disorders, and British physicians used it to treat dysentery. Allicin and ajoene, the chemical compounds found in garlic cloves, may also help destroy bacteria and fungi on the surface of your skin, according to Castleman. This may help prevent follicular infection. Check with your doctor before treating folliculitis with garlic. This herb may occasionally cause skin rashes, and may thin your blood.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Folliculitis; Linda Vorvick, M.D.; November 2008
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