Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, is an essential nutrient that is found in plants as well as meats. This vitamin helps facilitate the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats in the body. Pantothenic acid does not have any medical uses that have been scientifically proven, but some natural healing enthusiasts claim that it can be used to cure skin ailments such as acne or folliculitis, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Folliculitis and Keloids
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle. This condition can be caused by chafing, blockage of the hair follicle or by shaving. When the follicle is irritated, bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus can enter the skin, causing an infection. Folliculitis can lead to keloid scars, particularly for people of African American descent. Keloid scars are raised scars that may be a different color than the rest of the skin. These hair follicles may not be destroyed by the scarring, which means that the folliculitis can recur.
Pantothenic Acid and Keloids
Many claims are associated with pantothenic acid. One claim is that pantothenic acid can unclog hair follicles, which can release the bacteria and therefore cure the folliculitis before a keloid scar is formed. However, no scientific evidence exists that pantothenic acid can cure folliculitis or stop the formation of keloid scars. However, if you are interested in trying a topical pantothenic acid ointment for your folliculitis, you can find an ointment online or at your natural health foods store.
Other Treatments for Folliculitis
Folliculitis will usually heal on its own, but if your folliculitis is forming keloid scars you may wish to take steps to clear up the infection before the scars can form. Proven remedies for folliculitis are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Topical antibiotic ointments and oral antibiotics can eliminate the infection. Avoid shaving the affected area or wearing chafing clothing while you are treating the folliculitis or it may worsen and spread to other hair follicles.
When to Consult a Physician
Consult a physician if the folliculitis doesn't improve within a few days. You may have developed a fungal form of folliculitis, or folliculitis caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Your physician will need to test the pus in the hair follicle to determine the source of the infection. She will then prescribe an anti-fungal medication or antibiotic to treat the cause. Do not delay because even if your folliculitis does not bother you, it may be serious if it is caused by MRSA. MRSA is highly contagious and can be life-threatening for those with a compromised immune system.
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