Is there a pill you can take for folliculitis? Your guide to oral treatments

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

While many mild cases of folliculitis clear up on their own within a week or two, more severe or widespread infections may require oral medication. So, is there a pill you can take for folliculitis? The answer is yes, but the specific pill depends on the underlying cause of the infection.

Quick Summary

Yes, oral medications can treat folliculitis, but they are typically reserved for severe, persistent, or widespread infections. The right medication depends on the cause of the infection, which can be bacterial, fungal, or viral.

Key Points

Oral Medication Is For Severe Cases: Oral pills are typically prescribed for folliculitis that is widespread, deep, or doesn't respond to topical treatments.
Diagnosis Determines Treatment: The specific oral medication you need depends on whether your folliculitis is caused by bacteria, fungus, or a virus.
Oral Antibiotics Target Bacteria: Common oral antibiotics like cephalexin and doxycycline are prescribed for moderate-to-severe bacterial infections.
Oral Antifungals Treat Yeast: If yeast causes your folliculitis, oral antifungals such as fluconazole or itraconazole are effective systemic treatments.
Antivirals for Herpes-Related Cases: Acyclovir or valacyclovir may be used if the folliculitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Isotretinoin for Special Cases: Oral isotretinoin can be the most effective treatment for specific forms, such as gram-negative folliculitis.
Medical Supervision is Key: Proper diagnosis and a prescribed treatment plan from a healthcare provider are essential for treating severe folliculitis.

When Oral Medications Are Needed

Most superficial cases of folliculitis are effectively treated with topical creams, gels, or washes. However, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medication if your condition is:

Extensive or widespread: Affecting a large area of the body.
Deep: Such as boils (furuncles) or clusters of boils (carbuncles).
Persistent or recurrent: Not responding to topical treatments or keeps returning.
Caused by a specific pathogen: For example, certain fungal or viral infections require systemic treatment.

Oral Medications for Specific Types of Folliculitis

Because folliculitis can have different causes, a proper diagnosis from a doctor is essential to determine the correct course of treatment.

Oral Antibiotics for Bacterial Folliculitis

Staphylococcus aureus: This is the most common cause of bacterial folliculitis. Oral antibiotics are used for moderate to severe cases. Common options include:
- Cephalexin (Keflex): A common first-line oral antibiotic.
- Dicloxacillin: A penicillin-resistant penicillin for staph infections.
- Doxycycline or Minocycline: Tetracycline-class antibiotics effective for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Hot Tub Folliculitis (Pseudomonas): This often clears up on its own, but persistent cases may be treated with oral ciprofloxacin.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis: A rare form resulting from long-term antibiotic use for acne, where resistant bacteria take over. The most effective treatment is often oral isotretinoin.
MRSA: If methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is suspected, your doctor may prescribe alternative antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or clindamycin.

Oral Antifungals for Fungal Folliculitis

Pityrosporum (Malassezia) Folliculitis: This form is caused by yeast and often misdiagnosed as acne. Oral antifungal agents are often more effective than topical ones, especially for widespread cases. Your doctor may prescribe:
- Fluconazole (Diflucan): Often preferred for its better side effect profile.
- Itraconazole (Sporanox): Another effective option for treating yeast-related folliculitis.

Oral Antivirals for Viral Folliculitis

Herpetic Folliculitis: A rare form caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is treated similarly to other herpes infections. Common oral antiviral medications include:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- Famciclovir (Famvir)

Oral Medications for Other Types of Folliculitis

Demodex Folliculitis: This is caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites. Severe cases may require oral antiparasitic medication, such as ivermectin.
Eosinophilic Folliculitis: A rare, intensely itchy form that is not infectious and is often associated with HIV/AIDS. Oral indomethacin is a first-line treatment for the classic type. For HIV-associated cases, effective antiretroviral therapy can significantly improve symptoms. Other options may include dapsone or minocycline.
Folliculitis Decalvans: This rare, severe, and scarring type requires specialized treatment. Oral isotretinoin has shown high rates of remission in some cases.

Comparing Common Oral Folliculitis Medications


Medication Type	Common Examples	Primary Use	When Prescribed	Key Considerations
Oral Antibiotics	Cephalexin, Dicloxacillin, Doxycycline	Moderate to severe bacterial folliculitis caused by S. aureus	Widespread infection, deep boils, or non-response to topical treatments	Not effective for non-bacterial causes; can contribute to antibiotic resistance
Oral Antifungals	Fluconazole, Itraconazole	Fungal folliculitis (Pityrosporum/Malassezia)	Cases unresponsive to topical antifungals, or extensive infections	Less of a hassle than topical treatments for widespread cases
Oral Antivirals	Acyclovir, Valacyclovir	Viral folliculitis caused by herpes simplex virus	Outbreaks of herpetic folliculitis, managed similarly to other herpes infections	Ineffective for bacterial or fungal infections
Oral Retinoids	Isotretinoin	Gram-negative folliculitis; severe cases of Folliculitis Decalvans	Refractory cases, those with a history of long-term antibiotic use	Highly effective but has significant side effects and monitoring requirements
Oral Antiparasitics	Ivermectin	Demodex folliculitis	When topical treatments are insufficient for mite-related folliculitis	Requires a proper diagnosis for a rare form of folliculitis

Conclusion: Your Path to Recovery

Yes, a pill can be an effective treatment for folliculitis, but it is not the first-line defense for every case. The need for an oral medication is determined by the infection's severity, location, and underlying cause, which can be bacterial, fungal, or viral. A thorough diagnosis is the most critical first step to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment, whether it's a simple topical solution or a more powerful systemic medication.

If you have persistent, spreading, or deep folliculitis, consult a dermatologist. They can help identify the specific cause and create a tailored treatment plan to clear your infection effectively. For more information on managing skin conditions, consider visiting the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website, which offers many resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

A doctor would prescribe an oral antibiotic for folliculitis if the infection is widespread, deep (like a boil or carbuncle), or hasn't improved after using topical treatments. Common antibiotics include cephalexin or dicloxacillin.

No, oral antibiotics are ineffective against fungal folliculitis, also known as Pityrosporum or Malassezia folliculitis. This type of infection requires oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole or itraconazole.

Hot tub folliculitis, caused by Pseudomonas bacteria, typically clears up on its own within a week. If symptoms persist or you are immunocompromised, a doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic like ciprofloxacin.

Yes, oral isotretinoin is used for specific, severe, and persistent types of folliculitis, such as gram-negative folliculitis and the scarring condition folliculitis decalvans. It is not a first-line treatment for most cases.

Viral folliculitis, often caused by the herpes simplex virus, is treated with oral antiviral medications. These include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, similar to treatment for other herpes infections.

Deep infections, such as boils and carbuncles, require oral medication because topical treatments cannot effectively penetrate the skin to reach the infection's source. A doctor may also need to drain large lesions.

The timeframe for improvement varies depending on the type of folliculitis and the medication used. In many cases, you may see improvement within a week or two, but it's important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.