Finally Alternatives to Antibiotics!

I've had the bacterial form of folliculitis for over 20 years and have reasonably controlled folliculitis symptoms for 15 years by taking oral antibiotics Erythromycin 500 mg twice per day and applying Mupirocin ointment. I've been searching for natural alternatives because I've since discovered antibiotics have contributed to my significant weight gain and left me with mental fatigue.

Here's what I've found that works and has been controlling symptoms as well as antibiotics for over two months now. I've read forums, articles, and research to find these alternative treatments. Thanks to all those on this forum who suggested some of these treatments.

A. Oral Treatment:

Garlic - 2000 mg twice per day - Nature's Bounty brand.
Turmeric - 720 mg twice per day - Swanson brand.
Oil of Oregano - 300 mg twice per day - Swanson brand.
Bioperine - 10 mg twice per day - Swanson brand.
Probiotics - One twice per day - Nutrition Now Pb 8 Acidophilus brand.
Multivitamin - Use any well known and reviewed brand.

B. Topical Treatment:

Isopropyl Alcohol, Witch Hazel, and Essential Oils

Combine 12 ounces of 91% isopropyl alcohol, 4 ounces of witch hazel, 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil, 10 drops oil of oregano, and mix well. Apply liberally with a cotton ball. All of these ingredients are antibacterial and the witch hazel will reduce the harmful rubbing alcohol fumes and has antiseptic benefits and reduces inflammation.

Baby Shampoo

Read this on a cancer forum. Folliculitis is common when undergoing chemotherapy. Cancer patients found this helped. I use the fragrance and sulfate free "Sweet Baby" brand.

Neutrogena T-Sal Shampoo

Salicylic acid ingredient is great at removing scalp dryness. I alternate between this and baby shampoo because it can be too harsh on the scalp if used daily.

Hibiclens

Excellent at killing bacteria and getting the infection under control. Don't get in your eyes or ears because can cause blindness and deafness if it gets in those areas. *Tip use swimming goggles and ear plugs when applying and rinsing. I used this for two weeks but found it's no longer needed once the infection is under control and might have been causing mild skin irritation.

Mupirocin

Prescription topical antibiotic ointment that is great for spot treating the occasional flare-up. It can kill the bacteria and will break down crustation on the scalp that can later be removed with the T-Sal shampoo.

Other

Wash hairbrush with Hibiclens weekly. Wash pillow cases and sheets weekly with 20 Mule Borax found in the laundry section. Prevents bacteria growth on these items to prevent reinfection.

Conclusion

Don't be afraid of antibiotics if they can help get the folliculitis infection under control but beware they can wreak havoc on your health if they are used long term as many studies suggest. In fact, you might need to get a severe case of folliculitis under control with oral antibiotics or antifungals depending on the type of folliculitis before following-up with these more natural long term treatment alternatives.

These remedies have helped me control folliculitis symptoms as well or perhaps even better than antibiotics without the side effects of long term use. As you can see, all of the supplements I take are just food products eaten everyday by people and have many health benefits to the heart, brain, and digestive system. They have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties covering gram negative and positive bacteria. You probably don't need to use the same brands but I thought mentioning them so you can compare dosage and ingredients would be helpful if not available in your area or country. Be sure to Google each supplement and read about their benefits, risks, interactions with medications, and side effects before beginning treatment