Ayurvedic Natural Solutions for Folliculitis 

Imagine getting ready for a big event, or a date, or even a meeting and you notice those tiny red bumps on your skin. The itchiness starts creeping in and you can’t help but sigh with a “Not again!” Folliculitis has arrived once more!

This frustrating skin condition is caused by irritated or inflamed hair follicles, and starts as a seemingly minor annoyance but can quickly escalate into discomfort and frustration. At first, it may seem harmless, but as those red spots spread and the itching gets worse, slowly reminding of its unwelcome presence.

We’ve all been there—searching for remedies and relief, only to find solutions that don’t last. But what if there’s hope beyond the creams and treatments you’ve tried? What if there’s a natural, ancient way to deal with folliculitis that actually helps?

Let’s take you through a journey of Ayurvedic treatments for folliculitis, offering a natural, long-lasting path to relief.

Ayurveda’s Take on Folliculitis 

In Ayurveda, folliculitis^1,2 is known as “Visphotak” and is considered a type of minor skin condition, categorized under Kshudra Kushta Roga (a term used for minor skin problems). 

So, what really causes this skin condition? As per the ancient science of Ayurveda, it all depends on the Pitta and Kapha Doshas—two energy forces in the body. When these doshas are out of balance, they can trigger folliculitis, affecting your hair follicles and surrounding skin.

Pitta acts as the fiery, hot energy in your body which might go out of balance, giving out too much heat or inflammation in your body. On the other hand, Kapha is the heavier, damp energy—like a clog that makes everything feel itchy and weighed down.

When these doshas get imbalanced, they leave behind visible signs:

• Daah – A burning sensation around the affected follicles.
• Paak – Inflammation, causing the area to look red and swollen.
• Kandu – That unrelenting, frustrating itch.
• Ruja – Pain and tenderness in the area.
• Rakta Varna Twak – Your skin may show reddish-brown discoloration, which isn’t ideal!

Now that you know Ayurveda’s causes and signs of folliculitis, let’s dive into how it can help soothe and heal this troublesome skin condition.

Treatment of Folliculitis in Ayurveda

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to treating folliculitis–instead of just covering up the symptoms, Ayurveda focuses on the root cause, bringing your body and mind back into balance. Here’s how Ayurveda tackles Folliculitis and restores harmony to your skin:

Blood Purification Measures

Your blood acts as the highway that carries life through your body. When Pitta becomes unbalanced, it can disrupt this flow. Ayurveda suggests blood purification herbs (called Raktashodhak) to detoxify your blood, clearing out the Pitta causing the problem.

These are a few herbal decoctions to try:

• Neem Decoction
• Manjistha Decoction
• Sariva Decoction
• Guduchi Decoction
• Yashtimadhu Decoction

To prepare these decoctions, simply simmer the needed herbs in water, just like brewing tea. Sip this soothing drink in the morning for about a month, then take a 15-day break for optimal results.

Pacifying Pitta with Medications

When Pitta gets aggravated, it is essential that it cools down. For this purpose, Ayurveda offers several special formulations that gently help soothe and reduce the imbalanced Pitta:

Common Ayurvedic Formulations for Pitta Imbalance:

• Arogya vardhini Vati
• Triphala Guggul
• Vidangasava
• Sarivadyarishtam
• Mahamanjishtadi Kwatha
• Punarnavaadi Kashayam
• Panchatikta Mahakashayam
• AvipattikarChurna
• Amalaki Rasayana
• Sutashekar Rasa

These remedies work best under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician, much like a trusted guide leading you through a journey to wellness.

More information on Acne Causes as per Ayurveda + Natural Remedies is on the blog.

Medicinal Skin Pastes (Lepa)

In Ayurveda, lepa chikitsa refers to soothing skin treatments in the form of medicated pastes. The lepa acts as a natural, healing face mask for your skin, ideal for treating folliculitis.

Herbal pastes to treat folliculitis:

• Aloe Vera Paste
• Haridra (Turmeric) Paste
• Triphala Paste
• Aragvadha Paste
• Neem Paste
• Sandalwood Paste

To make your own Ayurvedic skin mask, mix the above-mentioned herbs with:

• Curd if you’re Vata-dominant,
• Milk if you’re Pitta-dominant,
• Honey if you’re Kapha-dominant.

Apply the paste to your affected skin for 15-20 minutes for a refreshing, soothing experience that helps calm the inflammation and irritation of your skin.

Nourishing Oils for Skin Relief

Abhyanga or Ayurvedic oil massage is a great way to take care of your skin. Ayurveda believes that regular abhyanga can slow down aging, strengthen muscles, and improve skin texture. Indulging in an oil massage can help soothe the fiery irritation caused by folliculitis. It is advised that using gentle oils helps balance Pitta and calm the discomfort. 

Here are some Ayurvedic oils suitable for folliculitis:

• Twakthailam
• Nalapamaradithailam
• Eladikerathailam
• Jatyadithailam
• Kumkumadithailam

These oils provide the perfect relief for inflamed skin, offering a calming effect with each application.

Preventing Future Breakouts

Ayurveda isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about prevention! Nidana Parivarjana³ (avoiding the causes) is a key principle in Ayurveda that implies identifying and removing the triggers or causative factors to help prevent any future flare-ups of folliculitis.

Here are Some Things to Avoid in Your Routine:

• Don’t suppress natural urges (like sneezing, coughing, or using the bathroom). 
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and harsh rays.
• Skip daytime naps and save energy for nighttime rest.

• Steer clear of spicy, salty foods that overheat the body.
• Manage stress and tension to avoid disturbing your internal balance.

These are a Few Things to Follow:

• Follow a diet rich in sweet and bitter tastes—try foods like kale, arugula, beets, and sweet potatoes.
• Incorporate barley, moong lentils, and millet into your meals.
• Add ghee to your dishes for extra nourishment.
• Prioritize good sleep—your skin will thank you for it.
• Stick to a daily routine and adapt to seasonal changes.
• Avoid tight clothes that trap sweat and bacteria.
• Be gentle when shaving—keep the shaved areas clean and moisturized.

Final Thoughts

Ayurveda is all about balance—both inside and out. By restoring harmony to your doshas and nourishing your skin, Ayurveda provides lasting relief from folliculitis. Remember, for personalized advice, always consult an Ayurvedic expert who can tailor the treatment to your unique needs.

So, the next time those red bumps show up, you’ll have Ayurveda’s natural remedies to help you get back to smooth, itch-free skin. With the right approach, folliculitis won’t stand a chance!