Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle that looks like a tiny white pimple at the base of the strand of hair. Each infected hair follicle is slightly painful, but the individual does not feel sick otherwise. Some people suffer from folliculitis after been exposed to a poorly chlorinated hot tub or whirlpool. This condition is often termed "hot-tub folliculitis" or "hot-tub dermatitis," and is caused by the bacterium pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diet can play a vital role in treating folliculitis.
The following are diet tips that may help treat folliculitis:
1. A diet rich in green, yellow, and orange vegetables can bolster natural immunity.
2. A doctor or nutritionist may recommend vitamins or mineral supplements to compensate for specific dietary deficiencies. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day can help flush disease-causing organisms from the body.
3. In addition, supplement your diet with GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that promotes the healthy growth of skin, hair, and nails. Evening primrose oil, black currant oil, and borage oil, taken in capsule form can be effective dietary supplements. Raise your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating more wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, freshly ground flax seeds, or walnuts. Fish oil supplements are also a good addition to your diet.
4. Herbal remedies may also cure folliculitis. Herbs that may help the body overcome, or withstand, folliculitis include garlic (allium sativum), cleavers (galium aparine), goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis), echinacea (echinacea spp.), thyme (thymus vulgaris), lavender (lavandula officinalis), or bergamot (citrus bergamot) oils.
5. Betel leaves and turmeric powder are also useful remedies for folliculitis.
6. Try to include two to three cloves of garlic in your meals every day. Garlic has amazing antiseptic properties, and will help fight the infection. Drink an adequate quantity of water and eat a well-balanced diet with plenty vitamin B and C.
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