Antiseptic washes such as such as 4 per cent chlorhexidine may help with hidradenitis suppurativa or folliculitis. Cetrimide is a common ingredient in licensed antiseptics having surfactant and quaternary ammonium antiseptic properties.17,19,25,27

Povidone iodine or chlorhexidine cream may be suitable for boils. People who experience frequent boils are likely to be S. aureus carriers. Hand sanitisers or antiseptic or antibacterial soaps may help reduce the risk of recurrence (and also the spreading of boils to other people), but antiseptic/antibacterial cream may need to be prescribed if pathogenic bacteria are harboured in the nose.21,22

Comedones and inflammation in acne can respond well to the bactericidal effects of benzoyl peroxide, usually building up the strength gradually.10

As an alternative, azelaic acid has antimicrobial and anti-comedonal properties. The only licensed medicines containing this are prescription only (POM) at 15 and 20 per cent strengths for papulopustular acne on the face, acne vulgaris, and for papulopustular rosacea. However, azelaic acid is available at lower strengths in toiletry products.10,27

Seborrhoeic dermatitis management may be helped with topical ketoconazole 2 per cent shampoos, licensed for use against infections where Malassezia spp is likely.27