How long does a staph (folicalitis) infection last?

Question

Is it different for a nine year old, compared to an adult?

Answer 1

You should see improvement over the course of a week with complete resolution within 2 weeks.  Children typically heal faster than adults.  This is assuming it isn't a complicated infection (redness and swelling expanding in a greater area around the follicle) which would indicate the need for an antibiotic.  These usually resolve with no intervention - just keep it clean and if you would like to feel proactive you can always soak it in the bathtub.  Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Staph is a naturally occuring bacteria that lives on your skin, so that won't go away. The infection will go away with treatment usu antibiotics and topical antibiotics... The antibiotics therapy might take 10 days to complete, but you should see a lessening of symptoms in 1 or 2 days.