What action is recommended if a hair follicle is infected and the hair has been released?

In the scenario where a hair follicle is infected and the hair has been released, the recommended action is to apply a topical ointment. This approach is important for several reasons. First, a topical ointment can provide antibacterial or antifungal properties, which are crucial to address any potential infection within the follicle. This treatment helps to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and speed up the healing process.

Choosing to leave the area untreated could allow the infection to worsen, potentially leading to more significant issues. Tweezing the hair is not advisable since the hair has already been released, and attempting to remove remaining hair may irritate the infection or cause more trauma to the follicle. Shaving the area may also irritate the skin and does not directly address the underlying infection. Therefore, applying a topical ointment is the most appropriate and effective response in managing an infected follicle post-hair release.