What department should I visit for folliculitis?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Folliculitis is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, consuming spicy and stimulating food, or frequent sleep deprivation, leading to bacterial infection on the skin surface. This condition falls under the treatment category of dermatology, and one can register for treatment at the dermatology department of a formal hospital. Generally, oral and topical medications are commonly used and are largely effective in treating the condition. If an individual folliculitis lesion appears significantly with a white pus head, it can be disinfected with iodophor, then pricked with a needle to drain the pus and blood. If folliculitis appears on the scalp and results in significant swelling, surgical incision and drainage may be required. After recovery, it is important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle habits to prevent recurrence of the condition.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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What should I do about folliculitis?

Folliculitis refers to an inflammatory change in the skin appendages, which is quite common and can occur on the scalp as well as in areas of abundant sebum secretion such as the face, chest, and back. It is more prevalent in males, with symptoms generally more severe than in females. A low-fat diet is advised, avoiding spicy foods, and consuming more green vegetables and coarse fibers to regulate lipid metabolism, in addition to anti-inflammatory and other symptomatic treatments. Oral medications such as ebastine tablets, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, and vitamin B6 tablets can be used in combination with systemic antibiotics like clarithromycin extended-release tablets and doxycycline hydrochloride capsules. Traditional Chinese medicines like tanshinone can also be utilized, along with topical applications such as clindamycin phosphate gel and fusidic acid cream. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What department should I go to for folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the skin's surface, and this condition falls under the purview of dermatology, which can be treated at a regular hospital's dermatology department. This disease is related to excessive sebum secretion, consumption of spicy and irritating food, or frequent late nights. Prompt treatment is necessary once symptoms appear, and it can involve oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods and try not to stay up late as this disease has a particularly high recurrence rate. If the folliculitis is relatively large, you can visit the dermatology department of a regular hospital for a minor surgery to drain pus. If it is small, local disinfection followed by using a needle to puncture and clean out the pus and blood may suffice.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat folliculitis scabs?

When scabbing occurs in folliculitis, it generally indicates that the follicle has almost completely healed, and no special treatment is necessary. However, some cases of folliculitis, especially severe ones, may still have underlying inflammation despite the surface being covered with a scab. In such cases, you can disinfect with iodine and then remove the scab to further clean out any pus or blood underneath. Generally speaking, folliculitis is relatively easy to treat with oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, lancing or surgically opening the follicle to drain pus might be necessary. After recovery, it is important to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and not stay up late.

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Written by Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What should not be eaten with folliculitis due to lung heat?

In clinical practice, dietary restrictions for folliculitis due to lung heat typically include avoiding or reducing the intake of spicy, greasy, and cold foods. The so-called spicy foods refer to hot pots, barbecues, and dry pots, especially those containing cumin, chili, and Sichuan pepper. These aromatic and spicy foods should not be consumed. What are cold foods? Examples include ice cream and popsicles, as these can transform dampness into heat, thus such cold foods should also be avoided. Greasy foods include rich oil-based soups or broths, which are also not suitable for consumption during folliculitis.

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Written by Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
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How should folliculitis be treated?

Folliculitis is caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicles. The first step in treating folliculitis is to maintain skin cleanliness. In the summer, it is important to bathe and change clothes frequently. Additionally, topical medications can be used, such as mupirocin ointment. For some cases of folliculitis that have not yet suppurated, ichthammol ointment can be applied to the swollen areas, and topical iodine can be used. For more severe cases of folliculitis, especially when boils form or multiple follicles are affected and congested, oral medications may be used. Commonly used in clinical settings are penicillins or cephalosporins if the patient is not allergic to them. Alternatively, macrolides like erythromycin, or fluoroquinolones and quinolones can be chosen. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a physician.)