Is folliculitis contagious?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Folliculitis is a type of inflammatory infectious disease that is not contagious, meaning it does not spread through contact between individuals. This condition is mainly associated with excessive sebum secretion, consumption of spicy and irritating foods, and frequent sleep deprivation leading to bacterial infections on the skin surface. Once it occurs, commonly used oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications can completely cure it. After recovery, it is important to avoid spicy and irritating foods for a long period, try not to stay up late, avoid bathing in public baths or swimming in public pools, not keep small animals at home, and possibly take some medication to reduce sebum secretion. If individual folliculitis does not subside over time, it can be disinfected with iodophor, then punctured with a needle to clean out the pus and blood.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Does folliculitis hurt?

Folliculitis is usually associated with excessive sebum secretion by one's own glands, consumption of spicy and irritating foods, or frequent staying up late, leading to inflammatory hyperplasia on the skin surface. Generally, these are relatively small and the symptoms are mild. There is a feeling of pain when pressed by hand. However, some cases of folliculitis are severe and may resemble large abscesses, especially on the scalp where the pain can be more intense, particularly when touching or squeezing with hands. Once folliculitis occurs, it is best to treat it with oral and topical anti-inflammatory drugs. It is important to avoid spicy and irritating foods and not to stay up late. If an individual follicle becomes significantly enlarged, it is advisable to seek surgical excision and drainage at a dermatology department of a formal hospital.

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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is folliculitis contagious?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the skin surface caused by self-inflammation infection, primarily related to Staphylococcus aureus, and some are caused by Keratinophyton infections. Generally, this disease is not contagious and will not spread through contact with others. However, some cases of the disease can progressively develop into more severe forms, forming large abscesses or cysts. Therefore, once folliculitis occurs, it is essential to undergo proper treatment, which can include oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. If the folliculitis is relatively minor, it can also be treated by disinfecting with iodine followed by lancing to clean out the pus and blood. It is important to consistently avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, and avoid public baths and swimming pools.

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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. If the folliculitis is severe and there is obvious surrounding swelling, it is known as a furuncle or boil. When multiple furuncles involve several hair follicles, it forms a carbuncle. Thus, the infection severity differs between folliculitis, furuncles, and carbuncles. How is folliculitis treated? First, it is important to maintain clean and hygienic skin and to enhance the body's immune system. Treatment primarily involves topical medications. In the early stages before abscess formation, mupirocin ointment can be used. If there is significant surrounding swelling, ichthammol ointment or topical iodine complex can be used. For more severe cases of folliculitis, oral antibiotics may be selected based on the condition, including penicillins such as cephalosporins, or erythromycin and other macrolide antibiotics, but it is important to ensure there is no allergy to these antibiotics before use.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of Female Vulvar Folliculitis

The occurrence of vulvar folliculitis in women has many causes. The main reason might be related to wearing overly tight underwear and skinny jeans, as well as garments made from non-breathable materials. It could also be related to hot weather conditions where women's skin tends to be more moist and prone to sweating. Another possible cause is poor genital hygiene, which is a likely factor. Additionally, it could be associated with sexual partners, hence it is necessary to identify the specific causes and investigate them one by one.