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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What is vulvar folliculitis?

All parts of the body have hair follicles, and inflammation of these follicles is called folliculitis. When folliculitis occurs in the pubic area, it is referred to as vulvar folliculitis. During mild cases of vulvar folliculitis, topical erythromycin ointment can be used, and keeping the vulvar area dry and clean generally results in improvement and healing. However, if the folliculitis is severe and topical medications are insufficient, oral antibiotics may be required for treatment. If a follicular abscess develops, surgical incision and drainage may be necessary.

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Can folliculitis be popped?

Generally speaking, folliculitis can mostly subside slowly by itself through oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications. If an individual follicle is particularly large, or if long-term medication is ineffective, local disinfection followed by draining the pus can be effective. This condition is associated with vigorous secretion of sebaceous glands, eating spicy and stimulating foods, or frequently staying up late. Therefore, after recovery, it is essential to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits: avoid staying up late and consuming spicy or heavily flavored foods. Regular exercise, frequent bathing, and sweating can help prevent relapse. Continuously taking medications that reduce sebaceous gland secretion or those that clear heat and purge fire long-term can also be beneficial.

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How to treat folliculitis in the buttocks area?

Folliculitis in the buttocks should first avoid continued exposure to damp environments, keeping the area dry, and applying topical medications such as Rifan and potassium permanganate solution. Apply these topically twice a day, in the morning and evening, along with oral anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medication. Topical application of traditional Chinese medicine plasters, such as those promoting tissue regrowth and pus discharge, can also be used to break open and heal the pus-filled abscesses formed after folliculitis. Alternatively, using Western medicine approaches, after the acute inflammation and redness subside and significant abscesses form, incision and drainage can be performed. Both of these methods are viable, but avoid incisions and surgical treatments during the acute phase.

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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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Does folliculitis recur?

Folliculitis tends to recur frequently and is generally related to one’s diet and lifestyle habits. Long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, staying up late, and experiencing anxiety or stress can all lead to repeated episodes of folliculitis. Once this condition appears, it is essential to seek proper treatment. Treatment should be sought from a dermatology department at an established hospital, including oral and topical medications, and can be complemented with red light therapy. After treatment, it is crucial to avoid spicy and irritating foods, staying up late, and situations that may cause anxiety or stress for an extended period. It is also advisable to avoid public baths and swimming pools. For individual cases of folliculitis, if the lesion is relatively large, it can be disinfected with povidone-iodine, then lanced to clean out the pus and blood. Regular consumption of heat-clearing, anti-inflammatory traditional Chinese medications can also be beneficial. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not self-medicate.)