Does folliculitis hurt?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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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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What are the symptoms of folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a common purulent inflammatory skin disease, usually caused by bacterial infection. The symptoms of folliculitis initially manifest as small red papules which, after several days or weeks, develop small pustules at the center with a surrounding erythema forming pustules. These dry out or rupture later to form yellow crusts. Generally, there are no scars left after the crust peels off.

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How to completely cure folliculitis?

The occurrence of folliculitis is related to the immune status of the body. To avoid recurrence, regular dietary and lifestyle habits are necessary, along with adjustments to the body's immune status. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, and enhance the cleanliness of the scalp and skin. Anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatments should be administered, including oral ingestion of Tanshinone IIA sulfonate capsules and Doxycycline Hydrochloride capsules. Topical use of Fusidic acid cream on the affected follicle areas can be combined with physical therapies, such as red and blue light exposure twice a week for three consecutive weeks, thus achieving anti-inflammatory effects and improving microcirculation. Folliculitis commonly occurs in oily skin types, therefore, it is advisable to consume more green vegetables and coarse fibers to regulate metabolism. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a physician.)

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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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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 Liu Gang
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Does folliculitis require surgery?

Folliculitis generally does not require surgery, and can be completely cured by commonly used oral and topical anti-inflammatory drugs. If individual folliculitis is particularly prominent and has some pustules, you can disinfect the area locally, then use a needle to break them open and clean out the pus and blood. Unless the folliculitis is large, especially those on the scalp, and chronic medication is ineffective and gradually worsening, surgery might be required. You can go to the dermatology department of a regular hospital for surgery to completely clean out the pus and blood. To prevent recurrence of this disease, avoid spicy and irritating foods, do not stay up late, strengthen exercise, sweat more, and bathe more frequently.