What are the symptoms of folliculitis?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 04, 2024

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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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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

58sec

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Can you drink alcohol with folliculitis?

Folliculitis generally requires abstaining from alcohol, as well as spicy foods like chili peppers, lamb, and seafood. These should be avoided as much as possible because folliculitis is related to consuming spicy and irritating foods, frequently staying up late, and similar habits. Therefore, during the treatment or recovery phase, it is advisable to strictly avoid these, as well as avoiding staying up late, stress, and anxiety. It is also recommended to avoid public baths and swimming pools. Folliculitis is commonly treated with some oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications which can completely cure it. If individual lesions are particularly prominent or painful, local disinfection can be performed, and the pus and blood can be drained by piercing with a needle. For larger, more stubborn folliculitis that does not subside over time, surgical removal may be recommended.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

53sec

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Is folliculitis contagious?

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 Li Ya Ping

Dermatology Department

1min 12sec

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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 He Da Wei

Dermatology

1min 5sec

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Is chicken skin keratosis pilaris?

Chicken skin, scientifically known as keratosis pilaris, is a chronic keratinizing skin disease of the hair follicles, not folliculitis. Keratosis pilaris has a high prevalence rate, often beginning in childhood and becoming significantly worse during adolescence. The condition may be related to genetics, vitamin A deficiency, and metabolic disorders. It commonly occurs on the upper arms, near the shoulders, and on the extensor sides of the thighs. Chicken skin appears as a distinctive rough texture on the skin, with follicular papules ranging from the size of a pinhead to a grain, matching the color of the skin, and not merging. Generally, this condition does not require treatment as it primarily affects only the aesthetic appearance of the skin. However, topical treatments such as tretinoin cream and urea cream can be used, and in severe cases, oral vitamin A, vitamin E, or retinoid medications may be prescribed. (Use medications under medical supervision.)

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 27sec

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How is folliculitis treated?

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles and surrounding tissues. Most cases of folliculitis are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, with occasional infections from epidermal staphylococci, Streptococci, E. coli, and others either alone or in combination. Another scenario involves fungal folliculitis secondary to bacterial infection, typically involving Malassezia, spores, and Dermatophytes. Contributing factors include high temperatures, excessive sweating, scratching, poor hygiene habits, certain chronic systemic diseases, and long-term use of corticosteroids. Therefore, the treatment of folliculitis requires understanding the specific cause of the infection, followed by targeted treatment of the cause. Initial measures should focus on maintaining skin cleanliness and hygiene, preventing injuries, and boosting the body's immune system, primarily using topical medications. For widespread folliculitis or severe secondary infections, systemic medication may be required. If there is a concurrent fungal infection, antifungal medications are also necessary. In severe cases of folliculitis, where there is abscess formation and pus accumulation, timely incision and drainage are needed, and one should avoid squeezing the affected areas.