What causes folliculitis?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 27, 2024

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Folliculitis is a very common skin condition that most people have experienced. It is primarily caused by the infection of the hair follicles and the surrounding areas by bacteria, predominantly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. The scalp, due to its developed sebaceous glands and abundant hair, secretes a lot of oil and is particularly prone to bacterial growth, making it a common site for folliculitis. It is crucial to treat folliculitis with timely anti-infection measures.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

51sec

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What department should I visit for folliculitis?

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 Gang

Dermatology

48sec

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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 Liu Gang

Dermatology

56sec

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Folliculitis should be seen in the dermatology department.

Folliculitis is often due to overactive sebaceous glands, consumption of spicy and irritating food, or frequent late nights, leading to skin inflammatory infections. These often occur on the face, chest, back, or scalp. This condition falls under the scope of dermatology, and treatment can be sought at a standard hospital's dermatology department. Commonly prescribed oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications can completely alleviate the condition. In cases where individual folliculitis is particularly severe and painful, the affected area can be disinfected and lanced with a needle to drain the pus and blood. Afterwards, it is crucial to avoid spicy and irritating foods for a long period, refrain from staying up late, avoid keeping small animals at home, and consume more bland foods. Additionally, consuming Chinese herbal medicines that clear heat and reduce fire can be beneficial.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

50sec

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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

45sec

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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.