What department should I visit for folliculitis?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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
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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 He Da Wei
Dermatology
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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 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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.