Is folliculitis contagious?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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 Li Ya Ping
Dermatology Department
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How should folliculitis be treated?

Folliculitis is caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicles. The first step in treating folliculitis is to maintain skin cleanliness. In the summer, it is important to bathe and change clothes frequently. Additionally, topical medications can be used, such as mupirocin ointment. For some cases of folliculitis that have not yet suppurated, ichthammol ointment can be applied to the swollen areas, and topical iodine can be used. For more severe cases of folliculitis, especially when boils form or multiple follicles are affected and congested, oral medications may be used. Commonly used in clinical settings are penicillins or cephalosporins if the patient is not allergic to them. Alternatively, macrolides like erythromycin, or fluoroquinolones and quinolones can be chosen. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What causes folliculitis?

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
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What is folliculitis excision surgery?

Most cases of folliculitis are not very severe and can usually be gradually reduced with common oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. If a particular folliculitis is relatively large, with a pronounced pustule, local disinfection and lancing to remove pus and blood may also be considered. Some cases of folliculitis are characteristically very painful and soft to the touch; in these instances, surgical drainage may be employed. Generally, after thorough surgical cleaning, the area can slowly heal. During treatment, anti-inflammatory medications should continue to be taken orally. It's recommended to avoid spicy and irritating foods for a long period, avoid staying up late, and it is best not to keep small animals at home or go to public baths and swimming pools. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.