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 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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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 Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is vulvar folliculitis?

All parts of the body have hair follicles, and inflammation of these follicles is called folliculitis. When folliculitis occurs in the pubic area, it is referred to as vulvar folliculitis. During mild cases of vulvar folliculitis, topical erythromycin ointment can be used, and keeping the vulvar area dry and clean generally results in improvement and healing. However, if the folliculitis is severe and topical medications are insufficient, oral antibiotics may be required for treatment. If a follicular abscess develops, surgical incision and drainage may be necessary.

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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.