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 Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of vulvar folliculitis

The symptoms of vulvar folliculitis generally manifest as redness, swelling, heat, and pain. When folliculitis occurs in the vulvar area, it can cause redness and swelling of the affected follicles, sometimes with a burning sensation, as well as pain in the area. If the inflammation is pronounced, the redness and swelling of the folliculitis can be severe, and pus formation may also occur. In such cases, it is necessary to puncture the pustules to drain the pus. The vulvar area has a rich supply of hair follicles and poor ventilation, making it susceptible to folliculitis. It is crucial to maintain good hygiene in the genital area.

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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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Dermatology
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How is folliculitis considered cured?

After treatment for folliculitis, if the affected area feels completely flat when touched by hand, without any protruding or proliferative hard nodules, or red bumps, and lacks any pustule-like papules, it is generally considered to be healed. However, even though the condition has healed, it cannot be completely eradicated and there is still a risk of recurrence. It is crucial to avoid spicy and irritating foods long-term, try not to stay up late, engage in regular exercise, sweat more, bathe more frequently, and avoid soaking in public baths or swimming to reduce the possibility of bacterial infections. Also, avoid consuming spicy, greasy, or sweet foods as they can increase internal heat and dampness in the body, potentially exacerbating folliculitis. Therefore, once this condition occurs, it is essential to undergo standardized treatment.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What should not be eaten with folliculitis due to lung heat?

In clinical practice, dietary restrictions for folliculitis due to lung heat typically include avoiding or reducing the intake of spicy, greasy, and cold foods. The so-called spicy foods refer to hot pots, barbecues, and dry pots, especially those containing cumin, chili, and Sichuan pepper. These aromatic and spicy foods should not be consumed. What are cold foods? Examples include ice cream and popsicles, as these can transform dampness into heat, thus such cold foods should also be avoided. Greasy foods include rich oil-based soups or broths, which are also not suitable for consumption during folliculitis.

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Does folliculitis recur?

Folliculitis tends to recur frequently and is generally related to one’s diet and lifestyle habits. Long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, staying up late, and experiencing anxiety or stress can all lead to repeated episodes of folliculitis. Once this condition appears, it is essential to seek proper treatment. Treatment should be sought from a dermatology department at an established hospital, including oral and topical medications, and can be complemented with red light therapy. After treatment, it is crucial to avoid spicy and irritating foods, staying up late, and situations that may cause anxiety or stress for an extended period. It is also advisable to avoid public baths and swimming pools. For individual cases of folliculitis, if the lesion is relatively large, it can be disinfected with povidone-iodine, then lanced to clean out the pus and blood. Regular consumption of heat-clearing, anti-inflammatory traditional Chinese medications can also be beneficial. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not self-medicate.)