Does folliculitis hurt?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Folliculitis is usually associated with excessive sebum secretion by one's own glands, consumption of spicy and irritating foods, or frequent staying up late, leading to inflammatory hyperplasia on the skin surface. Generally, these are relatively small and the symptoms are mild. There is a feeling of pain when pressed by hand. However, some cases of folliculitis are severe and may resemble large abscesses, especially on the scalp where the pain can be more intense, particularly when touching or squeezing with hands. Once folliculitis occurs, it is best to treat it with oral and topical anti-inflammatory drugs. It is important to avoid spicy and irritating foods and not to stay up late. If an individual follicle becomes significantly enlarged, it is advisable to seek surgical excision and drainage at a dermatology department of a formal hospital.

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What are the symptoms of folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a common purulent inflammatory skin disease, usually caused by bacterial infection. The symptoms of folliculitis initially manifest as small red papules which, after several days or weeks, develop small pustules at the center with a surrounding erythema forming pustules. These dry out or rupture later to form yellow crusts. Generally, there are no scars left after the crust peels off.

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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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Written by Liu Gang
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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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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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How to treat folliculitis in the buttocks area?

Folliculitis in the buttocks should first avoid continued exposure to damp environments, keeping the area dry, and applying topical medications such as Rifan and potassium permanganate solution. Apply these topically twice a day, in the morning and evening, along with oral anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medication. Topical application of traditional Chinese medicine plasters, such as those promoting tissue regrowth and pus discharge, can also be used to break open and heal the pus-filled abscesses formed after folliculitis. Alternatively, using Western medicine approaches, after the acute inflammation and redness subside and significant abscesses form, incision and drainage can be performed. Both of these methods are viable, but avoid incisions and surgical treatments during the acute phase.