How is folliculitis considered cured?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 27sec home-news-image

How is folliculitis treated?

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles and surrounding tissues. Most cases of folliculitis are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, with occasional infections from epidermal staphylococci, Streptococci, E. coli, and others either alone or in combination. Another scenario involves fungal folliculitis secondary to bacterial infection, typically involving Malassezia, spores, and Dermatophytes. Contributing factors include high temperatures, excessive sweating, scratching, poor hygiene habits, certain chronic systemic diseases, and long-term use of corticosteroids. Therefore, the treatment of folliculitis requires understanding the specific cause of the infection, followed by targeted treatment of the cause. Initial measures should focus on maintaining skin cleanliness and hygiene, preventing injuries, and boosting the body's immune system, primarily using topical medications. For widespread folliculitis or severe secondary infections, systemic medication may be required. If there is a concurrent fungal infection, antifungal medications are also necessary. In severe cases of folliculitis, where there is abscess formation and pus accumulation, timely incision and drainage are needed, and one should avoid squeezing the affected areas.

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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 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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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 Jing
Dermatology
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What should I do about folliculitis?

Folliculitis refers to an inflammatory change in the skin appendages, which is quite common and can occur on the scalp as well as in areas of abundant sebum secretion such as the face, chest, and back. It is more prevalent in males, with symptoms generally more severe than in females. A low-fat diet is advised, avoiding spicy foods, and consuming more green vegetables and coarse fibers to regulate lipid metabolism, in addition to anti-inflammatory and other symptomatic treatments. Oral medications such as ebastine tablets, compound glycyrrhizin tablets, and vitamin B6 tablets can be used in combination with systemic antibiotics like clarithromycin extended-release tablets and doxycycline hydrochloride capsules. Traditional Chinese medicines like tanshinone can also be utilized, along with topical applications such as clindamycin phosphate gel and fusidic acid cream. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)