Is chicken skin keratosis pilaris?

Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
Updated on November 07, 2024
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Chicken skin, scientifically known as keratosis pilaris, is a chronic keratinizing skin disease of the hair follicles, not folliculitis. Keratosis pilaris has a high prevalence rate, often beginning in childhood and becoming significantly worse during adolescence. The condition may be related to genetics, vitamin A deficiency, and metabolic disorders. It commonly occurs on the upper arms, near the shoulders, and on the extensor sides of the thighs. Chicken skin appears as a distinctive rough texture on the skin, with follicular papules ranging from the size of a pinhead to a grain, matching the color of the skin, and not merging. Generally, this condition does not require treatment as it primarily affects only the aesthetic appearance of the skin. However, topical treatments such as tretinoin cream and urea cream can be used, and in severe cases, oral vitamin A, vitamin E, or retinoid medications may be prescribed. (Use medications under medical supervision.)

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Causes of Female Vulvar Folliculitis

The occurrence of vulvar folliculitis in women has many causes. The main reason might be related to wearing overly tight underwear and skinny jeans, as well as garments made from non-breathable materials. It could also be related to hot weather conditions where women's skin tends to be more moist and prone to sweating. Another possible cause is poor genital hygiene, which is a likely factor. Additionally, it could be associated with sexual partners, hence it is necessary to identify the specific causes and investigate them one by one.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
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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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can folliculitis patients eat eggs?

Folliculitis is a disease caused by inflammation and infection within the body, which is related to the patient's long-term consumption of spicy and stimulating food, staying up late, feeling anxious or stressed, and frequent visits to public baths. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that this condition is associated with internal damp-heat and toxic dampness. After the onset of folliculitis, eating chicken eggs generally has no impact, as eggs primarily contain protein and cholesterol, which do not affect folliculitis. However, it is essential to avoid spicy and stimulating foods, try not to stay up late, and regularly exercise to enhance immunity. Treatment can involve oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. If some folliculitis lesions are particularly large, they can be disinfected locally and then punctured to drain the pus. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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
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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.