How is folliculitis treated?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on May 12, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
56sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

Does folliculitis hurt?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
53sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
58sec home-news-image

Can you drink alcohol with folliculitis?

Folliculitis generally requires abstaining from alcohol, as well as spicy foods like chili peppers, lamb, and seafood. These should be avoided as much as possible because folliculitis is related to consuming spicy and irritating foods, frequently staying up late, and similar habits. Therefore, during the treatment or recovery phase, it is advisable to strictly avoid these, as well as avoiding staying up late, stress, and anxiety. It is also recommended to avoid public baths and swimming pools. Folliculitis is commonly treated with some oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications which can completely cure it. If individual lesions are particularly prominent or painful, local disinfection can be performed, and the pus and blood can be drained by piercing with a needle. For larger, more stubborn folliculitis that does not subside over time, surgical removal may be recommended.