What should I do about folliculitis?

Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on May 15, 2025
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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.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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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.

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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What department should I go to for folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the skin's surface, and this condition falls under the purview of dermatology, which can be treated at a regular hospital's dermatology department. This disease is related to excessive sebum secretion, consumption of spicy and irritating food, or frequent late nights. Prompt treatment is necessary once symptoms appear, and it can involve oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. It is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods and try not to stay up late as this disease has a particularly high recurrence rate. If the folliculitis is relatively large, you can visit the dermatology department of a regular hospital for a minor surgery to drain pus. If it is small, local disinfection followed by using a needle to puncture and clean out the pus and blood may suffice.

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Written by Liu Gang
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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.