Is folliculitis contagious?

This article was professionally consulted by Dr. Le Thi Thu Hang - Dermatologist - Department of Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
 

Folliculitis is an inflammation of one or more hair follicles. The disease occurs at any age, especially in adolescents and young people.
The main causes are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in addition to fungi, Herpes simplex virus...
 

1. Symptoms of folliculitis

Signs of folliculitis include:

• Small papules in the hair follicles, with crusts on them, painless, after a few days of progression, the lesions can heal without leaving scars.
• The number of lesions varies depending on the case. Most cases have only a few isolated lesions and are easily overlooked. The disease can recur many times, the lesions spread widely, affecting the quality of life.
• Location of lesions: can occur in any area of ​​the skin of the body except the palms and soles.

When to see a doctor?
Patients should consult a doctor if the condition worsens or the symptoms persist for several days. You may need an antibiotic or antifungal medication to help control this condition.
 

2. Is folliculitis contagious?

Folliculitis is rarely contagious, however, the causative agent is bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Herpes simplex virus which can be transmitted through sharing of items such as razors, towels, direct contact...

Some factors that easily cause folliculitis include:

• Wearing tight clothes
• Wearing wet skin
• Increased sweating
• Scratching, scratching
• Shaving
• Plucking hair
• Drugs or cosmetics that irritate the skin
• Long-term use of topical Corticoid drugs
• Systemic diseases such as: obesity, diabetes, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, kidney failure, hemodialysis, iron deficiency anemia...

3. Complications of Folliculitis

Possible complications of folliculitis include:

• Recurrent infection or spread to other locations
• Boils
• Permanent skin damage, such as scarring or dark patches
• Hair follicle destruction and permanent hair loss
   

4. Preventing folliculitis

You can prevent folliculitis from coming back with the following tips:

• Avoid tight clothing to reduce friction between your skin and clothing.
• Good personal hygiene
• Avoid favorable factors such as hot and humid environments, greasy chemicals
• Early treatment when there is skin damage
• In case of recurrence, pay attention to good hygiene, remove bacteria nests on the skin such as the nasolabial folds, intergluteal folds...

Shave carefully. If you must shave, follow these habits:

• Limit the number of times you shave
• Wash your skin with warm water and antibacterial soap before shaving
• Use a washcloth in a gentle circular motion before shaving
• Use shaving cream before shaving
• Shave in the direction of hair growth
• Avoid shaving too close by using an electric razor or a blade that is protected and does not stretch the skin
• Use a sharp blade and rinse it with warm water after each use
• Apply moisturizer after shaving
• Avoid sharing razors, towels and face towels

Vinmec International General Hospital currently has a package of examination and consultation for treatment of atopic dermatitis for all customers of all ages. Customers at risk such as allergic constitution, affected by environmental conditions such as weather, climate, humidity,... will be examined and tested including:

• Dermatology examination
• Tests such as: IgE quantification, fresh fungal examination, specific IgE quantification with respiratory allergens - food (Panel 1 Viet), Rida Allergy Screen test (Panel 1)...
   

Dr. Thu Hang has over 10 years of experience in the field of dermatology. She is especially experienced in treating adult and pediatric skin diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, autoimmune and rare skin diseases. She has received certificates and university degrees at home and abroad such as: Specialty Degree I - Dermatology, Hanoi Medical University, DFMS Degree - Dermatology, University of Paris XIII, Republic of France before becoming a dermatologist at the Department of Internal Medicine, Vinmec Hai Phong Hospital as it is now.

To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.