Is Folliculitis Contagious?

This article is professionally advised by Dr. Lê Thị Thu Hằng - Dermatologist - Department of General Medicine & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hải Phòng International General Hospital.

Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It can occur at any age, especially in teenagers and young adults.
The main causes are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as fungi and the Herpes simplex virus.

1. Symptoms of Folliculitis

Signs of folliculitis include:

• Small bumps on hair follicles with scales on top, painless, and may heal without scarring after a few days.
• The number of lesions varies. Most cases have only a few isolated lesions that are easy to overlook. The condition can recur multiple times, with lesions spreading and affecting the quality of life.
• Location of lesions: can occur on any skin area of the body except the palms and soles.

When to See a Doctor? You should see a doctor if the inflammation spreads or if the signs and symptoms do not disappear after a few days. You may need an antibiotic or antifungal medication to help control the condition.

2. Is Folliculitis Contagious?

Folliculitis is not highly contagious, but the causative agents, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or the Herpes simplex virus, can be transmitted through shared items like razors, towels, or direct contact.
Some factors that can easily cause folliculitis include:

• Wearing tight clothing
• Moist skin
• Increased sweating
• Scratching or picking
• Shaving
• Hair removal
• Irritating such as medications or cosmetics
• Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids

Systemic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, kidney failure, dialysis, iron deficiency anemia.

3. Complications of Folliculitis

Possible complications of folliculitis include:

• Recurrent infections or spreading to other areas
• Boils
• Permanent skin damage, such as scars or dark spots
• Destruction of hair follicles and permanent hair loss

4. Prevention of Folliculitis

You can prevent folliculitis from recurring with the following tips:

• Avoid tight clothing to reduce friction between your skin and clothes.
• Maintain good personal hygiene.
• Avoid favorable conditions such as hot and humid environments, and greasy chemicals.
• Treat skin lesions early.
• In case of recurrence, ensure good hygiene and eliminate bacterial reservoirs on the skin, such as the nasal folds and intergluteal cleft.

Shave carefully. If you need to shave, follow these habits:

• Limit the number of times you shave.
• Wash your skin with warm water and antibacterial soap before shaving.
• Use a towel to gently rub in circular motions before shaving.
• Use shaving cream before shaving.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth.
• Avoid shaving too closely by using an electric razor or a guarded blade and not stretching the skin.
• Use a sharp blade and rinse it with warm water after each use.
• Apply moisturizer after shaving.
• Avoid sharing razors, towels, and washcloths.
   

At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package for examination and consultation for the treatment of atopic dermatitis for all customers of all ages. Customers at risk, such as those with allergic conditions, affected by environmental conditions such as weather, climate, humidity, etc., will be examined and tested, including:

• Dermatology examination
• Tests such as: IgE quantification, fresh fungal examination, specific IgE quantification for respiratory and food allergens (Vietnam Panel 1), Rida Allergy Screen test (panel 1)

Dr. Thu Hằng has over 10 years of experience in dermatology. She is particularly experienced in treating skin diseases in adults and children, sexually transmitted diseases, autoimmune and rare skin diseases. She has obtained various certificates and degrees both domestically and internationally, such as: Specialist I Degree in Dermatology from Hanoi Medical University, DFMS Degree in Dermatology from Paris XIII University, France, before becoming a dermatologist at the General Internal Medicine Department of Vinmec Hải Phòng International General Hospital.

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