Q What causes folliculitis?
A Folliculitis is an inflammatory condition in which bacteria (mainly Staphylococcus aureus) or Malassezia fungi enter a hair follicle and trigger inflammation. When sweat, friction, or sebum clogs the pores or immunity drops, the microbes multiply and small pustules form.
Detailed Answer
Folliculitis is a pus-forming inflammation that occurs when microbes invade through the opening of a hair follicle. The most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus, but fungi such as Malassezia can also be responsible. When sweat builds up, the skin is rubbed by clothing or shaving, or excess sebum clogs the pores and immunity declines, the microbes multiply easily, producing red papules and pus-filled pustules centered around the follicles.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we do not view folliculitis merely as a surface-level bacterial problem on the skin. Instead, we see it as a signal of damp-heat and heat-toxin accumulated inside the body breaking out through the follicle, a vulnerable point. Rather than simply suppressing the microbes, we focus on regulating the internal environment that produces this damp-heat and makes the skin prone to recurrent inflammation.
Related FAQs
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Q
It's hard to come in often because of work. Is a remote consultation possible?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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I seem to have both acne and folliculitis on my face. Can both be treated at once?
#Comorbidities
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Along with scalp folliculitis, I get dandruff-like flaking and itching. Can this be treated together too?
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I'm in sales and shave every day, and each time folliculitis flares up on my chin and neck. How should I shave?
#Lifestyle Management
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What habits should I build to reduce folliculitis? I exercise often and sweat a lot.
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