my bf has scalp folliculitis and it's contagious!
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

free skin care · Sun Jun 10, 2012 3:52 pm

My fiance has scalp folliculitis. We're in a long distance relationship and we don't normally sleep in the same bed obviously, but eventually we will.

He opened up to me about his scalp folliculitis recently. He's very embarrassed about it. I have researched it trying to help find some answers for him because he's tried everything that professionals suggest and nothing seems to work. In my research, I found out that it is highly contagious! What am I supposed to do? I'm scared that I will get it or something. It seems like it could be passed on the pillowcase or something. This really scares me, as I have thick, shiny hair and my hair is one of my best features. Scalp folliculitis can also cause hair loss.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? I'm really worried now. Do you have any tips for curing scalp folliculitis?

free skin care · Sun Jun 10, 2012 3:55 pm

BellaKai wrote:

My fiance has scalp folliculitis. We're in a long distance relationship and we don't normally sleep in the same bed obviously, but eventually we will.

He opened up to me about his scalp folliculitis recently. He's very embarrassed about it. I have researched it trying to help find some answers for him because he's tried everything that professionals suggest and nothing seems to work. In my research, I found out that it is highly contagious! What am I supposed to do? I'm scared that I will get it or something. It seems like it could be passed on the pillowcase or something. This really scares me, as I have thick, shiny hair and my hair is one of my best features. Scalp folliculitis can also cause hair loss.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? I'm really worried now. Do you have any tips for curing scalp folliculitis?

More on link:

Folliculitis - Topic Overview

What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an infection in the hair follicles. Each hair on your body grows out of a tiny pouch called a follicle. You can have folliculitis on any part of your body that has hair. But it is most common on the face and scalp and areas rubbed by clothing, such as the thighs and groin.

What causes folliculitis?
It usually is caused by bacteria. It also can be caused by yeast or another type of fungus.

You may get folliculitis if you have damaged hair follicles. Shaving or wearing clothes that rub the skin can irritate the follicles, which can lead to folliculitis. They also can become blocked or irritated by sweat, machine oils, or makeup. When the follicles are injured, they are more likely to become infected.

You are more likely to get folliculitis if you:

Use a hot tub, whirlpool, or swimming pool that is not properly treated with chlorine.
Wear tight clothes.
Use antibiotics or steroid creams for long periods.
Use or work with substances that can irritate or block the follicles. Examples include makeup, cocoa butter, motor oil, tar, and creosote.
Have an infected cut, scrape, or surgical wound. The bacteria or fungi can spread to nearby hair follicles.
Have a disease such as diabetes or HIV that lowers your ability to fight infection.
What are the symptoms?
Folliculitis usually looks like red pimples with a hair in the center of each one. The pimples may have pus in them, and they may itch or burn. When the pimples break open, they may drain pus, blood, or both.

"Hot tub folliculitis" most often appears about 72 hours after you've been in a hot tub or spa. Many small pimples appear on your stomach and sometimes on your arms and legs. You might have a mild fever and have an upset stomach. Most of the time, this kind of folliculitis goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days.

How is folliculitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will check your skin and ask about your health and activities. He or she may do tests to find out what is causing your folliculitis and to make sure you don’t have a different problem, such as impetigo or heat rash. Testing a sample of the fluid in the pimples or a sample of tissue can help your doctor learn what is causing the infection.

How is it treated?
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. You can take care of yourself at home with:

Warm compresses made with white vinegar or Burow's solution. These may ease itching and help healing.
Medicated shampoo. It can be used to treat folliculitis on the scalp or beard.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/folliculitis-topic-overview

free skin care · Sun Jun 10, 2012 4:03 pm

Thanks, Darkmoon. Unfortunately he has tried just about everything and a dermatologist diagnosed his as "chronic." He has tried compresses, tumeric, medicated shampoo, salicylic acid, etc... Nothing has worked so far.

I spent all day today trying to help him and find answers online because this actually causes him to be depressed. It also itches like crazy.

The fact that it is contagious really freaks me out. :/

free skin care · Sun Jun 10, 2012 5:22 pm

BellaKai wrote:

Thanks, Darkmoon. Unfortunately he has tried just about everything and a dermatologist diagnosed his as "chronic." He has tried compresses, tumeric, medicated shampoo, salicylic acid, etc... Nothing has worked so far.

I spent all day today trying to help him and find answers online because this actually causes him to be depressed. It also itches like crazy.

The fact that it is contagious really freaks me out. :/

This would freak me out as well, so I get it upsetting you. But surely since I think I read the two of you are getting married, you've been in close contact with him on numerous occasions by now? He must of been very good at hiding this? I'd suggest he see a different dermatologist and or doctor or both, his head itching has to drive him insane!

free skin care · Sun Jun 10, 2012 5:42 pm

I like to check the alternative search on iherb.com. Very useful. I found something that might work: it's called
Derma E, Skinbiotics Treatment Oil
http://www.iherb.com/product-reviews/Derma-E-Skinbiotics-Treatment-Oil-1-fl-oz-30-ml/23767/?p=1

free skin care · Sun Jun 10, 2012 5:52 pm

Tiny wrote:

BellaKai wrote:

Thanks, Darkmoon. Unfortunately he has tried just about everything and a dermatologist diagnosed his as "chronic." He has tried compresses, tumeric, medicated shampoo, salicylic acid, etc... Nothing has worked so far.

I spent all day today trying to help him and find answers online because this actually causes him to be depressed. It also itches like crazy.

The fact that it is contagious really freaks me out. :/

This would freak me out as well, so I get it upsetting you. But surely since I think I read the two of you are getting married, you've been in close contact with him on numerous occasions by now? He must of been very good at hiding this? I'd suggest he see a different dermatologist and or doctor or both, his head itching has to drive him insane!

just re-read my post, it sounds harsh, not what I meant at all! Just meant, get him to a doctor, itching is miserable! I've had serious hives before and I can't imagine living with that.

free skin care · Sun Jun 10, 2012 7:38 pm

Are you sure it is highly contagious - is your source a medical one? Many microbes don't survive or thrive away from a warm, wet body for very long so fabrics are not a common vector. If you have a healthy scalp you are also not the ideal host. Does your partner have a yeast or a bacterial infection or both? Have swabs/ scrapes been taken recently? If the condition is not responding to treatment, then often the diagnosis needs to be revisited. What products is he using at present? Do super gentle, sulphate-free shampoos make the condition better or worse?

As much as being an infective condition, folliculitis is an inflammatory condition. Has your partner tried addressing the inflammation and infective element simultaneously? Often with these chronic conditions it really is a combination of lifestyle modification AND what you use topically that is the most effective.

Itching: it is very easy to get caught in the 'itch-scratch cycle' and this increases the inflammation. Applying something cold is highly effective, I believe you can purchase caps that go in the refrigerator. Diet: low glycaemic index, anti-inflammatory could be worth a shot. Oily fish or a supplement supplying 3g combined DHA and EPA daily, nine portions of fruit and veg, no sugar or white/ refined carbs, protein and/ or healthy fats at each meal or snack, eat little and often, limit caffeine and alcohol.

free skin care · Sun Jun 10, 2012 10:29 pm

Tiny wrote:

BellaKai wrote:

Thanks, Darkmoon. Unfortunately he has tried just about everything and a dermatologist diagnosed his as "chronic." He has tried compresses, tumeric, medicated shampoo, salicylic acid, etc... Nothing has worked so far.

I spent all day today trying to help him and find answers online because this actually causes him to be depressed. It also itches like crazy.

The fact that it is contagious really freaks me out. :/

This would freak me out as well, so I get it upsetting you. But surely since I think I read the two of you are getting married, you've been in close contact with him on numerous occasions by now? He must of been very good at hiding this? I'd suggest he see a different dermatologist and or doctor or both, his head itching has to drive him insane!

I agree with Tiny a different doctor is what I would seek, I have been through having to find the right one with my kids, myself and even my father while caring for him!

You will often find one who does nothing yet another will work with you to get things under control, they can be so different even when it comes to their knowledge of some conditions and latest/best treatments!

I never would get my medical advice from a person over the internet!

Good luck and I hope you both find a solution soon! Smile

free skin care · Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:56 pm

I'd suggest that he visit a tcm practitioner.

Wed Nov 14, 2012 8:28 am

My husband has folliculitis for a year or 2 now. We just recently got married, and we too were in a long distance relationship.

He didn't know what it was, just that it irritated him and he had pimples. I did some research and found out he definitely has folliculitis. I've been treating his scalp with tea tree oil. Putting it on directly with a cotton swab and leaving it. He said it helped with the pain and the itching, plus they shrunk in size.

Tea tree oil is one of the best remedies for almost anything. Due to the infection, he had sore bumps on his scalp as well, and his lymph nodes had enlarged a bit. I massaged tea tree oil on the bumps and they also reduced. My husband has hair loss due to his condition, I just hope it's temporary and grows back after the infection is gone.

In regards to the contagious part, we've been married for a month now, and my scalp is perfectly fine, Thank God. I too have healthy silky hair. Hope this helps.

Sun Jul 07, 2013 1:21 am

Hi,

I am a guy who struggles with beard folliculitis...not as chronic I assume, as mine comes and goes. Sometimes I fight it off for a solid week or two, and man it feels great--depression really seems easier to conquer, people don't realize how much they take naturally attractive skin for granted!

Anyways, I have been with my GF a solid 2 years now sharing pillow cases and sheets, she has nothing that remotely resembles my condition.

Granted, mine is not of the scalp and probably less severe, but from what I have read this is very very related to how well your immune system can regulate skin bacterias--in my case, mine sucks at it as of the last 5 years...also I produce the food for the bacteria more in certain areas of my beard.

I would say a very good dermatologist is probably his best bet for his treatment and your second opinion on contagion, its what I am going to do if these last few methods don't keep this from coming back more viciously every time. In general, when I am stressed I get it very badly...and I stress over having it, so it is a very vicious cycle Sad

But again, whilst going through these cyclic battles my girlfriend has yet to have any problems, and to be frank we don't wash the pillow cases as often as we really should (embarrassed).

I wish both of you the best of luck!

[EDIT] Just realized this was 3 years ago--sry so late lol

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.