Is Folliculitis Infection Contagious?

Posted on Mon, 8 Aug 2016

Question: i am gonna explain my issue and then ask if u have any ideas on what I can try to relieve my pain and discomfort. in nov 2015 I had a patch of dry itchy skin on the back of my left thigh, it bothered me but it didn't get bad until November. it would be painful, very itchy and sore to sit down. I tolerated it until april when it starte d to also drain fluid, I been to the er and my dr and got nowhere, got refered to a wound clinic and he told me it wasn't a wound but a skin disease and to see a dermatologist asap, that was april 28th , the soonest appt. I got is not until sept 12th, over the last 3 days, its the dryest skin I ever had, it feels like my skin is tearing and I have bleed some from it , I still keep putting on all the things I have tried or been prescribed but its july and I really want it to heal and go away. I can not sit any where with out pain now, and laying down is less painful put still painful, I did contact my dr but once again she is away. I need answer on how to stop the pain , make sitting less miserable , ty for any help u can provide

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Abscess or Folliculitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the nice description.

Can you upload the picture of the lesion now?

You seem to have developed furuncle or folliculitis. They kept merging and developed a local abscesss. Since it was not treated within time, it healed slightly because of body defense and formed a chronic abscess. I feel it needs to be drained with an incision and pack it. You need a General surgeon who can treat it. Along with it you need a prescription of antibiotic. You can go to any urgent clinic as well. You do not need a dermatologist to treat it.

Please do not wait for a specialist, even a generalist can treat it or even a general surgeon can assess the problem and prescribe you right kind of treatment.

I certainly think that there is no pain medication that can help you fully. However you can try Tab MOTRIN 400mg which can help you relieve.

Let me know other concerns.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (3 hours later)

how do I get anyone to help? my dr is away last she saw it july 1st she said it looked like it was beginning to heal, I got a picture of part of it and indeed it does look like an abcess, I am gonna try finding a way to load the picture.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
RN or primary care physician

Detailed Answer:
Please upload the picture.
Any Registered Nurse or primary care physician can prescribe short course of antibiotics. They appointments will be easily available than a specialist that you are looking for.
Search for primary care doctors in your area

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (2 hours later)

I do not know how to up load the picture.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
How to upload picture

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
On the right side of the page, there is a upload feature where you can upload picture. Alternatively you can send mail to YYYY@YYYY with sub ATTN Dr SUMA.
I can look into it

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)

Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
chronic healing abscess

Detailed Answer:
My guess was right. It was cellulitis kind of thing, or a chronic healing abscess. It was spreading on fat.
You need an excision of the region and suturing.
You should see a General surgeon for sure.
Please do not delay or deny the treatment for it.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (56 minutes later)

went to the er , they tell me its a pressure ulcer, my nurse friend was shocked they didn't culture it to check for staph or do blood work. I also have stage 2 lymphedema and they are referring me to the wound care center for treatment, they told me, my care taker should change the dressing everyday. and wrap it up. I can not sit anywhere and been told to avoid doing it as much as possible. but laying in bed has everything hurting. I feel lousy to day I am hungry but to in pain to cook, and maybe that's good , I been nauseas all morning . what can help with nausea?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Gingerale

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It may need debridement I guess which they do at the wound care centre.
You can prepare water with ginger, that will soothen the nausea.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar