Now let us look at folliculitis through the lens of modern medicine. Many people confuse acne with folliculitis, but the two are distinctly different. While the hallmark of acne is the comedone formed mainly by sebaceous gland hypersecretion and keratin plugging at the hair follicle opening, the main cause of folliculitis is an inflammatory reaction driven by bacterial infection, mainly Staphylococcus aureus, or fungal infection, Malassezia, around the hair follicle. Put simply, the pores become infected with bacteria, swelling red and forming pus. In particular, troubles arising after shaving readily develop into folliculitis because the skin is damaged by razor blades, making bacterial invasion much easier. Modern stress stimulates cortisol secretion, lowering immunity and weakening skin barrier function, which disrupts the skin microbiome ecosystem and raises the risk of folliculitis. In addition, humid environments, sweat, tight-fitting clothes, and high-glycemic diets can also worsen inflammatory reactions. In the case of scalp folliculitis, factors such as wearing hats, frequent shampoo residue, and excess sebum secretion interact to trigger it. The heat mentioned in Donguibogam is closely linked to the modern concept of inflammatory reactions. A state of chronic inflammation inside the body disrupts the immune system and degrades the regenerative capacity of skin cells, causing folliculitis to arise more easily and frequently. Rather than treating only the visible inflammation, it is crucial to uncover the root cause and restore the body's balance through lifestyle improvements. Strengthening the skin barrier, maintaining a healthy balance of skin microorganisms, and reducing systemic inflammatory responses through stress management and healthy dietary habits are the key to overcoming folliculitis and preventing recurrence.
