Bacterial Folliculits

Some years back I had a long round with folliculits and then it
finally resolved.  Well, apparently, I'm starting with it again.
My question really is:  How contagious is bacterial folliculitIs?
It would seem that some dermatologist say it's quite contagious
and others not at all?  Does anyone really know?  This is my
main concern-spreading it to other people.  Would someone get it
if they just touched my skin?  What precautions should I observe
when this is active?  Thank you for any info you can provide.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Folliculitis isn't very contagious at all.  I guess there may be situations when there is an acute outbreak with pustules, which could theoretically be spread by direct contact.  I can't recall seeing such a case.

Of course I have to add that I can't be sure exactly what you mean by "folliculitis."  It's at least possible that you may be referring to an anctual infection like impetigo.

So to be sure you ought to have yourself evaluated by a skin doctor.  But if the judgment is that you just have intermitently blocked follicles, then you don't need to worry much  contagion.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff