Folliculitis and Water Warts: Differences

Folliculitis and molluscum contagiosum (also known as water warts) differ in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. 1. **Etiology**: Folliculitis is primarily caused by bacterial or fungal infections of the hair follicles, with common causative organisms including *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Staphylococcus epidermidis*. In contrast, molluscum contagiosum is caused by infection with the molluscum contagiosum virus, which belongs to the poxvirus family, and it is contagious. 2. **Symptoms**: Folliculitis mainly presents as red papules around hair follicles, which may be accompanied by pain, itching, and formation of pustules. Molluscum contagiosum presents as translucent or semi-transparent round papules on the skin, with a central umbilication. A white, cheese-like substance can often be expressed from the lesions, and the condition is contagious. 3. **Treatment**: Treatment for folliculitis typically includes topical antibiotic ointments, oral antibiotics or antifungal medications, and maintaining skin hygiene. Treatment for molluscum contagiosum includes general measures (such as avoiding scratching and disinfecting clothing), topical medications (such as salicylic acid ointment, cantharidin cream), physical therapies (such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, electrocautery), and surgical interventions.