FOLLICULITIS

Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles, usually caused by infection
with bacteria, specifically staphylococci. Common localisations are the
face, the trunk and the buttocks, but any skin area with hair follicles may
be affected. In HIV-infected patients gram negative bacteria may be
implicated or yeast infections, particularly pityrosporon.
Folliculitis may be mild and superficial or severe and deep, it may become
widespread and very refractive to treatment in immunosuppressed
patients.
Management of folliculitis
- Stop vaseline!
- For itchiness use calamine or phenol-zinc lotion as often as necessary.
- Mild forms: Dress or bathe with potassium permanganate solution or betadine
or chlorhexidine.
- Severe bacterial forms: oral
cloxacillin, erythromycin, doxycycline
or tetracycline for 7-10 days.
- Pityrosporon folliculitis: an imidazole
cream twice daily is usually
effective.
If severe add ketaconazole 200 mg
once daily for 1 to 3 weeks.
- Immunosuppressed patients may
need prolonged treatment.