A Family Doctor's Tale - FOLLICULITIS

DOC I HAVE FOLLICULITIS

Folliculitis is like small pimples except that they are not caused excess sebum secretions but the infection of the skin hair follicle. Small little red swollen rashes are present at the root of the hair and can be painful. Normally they are not serious and treatment with antibiotics and antibiotic cream is very effective.

Folliculitis is a bacterial infection of the skin hair follicle.

People of all ages are affected .

It is more common in diabetes and people with low immune system.

1.The cause is infection of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.

2.Poor skin hygiene

3.Skin damaged by eczema and dermatitis

4.Nasal transport of Staphylococcus aureus.

5.May complicate diabetes and low immune system patients like leukemia.

Symptoms:
1.Occurs at root of a hair follicle

2.superficial pustule or nodule

3.May become chronic at beard area.

4.May be painful


Diagnosis is by:
1.pustule at root of hair.

2.Skin scraping for microscopic examination, culture and sensitivity.

3.Blood count.

Complications are:
1.Fungal infection

2.Furuncle or carbuncle which are bigger and deeper areas of infection.

Treatment is by:
A. Skin hygiene
1. clean skin with antiseptic.

2. avoid scratching the skin

3. avoid plaster and poultices

4. cover with gauze after skin injury

B. Medicines:
1. topical antibacterials such as bacitracin, neomycin, gentamycin, tetracycline creams

2. Oral Antibiotics may be given if necessary.

3. Complicated conditions such as carbuncles may require surgical debridement.

Generally good to excellent but may recur.

Prompt treatment is important to prevent complication


Prevention is by:
1.Good skin hygiene

2.Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and adequate sleep.

3.Avoid scratching of skin

4.Use clean razors for shaving

5.Avoid plasters and poultices.