Folliculitis

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Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles.

Causes

  • Staphylococcus aureus and/or streptococci

Signs and symptoms

  • Pain, pustules, Acne
  • Multiple pustular lesions on the beards (folliculitis barbae)
  • Multiple pustular lesions at times on the back of the neck (folliculitis nuchae)

Investigations

  • No specific investigation is needed
  • In cases resistant to standard therapy, Gram stain, cultures, potassium chloride (KOH) preparation, and biopsy are the diagnostic tests of choice.

Treatment objectives

  • Relieve pain
  • Enhance the cosmetic appearance of the patient

Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment

-Bath affected parts with antiseptic soap/solution and water

In case of acne, folliculitis barbae, folliculitis nuchae

Benzoyl peroxide 5% gel

Apply every night

OR

Calamine lotion

Apply for itchiness

In case of severe (nodulocystic) acne

Doxycycline oral

Adult:

100mg once a day for 2 – 4 weeks   

Cloxacillin oral

Adult:

3g/day in 3 divided doses

Child: 

<10yrs: 50mg /kg in 3 divided doses

Erythromycin oral

Adult

3g/day in 3 divided doses

Child: 

30-50mg/kg/day

Prevention

  • Personal hygiene with use of antiseptic soap

Referral

  • Refer all cases not responding to the above treatment to a specialist.