Folliculitis
Introduction
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus
Signs & symptoms
Clinical features include
• Scattered or extensive follicular pustules
• Macular or papulo-erythematous lesions, mainly located on thighs, buttocks, back and bearded area
• Papules and pustules
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Painful nodule with a central follicular pustule
• Necrosis and suppuration with discharge of necrotic core
• Permanent scars or small scars (depending on the risk factors)
• Firm, broad swollen, painful, fluctuant deep nodules
• Multiple drainage tracts
• Fever and general body malaise
Diagnostic criteria
Clinical features depend on risk factors, which may result into Pseudo-folliculitis, Carbuncles aggregation and Furuncle (boil). The following are some of the clinical features:
• Scattered or extensive follicular pustules
• Macular or papulo-erythematous lesions, mainly located on thighs, buttocks, back and bearded area
• Papules and pustules
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Painful nodule with a central follicular pustule
• Necrosis and suppuration with discharge of necrotic core
• Permanent scars or small scars (depending on the risk factors)
• Firm, broad swollen, painful, fluctuant deep nodules
• Multiple drainage tracts
• Fever and general body malaise
Investigation
Loading....
Treatment
-
Non-Pharmacological treatment
- • Suspected irritants should be avoided
• In Pseudo-folliculitis of the bearded area, shaving should be stopped for several weeks until improvement occurs. Hair should be left to grow to at least 1 mm long.
• Shaving with electric razors is preferred over manual razors for beard folliculitis. Cleaning with water and soap
-
Pharmacological
- Potassium Permanganate soaks, 1:40000 (0.025%) solution 12 hourly for 3– 4 days. Each session for 15 to 20 minutes
Apply:
Gentian Violet paint 0.5% 12 hourly for 5 days
OR
Silver sulfadiazine cream applied twice daily
OR
Mupirocin 2% 12 hourly for 5–7days
OR
Fusidic Acid 2% 12 hourly for 5–7 days
Note: If severe, or systemic symptoms are present (e.g. pyrexia) add an oral antibiotic
Prevention
Loading....
Updated on,
3 Novemba 2020 10:13:59
References
- 1. STG