A Simple Guide to Folliculitis

A Simple Guide to Folliculitis
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What is Folliculitis?
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Folliculitis is a bacterial infection of the skin hair follicle.


Who is at risk from Folliculitis?
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People of all ages are affected .

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


What are the causes of Folliculitis?
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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.


What are Signs and symptoms of Folliculitis?
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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


How is the diagnosis of Folliculitis made?
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1.pustule at root of hair.

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

3.Blood count.



What are the complications of Folliculitis?
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1.Fungal infection

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


What is the treatment of Folliculitis?
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A. Skin hygiene
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1. clean skin with antiseptic.

2. avoid scratching the skin

3. avoid plaster and poultices

4. cover with gauze after skin injury


B. Medicines:
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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.


What is the prognosis of Folliculitis ?
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Generally good to excellent but may recur.

Prompt treatment is important to prevent complication


What are the Preventive measures taken for Folliculitis?
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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.