Bacterial Infections

Folliculitis

Localized inflammation of a hair follicle. The condition may be caused by infections, injury or irritation and is generally found on the face, neck, breast and buttocks.

The condition may be caused by staph aureus, yeast or fungi. If the condition spreads or becomes persistent swab cultures may need to be taken.

Lymphedema patients are more susceptible to skin infections and are strongly advised against hot tubs because of the possibility of contracting Pseudomona folliculitis. This is a resistant gram-negative bacterial infection with serious complications.

Clinical:

Pus in the hair follicle
Irritated and red follicles
Damaged hair (possibly in growing back into the follicle)

Treatment:

Topical antibiotics
Oral antibiotics based on the seriousness of the folliculitis or on the underlying medical condition of the patient.

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For further information:

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the name given to a group of skin conditions in which there are inflamed hair follicles.

DermNet NZ

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Pityrosporum Folliculitis

Pityrosporum folliculitis is a condition where the yeast, pityrosporum ovale/orbicularis spp. (also called Malassezia furfur), gets down into the hair follicles and multiplies, setting up an itchy, acne-like eruption.

DermNet NZ

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Folliculitis

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Folliculitis

Superficial or deep bacterial infection and inflammation of the hair follicles, usually caused by S. aureus but occasionally caused by other organisms such as P. aeruginosa (hot-tub folliculitis).
A superficial pustule or inflammatory nodule surrounds the hair follicle (see Plate 112-2). The condition may follow or accompany other pyodermas. Infected hairs are easily removed, but new papules tend to develop. Folliculitis may become chronic where the hair follicles are numerous or deep in the skin, as in the bearded area (sycosis barbae). Chronic low-grade irritation or inflammation without significant infection may occur when stiff hairs in the bearded area emerge from the follicle, curve, and reenter the skin (pseudofolliculitis barbae--see Ch. 116).

Systemic treatment of acute folliculitis is similar to that of impetigo (see Impetigo and Ecthyma under Bacterial Infections in Ch. 265). Topical antibiotics and antiseptics (eg, chlorhexidine) may be useful adjuncts to systemic therapy but should not be used without concomitant systemic treatment. Prompt treatment with systemic antibiotics may prevent chronic infection.

Merck

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# posted by Pat O'Connor @ 2:17 AM