COMMON HAIR FOLLICLE INFECTIONS

Question 1

Superficial
Folliculitis
Clinical Feature

Answer 1

Superficial infection of the hair follicle (versus pseudofolliculitis:
inflammation of follicle due to friction, irritation, or occlusion)
Acute lesion consists of a dome-shaped pustule at the mouth of
hair follicle
Pustule ruptures to form a small crust

Question 2

Superficial
Folliculitis
Sites:

Answer 2

primarily scalp, shoulders, anterior chest, upper back, other
hair-bearing areas

Question 3

Superficial

Folliculitis Etiology

Answer 3

Normal non-pathogenic
bacteria (Staphylococcus
– most common;
Pseudomonas – hot tub)
Pityrosporum

Question 4

Superficial
Folliculitis
Management

Answer 4

Antiseptic (Hibiclens®)
Topical antibacterial (fusidic acid, mupirocin, erythromycin, or
clindamycin)
Oral cloxacillin for 7-10 d

Question 5

Furuncles

(Boils) Clinical Feature

Answer 5

Red, hot, tender, inflammatory nodules with central yellowish point, which forms over summit and ruptures
Involves subcutaneous tissue that arises from a hair follicle

Question 6

Furuncles

(Boils) Sites:

Answer 6

hair-bearing skin (thigh, neck, face, axillae, perineum,

buttocks)

Question 7

Furuncles

(Boils Etiology

Answer 7

S. aureus

Question 8

Furuncles

(Boils) Management

Answer 8

Incise and drain large furuncles to relieve pressure and pain
If afebrile: hot wet packs, topical antibiotic
If febrile/cellulitis: culture blood and aspirate pustules (Gram stain and
C&S)
Cloxacillin for 1-2 wk (especially for lesions near external auditory canal/
nose, with surrounding cellulitis, and not responsive to topical therapy)

Question 9

Carbuncles Clinical Feature

Answer 9

Deep-seated abscess formed by multiple coalescing furuncles
Usually in areas of thicker skin
Occasionally ulcerates
Lesions drain through multiple openings to the surface
Systemic symptoms may be associated

Question 10

Carbuncles Etiology

Answer 10

S. aureus

Question 11

Carbuncles Management

Answer 11

Same as for furuncles