Folliculitis

Question 1

What is folliculitis?

What are its characteristics/symptoms?

Answer 1

Non-invasive Infection of hair follicles characterised by raised and reddened hair follicles with pus underneath the epidermal surface

Question 2

What is the pathogenic cause of folliculitis?

Answer 2

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 3

If allowed to progress, what can folliculitis turn into?

Answer 3

Furuncles (boils): Large, painful, raised cutaneous nodules

Furuncles can coalesce into carbuncles
- may progress into deeper tissue
- fever
- chills
- lethargy

Question 4

What is the treatment for folliculitis?

Answer 4

• Topical antibiotic cream
• Drainage
• Oral antibiotics Flucloxacillin, augmentin