Folliculitis

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacterial or fungal infection
Most common=staph aureus

More common in warm humid climates, athletes or immunocompromised

Question 2

What is a common history?

Answer 2

Itching, burning, tenderness around hair follicles

Recent skin trauma
Hot tub use
Sharing contaminated items e.g. razors

Question 3

What are clinical features?

Answer 3

Pustules or papules with erythema around hair follicles
Lesions can be discrete or coalesce
Can be pruritic or painful
Often occur on recently shaved areas

Question 4

What are the investigations and Management?

Answer 4

Clinical diagnosis
- Can swab if atypical or severe infection

Treatment
- often self resolve
- symptomatic relief with warm compressess
- avoid shaving

If recurrent or severe
- 4-6 week course topical (mupirocin/fusidic acid) or oral (flucloxacillin)

Question 5

What are complications?

Answer 5

Cellulitis
Folliculitis decalvans- chronic infection leading to hair loss