Folliculitis Flashcards
What is folliculitis?
Infection and inflammation of one or more hair follicles
Where can folliculitis occur?
Anywhere on the skin except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
What is the pathophysiology of folliculitis?
Obstruction or flow disruption in pilosebaceous glands, with or without infection
What can cause folliculitis?
- Infection
- Immune system
- Physical irritation
- Chemical irritation
What is the most common causative organism of infective folliculitis?
S. aureus
What other organisms can cause infective folliculitis?
- Pseudomonas
- Gram -ve bacteria
- Candida
- Trichophyton
- HSV
What are the risk factors for folliculitis?
- Uncut beard
- Shaving ‘against the grain’
- Particularly thick hair
- Excessive friction from clothing
- Excessive sweating and hyperhidrosis
- Pre-existing dermatitis
- Reduced host immunity
- Skin abrasion/wound/abscess
How does folliculitis often initially present?
As a rash or set of slowly evolving red lumps on the skins on hairy areas
What symptoms may accompany the rash in folliculitis?
- Irritation
- Pruritus
What may appear at the centre of folliculitis lesions?
Pustules
Can folliculitis be left alone?
In mild cases it will self-resolve with no complications if left alone
What sort of lesions does deep folliculitis tend to cause?
More erythema, confluent with lesions and no noticeable surface pustules and intense irritation
What investigations may be needed in recurring folliculitis?
- Swabs of site
- Exclude DM
What are the differentials for folliculitis?
- Keratosis pilaris
- Insect bites
- Contact dermaitis
- Milia
What are the general management measures in folliculitis?
- Avoid precipitating factors
- Use moisturising shaving products
- Maintain good hygeine
What pharmacological treatment is available for folliculitis?
- Chlorhexidine for superficial
- Oral antibiotics for deeper infection
What are the preferred antibiotics for deep folliculitis?
Flucloxacillin or erythromycin
How long may antibiotics be needed for in severe cases of folliculitis?
4-6 weeks
When may folliculitis require surgical intervention?
If there is formation of carbuncles that require incision and drainage
What are the potential complications of folliculitis?
- Recurrence
- Scarring
- Keloid formation
- Development of furuncles and carbuncles
- Abscess formation
- Systemic illness secondary to spread of infection
Who is most likely to develop systemic illness as a result of folliculitis?
Those who are immunocompromised
