Folliculitis (Bacterial Skin infection)

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

Presence of inflammatory cells within the wall and opening of the hair follicle, creating a follicular-based pustule (blister or pimple + pus)

Inflammation is superficial or affects both superficial and deep part of follicle.

Folliculitis is primary inflammation of hair follicle from infections or secondary folliclular trauma or occlusion leading to follicular blockage then inflammation.

Eosinophilic Foliculitis is autoimmune. Common IN AIDs

Question 2

Signs and symptoms / Diagnosis

Answer 2

follicle staphylococcal infections including bacterial folliculitis (surface pustules),
furunculosis (deeper boils) or abscesses (lesions >0.5cm).

Surface infections tend to be itchy.
Deeper infections are more painful.

Diagnosis via examination swabs etc
Recurrent cases take swabs from active lesions and nostrils to find specific antibiotics sensitivity.

Question 3

Treatment (can’t find CKS)

Answer 3

Treatment
Localised staphylococcal infections may be managed by incision and drainage of large furuncles and abscesses and local application of antiseptics.
Topical antibiotics not reccomeded can increase the chance of MRSA.

Oral antibiotics, eg, flucloxacillin, may be prescribed for more extensive or recurrent infections.
Some patients warrant additional treatment with rifampicin and clindamycin.

Prevention
Avoiding occlusive emollients, plucking, shaving, or waxing for several more weeks or indefinitely