Folliculitis

Question 1

What is Folliculitis?

Answer 1

• Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicle caused by infection, chemical stimulation or physical injury

Question 2

What is the most common organism for Folliculitis?

Answer 2

• Staphylococcus Aureus (bacterial infection)

Question 3

What are some of the bacterial causes of Folliculitis?

Answer 3

• Staphylococcal folliculitis
• Hot tub folliculitis
• Gram Negative Folliculitis

Question 4

What are some of the Fungi causes of Folliculitis?

Answer 4

• Tinea Capitis - Ringworm of the scalp involving hair follicles

Question 5

What are some of the Viral causes of Folliculitis?

Answer 5

• Herpes Simplex Virus -

Question 6

What is Gram Negative Folliculitis?

Answer 6

• Rare pustular facial eruption, following antibiotic treatment of acne
• Typically: Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Proteus

Question 7

What are some of the Clinical features of Folliculitis?

Answer 7

• Folliculitis is characterised by burning and itching
• Pain on manipulation of the hair
• Chronic, persistent infection results in spread to the surrounding skin which becomes red and crusted
• Complications include abscess formation, cavernous sinus thrombosis

Question 8

What is the general managment for Folliculitis?

Answer 8

• Clean the area

Question 9

What is the medical managment for Folliculitis?

Answer 9

• Systemic antibiotics - Flucloxacillin or Clarithromycin
• A general 7 day course of Abx treatment

Question 10

What is the treatement for hot tub folliculitis?

Answer 10

• Ciprofloxacin

Question 11

What is the treatment for gram-negative folliculitis?

Answer 11

• High dose trimethoprim
• Isotretinoin