​Dermatology - Infectious folliculitis

​Dermatology - Infectious folliculitis
Infectious folliculitis originates in the proximal region of the hair follicle and is induced by bacterial, fungal, viral, or mite infections. Shaving, plucking/tweezing, and waxing are factors that can make someone more likely to develop a certain condition. Additionally, occlusion, tropical climate, and the application of topical glucocorticoids are also considered risk factors.

A rash characterized by the presence of papules or pustules can develop, and it may persist over time. Typically, this rash is not painful or only mildly painful. Occasionally, there may be the presence of painful regional lymphadenitis. Superficial infections typically heal without leaving scars. However, in persons with dark skin pigmentation, there is a possibility of experiencing postinflammatory hypo- and hyperpigmentation. If the infection spreads, it might develop into an abscess or furuncle.
Abnormalities
The presence of papules or pustules is limited to the opening of the hair follicle, occasionally accompanied by a red halo. Rupture results in the formation of shallow erosions or crusts. The lesions are either scattered and separate or, more commonly, aggregated and clustered. Typically, a minority of follicles in a specific area are affected by infection.

Laboratory findings are used to clinically confirm the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis for this condition includes various skin disorders such as acne vulgaris, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, HIV-associated eosinophilic folliculitis, chemical irritants (chloracne), adverse cutaneous drug reactions resembling acne, keloidal folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, pustular miliaria, transient acantholytic disease (Grover disease), and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Treat the underlying predisposing condition and advise patients to cleanse with antibacterial soap or use a benzoyl peroxide preparation or isopropyl/ethanol gel. Administer suitable antibacterial medications. To treat gram-negative folliculitis caused by systemic antibiotic therapy for acne, stop taking the antibiotics and advise patients to cleanse their skin with benzoyl peroxide. Ampicillin at a dosage of 250 mg taken four times daily or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole taken four times daily may be prescribed in some situations.