Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a pyodermic skin infection that occurs at the site of hair follicles. Nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, people who are exposed to whirlpools, swimming pools and hot tubs with inadequate chlorination or contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and people who are undergoing antibiotic or corticosteroid treatment (that predisposes to Candida infections) may be predisposed to folliculitis. Pathogens causing folliculitis infection include S aureus, P aeruginosa, and Candida species.
Clinical Features
Local
- Multiple lesions, 5 mm or less in diameter
- Erythematous
- Central pustule at the peak of the lesion
- Clusters of lesions, frequently pruritic
- Associated conjunctivitis or external otitis (with P aeruginosa)
- Lesions may drain or resolve without scarring
Diagnosis
In addition to evaluating the appearance of the skin, bacterial cultures are conducted to determine the infecting microbe.
Treatment
Folliculitis is treated with topical therapies, including warm compresses, antibacterial agents (such as mupirocin) and antifungal agents. In some patients, a monthly application of mupirocin to the anterior nares may reduce the incidence of recurring folliculitis.
