FOLLICULITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Inflammation and infection of one or more hair follicles of the skin. This is contagious. It often spreads from one family member to another.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin anywhere on the body, but usually the exposed areas of arms, legs and beard area of the face.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Pustules (small white blisters with pus inside) with the following characteristics:

• Pustules are yellow-white and surrounded by narrow red rings.
• Pustules are 1mm to 2mm in size; there may be few or many.
• Pustules discharge a blood-stained pus made from dead cells.
• Some pustules are pierced by hair; others may be adjacent to hair follicles.

CAUSES

• Infection of the hair follicles with Staphylococcus bacteria or a fungus usually after minor skin injury. Infection spreads to other parts of the body by fingernails, frequently from Staphylococcus in the nose.
• Infection with Pseudomonas bacteria following the use of contaminated hot tubs or spas. This is rare but increasing.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Abrasion, injury or surgical wound.
• Recent illness such as a nose infection.
• Diabetes.
• Eczema or dermatitis.
• Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.
• Inflammation or chronic skin abrasion (tight clothing or chronic rubbing).
• Hot tub exposure.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Keep skin clean. Scrub skin twice daily with an antibacterial soap. Use separate towels and washcloths.
• Avoid hot, humid environments, which foster bacterial growth.
• Treat family members who may be source of infection.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory culture of the discharge from the pustule (rare).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Boils (furuncles) or deep skin infections may develop (rare).

PROBABLE OUTCOME-- Without treatment, an individual pustule heals in 7 days but as some heal, new ones may appear. Treatment may shorten the course of the infection. Healing should be complete in 2 weeks, but may sometimes recur.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Don't scratch pustules. The germs that cause them can be transferred from under the fingernails to other parts of the body.
• Use warm-water soaks (see Soaks in Appendix) to relieve itching and hasten healing.
• Clean area with antibacterial soap.
• Avoid use of oils on the skin.
• If you shave, use a new blades each time.
• Shampoo daily if lesions are on scalp.

MEDICATION--

• If there are only a few pustules, you may use non-prescription topical antibiotics, such as bacitracin, Mycitracin or neomycin. Apply and gently massage a small amount into the affected areas 3 or 4 times a day. Use only the small amount needed to cover--larger quantities don't help.
• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• The pustules spread, despite treatment.
• Symptoms of folliculitis recur after treatment.