How is folliculitis diagnosed?

Your doctor is likely to diagnose folliculitis by looking at your skin and reviewing your medical history. He or she may use a technique for microscopic examination of the skin (dermoscopy). If initial treatments don't clear up your infection, your doctor may use a swab to take a sample of your infected skin or hair.

Is there a blood test for folliculitis?

It is rare for blood tests to be recommended for the diagnosis of folliculitis, and this may only be done if an individual's condition presents a specific and necessary reason for testing (either to diagnose or rule out possible underlying conditions).

How do dermatologists treat folliculitis?

With this condition, the best course of treatment is antifungal drugs. Topical drugs and ointments like econazole and clotrimazole are often prescribed for a variety of fungal infections. These drugs, applied to malassezia folliculitis, can eliminate the fungus responsible for the irritation, clearing your symptoms.

Can a dermatologist diagnose folliculitis?

A board-certified dermatologist can tell you whether you have folliculitis and give you tips to help clear it. Some people need medication, such as an antibiotic, to clear the folliculitis. Seeing a dermatologist can also be helpful if you develop razor bumps from shaving and cannot stop shaving.

Can a dermatologist cure folliculitis?

You can have folliculitis on your face, arms, back and legs. Mild cases can be cared for at home, while other cases are treated by a dermatologist.

Folliculitis | Causes (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral), Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What can be mistaken for folliculitis?

The types of psoriasis that can resemble folliculitis include : Plaque psoriasis, which causes dry, red patches on the skin. The patches may be raised, itchy, and painful. Guttate psoriasis, which produces small, scaling lesions on the skin.

What do doctors prescribe for folliculitis?

A five- to 30-day course of an oral antibiotic like cephalexin (Keflex), dicloxacillin (Dynapen), doxycycline, minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), or levofloxacin (Levaquin) may be used for folliculitis that is more resistant.

How can you tell if folliculitis is bacterial or fungal?

They may take a swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus is the cause of the folliculitis. In rare cases, a doctor may order a skin biopsy to exclude the possibility of other causes.

What if folliculitis goes untreated?

If folliculitis goes untreated it may result in serious or deep infections that may spread or cause permanent scarring, cellulitis, or even enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

Why is my folliculitis not going away?

Talk with a doctor if you're experiencing painful, red bumps on your skin that don't resolve with treatment at home. You may need further care to treat your type or case of folliculitis, and prevent it from recurring.

What viruses cause folliculitis?

Can folliculitis last for years?

Folliculitis can be a mild, short-lived condition or a severe long-term problem that can literally take over your life. Unfortunately, this variation in severity can lead to the notion that it is nothing more than a passing inconvenience. This can be very frustrating if you have the more persistent form.

Is folliculitis viral or bacterial?

Folliculitis is most often caused by an infection of hair follicles with Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. Folliculitis may also be caused by viruses, fungi and even an inflammation from ingrown hairs.

Is folliculitis caused by poor hygiene?

Folliculitis is an inflammatory condition affecting hair follicles. It appears as a small red tender bump occasionally surmounted with dot of pus surrounding a hair. It is generally caused by an excess of bacteria, and poor hygiene, even for a short time.

How long does bacterial folliculitis last?

The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days.

What foods to avoid if you have folliculitis?

Brooks also advises avoiding diets high in carbs and sugars or with a high glycemic index, which can cause fluctuations in your glucose levels. “Rising glucose levels increase hormones in your skin, leading to oil production, which can cause folliculitis [inflammation of hair follicles],” he says.

What soap is good for folliculitis?

Antibacterial soap: Use antibacterial bar soaps such as Dial® or Cetaphil®. Use skin washes that contain benzoyl peroxide. If these bumps are bothersome or painful.

How is chronic folliculitis treated?

What does fungal folliculitis look like?

The irritation causes small red bumps that may have whiteheads on them. Folliculitis often looks like an acne breakout, but offers different symptoms. Your skin may be itchy or sting where the bumps are clustered, which isn't typical of acne. Deeper types of folliculitis can cause large, painful boils.

Can folliculitis be itchy?

Types of Folliculitis

Bacterial folliculitis: The most common form, this type causes itchy white bumps filled with pus. You can get it if you cut yourself and bacteria (usually staphylococcus aureus, also called staph) gets in.

How long does it take for antibiotics to work on folliculitis?

An antibiotic such as tetracycline or minocycline can be given for 4 to 6 weeks. Unless the skin is sensitive, drying, antiseptic lotions should be used on the affected areas such as Xerac-AC (aluminum chlorhydrate solution), Cleocin-T solution or Benzaclin gel.

What autoimmune disease causes folliculitis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Folliculitis is an infection caused by bacteria. Psoriasis is incurable and flares may be long-lasting. Folliculitis is curable and usually heals within a few days.

What vitamin deficiency can cause folliculitis?

Severe vitamin A and C deficiency may cause folliculitis. [1] In vitamin A deficiency the skin shows follicular hyperkeratosis, dryness and generalised wrinkling. [11] It requires about 2 months of vitamin C deprivation to produce mucocutaneous signs, including perifollicular petechiae and follicular hyperkeratosis.

Can folliculitis cause MRSA?

MRSA can cause any of the infections listed above (impetigo, folliculitis, furuncles, abscesses, and cellulitis).