What is mistaken for folliculitis?

People may sometimes mistake psoriasis and folliculitis for other skin conditions, including: fungal skin infections. eczema or dermatitis. pityriasis rosea.


Can folliculitis be misdiagnosed?

And the classic manifestation of deep folliculitis is nodules. Because of the similar clinical manifestation, it is often hard to distinguish acne vulgaris from folliculitis, and that can cause misdiagnose or missed diagnose, and thus delay correct treatment.

Can folliculitis be a symptom of something else?

Infection by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, yeast, fungus, and viruses can all cause folliculitis. Other causes include: skin irritation. occlusion, or blockage, of the follicle.


How to distinguish between folliculitis and hidradenitis suppurativa?

The basis of HS is inflammation within the sweat gland and its partnered hair follicle. This is unlike folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicle. In HS, the surface opening of the hair follicle and gland get clogged, leading to a buildup of dead skin, sweat, and other fluids underneath the skin.

Can folliculitis be mistaken for HS?

Folliculitis can often be confused with HS because they both present with bumps on the skin. Making sure you have the right diagnosis is important for getting the best treatment.


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



What other skin conditions look like folliculitis?

Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae).

This rash can look like folliculitis but it's caused by ingrown hairs, not infected follicles. It mainly affects people with curly hair who shave too close and is most noticeable on the face and neck. People who get bikini waxes may get razor bumps in the groin area.

What is autoimmune folliculitis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes inflammation throughout the body. That chronic inflammation leads to raised plaques and scales on the skin. These can appear anywhere on the body but mainly on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back.

How do doctors test for folliculitis?

The diagnosis of folliculitis is clinical. In general, no diagnostic testing or radiographic evaluation is necessary to diagnose this condition in lieu of a thorough history and physical exam. A standard KOH preparation can be used to visualize hyphae and spores associated with folliculitis caused by Malassezia.


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).

Can vitamin deficiency 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.

Why wont my folliculitis go away?

In less severe types of folliculitis, like Pseudomonas folliculitis (hot tub rash), your symptoms will typically fade within a few days without treatment. If they don't, reach out to your healthcare provider. When you have a more severe case of folliculitis, oral antibiotics may be needed to treat the condition.


What viruses cause folliculitis?

Types of folliculitis
  • Herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes cold sores, can cause folliculitis. ...
  • Drug-induced folliculitis often resembles acne (acne vulgaris). ...
  • Staphylococcal folliculitis is one of the more common types of folliculitis. ...
  • Fungus or yeast can also cause folliculitis.


When should I be concerned about folliculitis?

Folliculitis is usually minor and goes away on its own without treatment. If you have skin irritation that's accompanied by a fever, a spreading rash, or pus-filled and smelly bumps, seek medical help.

What aggravates folliculitis?

What aggravates folliculitis? In order not to aggravate folliculitis, avoid scratching or picking at the bumps, shaving the area, covering the area in makeup, or wearing tight clothing over the affected area (or going back into a swimming pool or hot tub if you have hot tub folliculitis, as mentioned above).


What does a mild case of folliculitis look like?

These pus-filled bumps may be pierced by an ingrown hair, can vary in size from 2–5 mm, and are often surrounded by a rim of pink to red, inflamed skin. Occasionally, a folliculitis lesion can erupt to form a scab on the surface of the skin. Mild and moderate cases of folliculitis are often tender or itchy.

How long does folliculitis usually 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 kills folliculitis bacterial?

In many cases of bacterial folliculitis, an over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial wash, such as chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or benzoyl peroxide, can provide relief. Avoid using Hibiclens above the neck. If you suspect yeast is causing your folliculitis, try an OTC antifungal cream.


Is Neosporin good for folliculitis?

Topical antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin or generic neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin b triple antibiotic ointment, may help scalp folliculitis heal up faster. Apply the ointment to the affected area a few times daily.

Should I see a doctor if I have folliculitis?

A dermatologist can help you: Control your folliculitis. Figure out whether a drug you take might be causing your symptoms and whether you can stop taking it. Avoid scarring or other damage to the skin.

What parasite causes folliculitis?

Hookworm: An Uncommon Cause of Folliculitis in Travelers | Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas.


What antibiotic is best for folliculitis?

First line treatment is indomethacin (50 mg/day). Other therapies include UVB phototherapy, minocycline, or dapsone. Pityrosporum folliculitis initially responds to topical antifungals such as ketoconazole cream or shampoo but is often associated with relapses. For relapses, systemic antifungals should be tried.

What foods should you 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.

Can folliculitis last for months?

Most cases or folliculitis are mild and do not need any treatment. It often clears without any treatment within 7-10 days.


How do you permanently treat folliculitis?

Folliculitis Treatments
  1. Clean the infected area: Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap. ...
  2. Use salt: Put warm saltwater -- 1 teaspoon table salt mixed with 2 cups of water -- on a washcloth and place it on your skin. ...
  3. Gels, creams, and washes: Use over-the-counter antibiotics that you rub on your skin.


What does Pseudomonas folliculitis look like?

The rash appears as small (2–10 mm) pink to red bumps, which may be filled with pus or covered with a scab. Located around hair follicles, these bumps tend to be itchy or tender.