Gram-negative Folliculitis Symptoms And Treatment

The most evident symptom of gram-negative folliculitis is the rapid rise in the amount and severity of acne lesions, regardless of any antibacterial treatment. Those who previously suffered with whiteheads and blackheads, will often develop many cysts, nodules and pustules, particularly affecting the face.

Gram-negative folliculitis appears primarily on the face, especially grouped around the cheeks, chin and nose. Typical is the development of many lesions that burrow and interconnect, giving the skin an appearance of redness and inflammation that can be extremely painful.

The treatment of gram-negative folliculitis can be very difficult as it occurs as a result of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Although this is the case, antibiotics such as ampicillin may still be prescribed, even though the effectiveness is open to debate.

The preferred treatment of gram-negative folliculitis is isotretinoin, prescribed as Accutane, which is derived from vitamin A, and has had some success in treating many types of acne, including gram-negative folliculitis. It works by reducing the production of sebum, thus reducing pore blockage. It also dries out the mucous membranes, the normal environment of gram-negative bacteria, therefore reducing its ability to thrive. When taken for a period of 3 to 6 months, many people see a marked improvement in their condition.

Although Accutane and antibiotics can be successful, many sufferers still prefer a more natural approach to their gram-negative folliculitis treatment.

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Bacterial Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that is caused by exposure to a virus, fungi or by bacteria accessing the skin. This bacterial infection can either be superficial folliculitis or deep folliculitis affecting the whole hair follicle. If the condition does not resolve itself quickly, a visit to the doctor is advisable.

Bacterial folliculitis symptoms vary between individuals, depending upon the severity of the infection. If the infection is superficial, red bumps appear at the hair follicle, with the surrounding area becoming inflamed. In some cases, these bumps can become pus-filled blisters. In the deeper forms of the infection, large areas of infection form under the skin surface. These deep pustules can crust over at the surface as well as causing pain.

If the hair follicles are damaged, bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus may gain entrance and instigate the infection. Typical causes of follicle damage include friction from shaving and existing skin conditions such as acne. Risk of infection can be increased due to old age, weak immune system or obesity.

In order to make a proper diagnosis, a visit to the doctor is important.  A culture from the pus may be needed to identify the correct antibiotic treatment. This can come in either pill form or a topical cream to apply to the skin.

Unfortunately, complications such as hair loss or cellulitis may occur in some instances, so prevention of a bacterial infection should be the way forward.

Antibiotics are not the preferred choice for many people these days, with many choosing the more natural approach to treatment.

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Scalp Folliculitis

Scalp folliculitis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by the clogging up of hair follicles. The condition may also be referred to as scalp acne, Barber’s Itch and Tinea Barbae. It can and does affect both men and women, no matter what age. The term scalp folliculitis can be misleading as it can appear on any part of the body that has hair follicles, such as the armpits and legs.

It shows up as smallish, white-yellow pustules encircled by red blisters. If scratched, the pustules can seep pus or sebum. Scalp folliculitis can also develop into boils and in some cases bacteria can enter the bloodstream through an infected follicle.

A constant itch along the hairline could be an indication that scalp folliculitis is present. Although it can spread all over the scalp, in most cases, only a small area will be infected. If the area is continually scratched, a normal urge in most people, the infected section may become hard and crusty, which only serves to increase the need to scratch and make matters much worse.

In a similar manner to the cause of acne, folliculitis is caused by bacteria and fungi becoming trapped in pores of the skin. A main cause of bacterial infections is the Staphylococcus bacteria, which is also responsible for some eye and nose infections. Scalp folliculitis is caused by an invasion of damaged hair follicles by bacteria.

Certain existing circumstances can also promote the development of scalp folliculitis, providing the right environment for the condition to thrive and grow. These include:

-wearing tight clothing

-excessive sweating

- already suffering from diabetes, eczema or dermatitis

-hot and humid environment

It should also be noted that scalp folliculitis is very contagious, so great care should be taken to avoid sharing of items such as towels and brushes.

As always, professional medical advice is advisable when looking for treatment options. However, nowadays, natural treatment options are widely used by many who wish to avoid antibiotics.

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Folliculitis Treatment For All 4 Types

Folliculitis is a terrible disease to contract. Chances are you are reading this because you are looking for answers. You know then that there are four causes and the treatment options are mostly prescription medications. The 4 categories of folliculitis are bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic.

It is not Acne; it is called Folliculitis, which is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles occurring anywhere on the skin. The common symptoms are a rash, itching and pimples or pustules near a hair follicle on the neck, groin or genital area.

Some day to day things to change to reduce the incidence of Folliculitis is to reduce friction from clothing, avoid shaving or use a new, clean razor each time you shave. You may want to sterilize the razor. Lastly do your best to keep the area clean and avoid clothing and washcloths that could be contaminated.

As has been mentioned there are different types of Folliculitis and the current treatment used, they are:

Bacterial Folliculitis

Bacterial Folliculitis is a result of one of the types of the Staphylococcus bacteria, Pseudonomas, Proteus or Coliform bacteria getting under the skin by some break in the skin and infecting a hair follicle. Once the bacteria are trapped under the skin it is possible for it to spread to other parts of the body.

The types of Folliculitis caused by bacteria are "Hot Tub" Folliculitis and Gram-Negative Folliculitis.
Superficial Folliculitis, also known as Impetigo, consists of pustules but the infection can go deeper into the skin causing pain and pus. These can often result in scarring to the skin.

Superficial Folliculitis often responds to a topical antibiotic like Mupirocin or fusidic acid ointment. The cases where the Folliculitis has gone deeper into the skin require broad-spectrum antibiotics like cephalosporins, macrolides, or fluoroquinolone. Lancing is required to drain carbuncles and furuncles if they do not drain on their own.

Fungal Folliculitis

Fungal infections are either superficial or deep and can even spread to the blood or internal organs. Three categories of functions are common in the body; Dermatophytic Folliculitis, Pityrosporum Folliculitis and Candida Folliculitis.

Dermatophytic Folliculitis is caused by a fungal species and the severity of the infection will be directly related to the depth of fungal penetration in the hair shaft. Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch are both conditions caused by Ringworm, which are well-known types of this condition. Unsightly pustules of various sizes are present filled with pus and it is common that there will be a loss of the hair shaft. It is not uncommon for there to be scarring in cases of bad folliculitis. If the penetration into the skin is deep there may also be pain, fever and permanent hair loss. Griseofulvin and Terbinafine HCl are used as treatment options that produce good results.

When yeast is able to enter a hair follicle and reproduce causing an itchy skin eruption it is known as Pityrosporum Folliculitis. It can be effectively treated with a topical antifungal medication.

Candida Folliculitis is caused by the Candida fungus and is the most common in infecting people. This is best treated with Itraconazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal agent.

Viral Folliculitis

This is an infrequent infection of the hair follicle by a virus such as the herpes simple virus or herpes zoster virus. They are treated by the use of oral antihistamines or surgical removal.

Parasitic Folliculitis

Parasites cause Folliculitis when they burrow their way into a hair follicle to live there or lay eggs. Two mites, Demodex Folliculorum and Demodex Brevis are natural hosts of the hair follicle. The most well-known form of this infection is Rosacea, which is commonly mistaken for as acne. A course of treatment would be the use of a topical Permethrin cream like Elimite or Acticin, systemic Ivermectin or Itraconazale.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Wynne

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What Is Hot Tub Folliculitis?

Hot Tub Folliculitis is the term given to the infection of hair follicles caused by the bacteria known as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. As this bacteria frequents and thrives in warm and wet environments, hot tubs, pools and bath tubs are prime locations for its propagation and abundance, unless precautions are put in place.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa multiplies extremely quickly if the correct conditions exist, thus greatly increasing the risk of infection. In the cases of pools and hot tubs, the odds of infection increase considerably due to the wearing of swimsuits, which hold infected water against the skin for longer periods.

Within 2 weeks of being in contact with the bacteria, hot tub folliculitis symptoms will materialize. Initially, inflammation of the hair follicles occurs, showing up as itchy bumps, sometimes pus-filled. These bumps form at the centre of small red papules, which can be approximately 3 centimetres in diameter. Ultimately, these bumps may become very tender and dark red nodules, and in some cases may even show as brownish in colour.

In rarer instances, during the initial few days of the rash, fatigue and tiredness may be experienced, but fever is exceedingly unusual. People whose immune system response is low, may in rare instances develop skin abscesses. The rash that develops normally vanishes within a week to ten days, leaving behind dark lesions that will ultimately disappear after several months.

Due to the shared environments that are associated with the onset of this condition, such as hot tubs and pools, it is not unusual to see entire families being affected by hot tub folliculitis at the same time.

Treatment of hot tub folliculitis may not be necessary at all, as it usually subsides and disappears by itself. Nevertheless, due to uncomfortable itchiness, creams and ointments may be used, and in more severe, persistent widespread attacks, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Obviously, prevention is better than cure! As the culprit is familiar and easily identified, prevention is relatively easy to achieve. The best method of prevention is to maintain the correct and safe levels of disinfectant in the water. Water should be changed frequently, along with high-quality cleaning of the bath tub and continuous water filtration.

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What Is Folliculitis?

What is folliculitis? Before dealing with the various folliculitis treatment options, perhaps it may be prudent to give an overview of just what folliculitis is.

Folliculitis is a skin complaint that can arise almost anywhere on the skin, although it appears most often on the legs ,chest and back. It displays as inflammation as a result of an infection of the hair follicles, usually caused by some form of bacteria or fungus. The most common infection comes from Staphylococcus.

Contrary to popular belief, folliculitis does not occur as a result of dirtiness or ill health. In fact, it is possible for the hale and hearty to suffer with this problem, and they frequently do. Those people that consider themselves relatively clean, perhaps showering frequently, can and still do, suffer, even though the cause is a fungal or bacterial infection. It can be concluded therefore, that staying clean does not guarantee prevention against folliculitis.

The condition is a comparatively minor ailment, scarcely even mildly serious and certainly not fatal. However, most sufferers agree that it can be extremely uncomfortable, with continual itching and scratching, which if left untreated, can lead to possible scarring. Many people will be seeking a folliculitis treatment to deal with the embarrassment and self esteem factors, the importance of which should not be underestimated or ignored.

Characteristically, some form of irritation of the hair follicles is the cause of folliculitis. Friction or coarse action , such as wearing tight clothing or shaving, are typical sources of irritation. A more infrequent cause could be in-growing hairs. The disturbance of the follicles leads to infection which eventually causes irritation. Heat can often hasten the inception of the problem, which explains why the groin, upper body and ankles are often affected.

A physical examination by a doctor or medical professional is the typical , and straightforward method of diagnosis. The resulting symptoms can give an extremely itchy feeling, appearing as a rash or many red spots. These spots can occasionally be very sensitive to the touch, and become pimple-like, with a white head. It is not uncommon for them to seep or ooze pus, or to harden forming a yellow scab.

The regular folliculitis treatment methods of today, as with most modern day medicine, do not totally eliminate the problem, but merely address the symptoms and provide some relief. The particular treatment offered will depend on whether the diagnosis confirms a fungal infection or a bacterial infection.

A more universal treatment may include the application of a warm, slightly damp compress to soften the area and assist with the drainage of the follicles. In order to clean and purify the follicles, a topical antiseptic cream or treatment should be applied.

Prescription drugs for bacterial folliculitis treatment may consist of antibiotic creams and ointments, usually containing mupirocin or neomycin. These are usually quite effective. Fungal folliculitis treatment will most likely take the form of an anti-fungal cream containing econzole nitrate. Although drugs such as dicloxacillin and fluconazole can be taken orally for the condition, topical creams are the preferred option.

Currently however, many sufferers are choosing to take a more holistic, natural approach to their folliculitis treatment.

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