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.

Click Here For Your Alternative Natural Treatment For Folliculitis

Gram-Negative Folliculitis

Gram-negative folliculitis is a severe type of inflammatory acne, which typically occurs after lengthy use of antibiotics as treatment for acne.

When this inflammatory acne outlasts the treatment or even becomes worse, the conditions are right for gram-negative folliculitis to arise. Following this resistance to antibiotic treatment, the body becomes immune to the antibiotics, eventually resulting in a form of acne, even more severe than the original attack. In fact, 4% of those people that develop inflammatory acne will end up with gram-negative folliculitis.

As mentioned, gram-negative folliculitis is caused by a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics, and usually arises following a prolonged, unsuccessful course of antibiotic treatment for acne. When tests are carried out on these bacterial infections, samples are subjected to a process called gram staining. Most bacteria, such as the gram-positive facial bacteria flora, will stain blue in the test, but the bacteria responsible for gram-negative folliculitis does not. The use of certain antibiotics for a long time causes bacterial interference, effectively meaning that the gram-positive bacterial flora is replaced by gram-negative bacteria, which thrive in the nasal cavities and mucous membranes.

The following are some of the people who are more prone to developing gram-negative folliculitis:

-          those who have prolonged, unsuccessful antibiotic treatment for acne

-          people with severe seborrhoea

-          those with HIV/AIDS

-          acne rosacea sufferers

-          users of hot tubs or jacuzzis, contaminated with the pseudomonas bacteria

-          those with ear infections caused by pseudomonas bacteria

Gram-negative folliculitis is relatively rare, but it can cause considerable physical, emotional and self-esteem issues, but it does not have to be permanent. With the right treatment, this skin disorder can be beaten.

Click Here For Details Of An All Natural FolliculitisTreatment

Pityrosporum Folliculitis

Pityrosporum folliculitis is a fungal condition in which the yeast, pityrosporum, invades the hair follicles and multiplies, causing an itchy flare-up, similar to acne. In fact, pityrosporum folliculitis can sometimes be identified mistakenly for acne, which can be devastating, since the treatments for acne serve only to feed the fungi, thus increasing its power and severity.

Pityrosporum , also known as malassezia, is present naturally on the skin, so hygiene and cleanliness are not contributory factors to its existence. It occurs most frequently in teenagers and men, with a tendency to appear on the upper body, chest and back.

Because pityrosporum is already present on the skin, there are no authoritative explanations as to how or why this problem arises. However, the following are a few common factors displayed by those that suffer from pityrosporum folliculitis.

• Hot, humid, sweaty environments in which the yeast flourishes.
• Tight clothing, not allowing the body to breathe.
• Application of greasy sunscreens and oils.
• Oily skin.
• Weakened immune system.
• Stress or fatigue
• Diabetes
• Oral steroids such as prednisone
• Oral contraceptive pill
• Overweight, resulting in more sweating and tighter clothing.

Taking antibiotics kills the bacteria on the skin which then leaves the pityrosporum unchecked and free to multiply and invade. For women, taking the oral contraceptive will increase the chances of suffering from pityrosporum folliculitis.

Pityrosporum folliculitis does not look as bad as standard folliculitis or hot tub folliculitis, but the itching can be a lot worse. It will typically begin with a rash which manifests as bumpy or rough skin with a mild itch. A few whiteheads may also appear. If not treated, the itching will become more severe, exacerbated by sweating or hot showers. If the rash is scratched, it can flare-up into stinging red blotches.

It is essential to treat both the fungi and also the circumstances in which the problem thrives in the first place. If the causative factors are not addressed, the condition will remain, resulting in scarring and persistent discomfort.

Pityrosporum folliculitis treatment consists of two options - oral and topical medications. Oral medications, such as Nizoral, are probably the most effective, but the chance of a recurrence of the problem is high. Topical treatments, applied to the skin directly, include anti-dandruff shampoo and anti-fungal cream.

Click Here For Your Natural Folliculitis Treatment