FOLLICULITIS, FUNGAL |
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DESCRIPTIONFungal folliculitis is a superficial or deep fungal irritation and infection of hair follicles of the skin. It is contagious. The skin on the hands, arms, legs, face, and scalp is involved.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications (sometimes).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Plaques (patches or flat areas) with clearly defined borders and pustules (small white blisters with pus inside) on top. Pustules are 1mm to 2mm in diameter and frequently appear in clusters.
CAUSES
A fungus infection that causes a small abscess next to the hair follicle.
RISK FACTORS
Illness that has lowered your child's resistance.
Diabetes.
Eczema or dermatitis.
Exposure to heat and high humidity.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCE
Your child should protect the skin as much as possible from minor injury.
Your child should avoid hot, humid environments.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory culture of the pustule.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSBacterial folliculitis and fungal folliculitis are difficult to differentiate. Fungal folliculitis may be misdiagnosed in your child and treated with steroid creams, which aggravate the disorder.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually curable in 6 weeks with treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
Your child should avoid injury to the skin.
Females should use depilatory creams instead of razors.
Males should not shave during treatment until lesions on the face heal.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe griseofulvin (an oral anti-fungal medication) and topical anti-fungal agents. Follow directions on the label.
These medications may cause side effects or adverse reactions. Side effects usually disappear when your child's body adjusts to the drug or the drug is discontinued.
Don't let the child use any medicine, including non-prescription medicine, without telling your doctor.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes, after skin has healed.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of fungal folliculitis.
The following occurs during treatment:
-- Signs of spreading infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pain).
-- Fever over 101F (38.3C).
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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