Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Diagnosis of both Acne and Pityrosporum folliculitis
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Diagnosis of both Acne and Pityrosporum folliculitis
by jen2120, Mar 25, 2008 12:23PM
Dear Doctor,
I am an almost 30 year old female and recently went to the dermatologist for the first time after experiencing what I thought was mild, but persistent acne on my chest and back for a few years (not on face).
After visually examining my symptoms for a couple seconds, the dermatologist concluded that I have both acne and Pityrosporum folliculitis (caused by yeast overgrowth on skin). She perscribed Doxycycline (20mg, twice/day) tablets and also a 2% Ketaconazole shampoo to wash my chest and back with once per day.
I was under the impression that an antibiotic will make the yeast overgrowth worse and am confused by this recommendation. I realize the antibiotic is for the "acne" symptoms and the other for the yeast overgrowth, but I'm wondering if I should seek a second opinion before continuing with this treatment for the next few months. Without swabbing the folliculitis, how would one know if it is caused by yeast or bacteria?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Jennifer
I am an almost 30 year old female and recently went to the dermatologist for the first time after experiencing what I thought was mild, but persistent acne on my chest and back for a few years (not on face).
After visually examining my symptoms for a couple seconds, the dermatologist concluded that I have both acne and Pityrosporum folliculitis (caused by yeast overgrowth on skin). She perscribed Doxycycline (20mg, twice/day) tablets and also a 2% Ketaconazole shampoo to wash my chest and back with once per day.
I was under the impression that an antibiotic will make the yeast overgrowth worse and am confused by this recommendation. I realize the antibiotic is for the "acne" symptoms and the other for the yeast overgrowth, but I'm wondering if I should seek a second opinion before continuing with this treatment for the next few months. Without swabbing the folliculitis, how would one know if it is caused by yeast or bacteria?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Jennifer
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 25, 2008 09:27PM
, Mar 25, 2008 09:27PMTo: jen2120
Acne and folliculitis look about the same. I think your dermatologist wants to cover both bases, which is not unreasonable. Both conditions are usually diagnosed clinically, without the need for cultures unless no response is obtained. Pityrosporum yeasts are not the same kind of yeasts that overgrow when you take antibiotics. Pityrosporum lives in everyone's follicles and sometimes causes bumps, so you needn't worry that the antibiotic will undo the effects of the antifungal treatment. You should discuss these questions with your dermatologist directly.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
