Distressed about Folliculitis

[mrey86]

Hello Doctor,

In October i had a large single boil on the back of my arm, which drained on its own. Since then i had a smaller boil/boils crop up in my groin and anoher smaller one in armpit.

I went to two different dermotologists and they both prescribed me amoxiclav and when that failed i was prescribe oxytetracline as well as hibiclens to shower with daily and bactroban ointment to put in my nasal cavity.

Since then the boils have slowed down but when one goes another seems to crop up (around my perineal region), even with the treatment. I'm getting really frustrated and upset but this as i've put a hold on contact sports and my sex life with my girlfriend has stopped because i don't want to spread it to her.

I've read stories of how people suffer with this for years but my dermotologist assures me if i continue treatment it will eventually go... although i don't see how if i'm still getting new ones with treatment. I'm just looking for some reassurance here.

Thanks

[athlete25]

HI

I am a male aged 25 and I suffer from pustules on my face and scalp. This can occur anywhere on my face normally around lip line and t zone area but can occur anywhere really. I normally have about 6 pustule of similar size every day (slightly larger than follicullitis but not large at all). I also get them on the back of my scalp I have medium length hair so you cant see them (normally difficult to get a hair cut). The pustules normally disappear within a day or 2 and then reoccur somewhere else. I have had this condition since I was 16 and it doesnt seem to get any better with age.
I have been on accutane 3 times (70mg), each times I have been on the pustules have totally cleared up and I think I am cured but they soon return within 2 months after treatment. I have tried all antibiotics which did help especially minocycline but not for long normally for a few weeks. These days antibiotics dont help unless I havent been on them for a long time. I also tried bp which did kill the pustules at start but does not any more.
I had a punch skin biopsy done which didnt give a conclusive result. Also I have had a swab test which came back as 'no result'. I also don a food allergy test which showed no allergy to anything.
Please could anyone help with what this condition might be (even dermatologist dont know) I need to know what might be causing this so I can treat this. This is a real emabarrasing problem so any feed back would be great.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

First of all, diagnosis needs to be established as that will affect the choice of treatment and prognosis. Based on information provided, Folliculitis, Hydradenitis supurativa, and Acne inversa should be taken into consideration first. Please, let us know what diagnostic tools were/are utilized by your physicians and with what conclusions.

Second, preventative measures can be of great help. Avoid: shaving with dull razor, friction, exposure to occlusive chemicals and sweat. Keep it clean (wash with antibacterial soap) and dry.

Third, long-term therapy with adequate antibiotics might be necessary if more advanced form of disorder has developed.

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic