Recurrent foliculitis

[asaad]

Hi iv been struggling with recurrent infections around my nose, beard and scalp for the last two years. The problem started after a course of accutane for my acne. The dermatologist said it was foliculitis and put me on minocycline (50mg twice a day for three months), however, a month into the course the problem flared up again. My dermatologist then prescribed purbac double strength (trimethporim sulphamethoxazolen twice a day for two months). This worked, however two days after the course ended i started to break out again. I feel like im in a cycle of antibiotics, and my social life has completely disintegrated. I am completely at a loss as to what to do, can anyone help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Topical betadine may cause rash; hives; itching; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue and hence it cannot be used daily as a face wash. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[asaad]

Thanks for the advice, i just did a culture today, and should get the results in the next few days. In the meen while i have been using a betadine skin cleanser, and this over the last two weeks has completely cleared the areas around my nose, beard and scalp.I was just wondering if i can use this skin cleanser as a face wash from now on.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Recurrent folliculitis may be due to auto-infection or a vicious cycle where drainage of the bacteria from one area on the body is spread to another area of the body via touching, clothes, bed linens, or towels. Since you are getting recurrent folliculitis it is better to get a culture sensitivity of the pus from the follicles. boils and get appropriate antibiotics specific for the bacteria which show susceptibility to the antibiotics.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.