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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
folliculitis following strep infection
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.
folliculitis following strep infection
by flyingconcorde, Feb 18, 2004 12:00AM
I had strep one-and-a-half weeks ago and was given a 5-day course of Zithromax. Near the end of the Zithromax course, I developed a widespread rash on my neck, upper chest and back.
I went to see a doctor, who diagnosed the rash as folliculitis aggrevated by the strep treatment. He gave me a 10-day course of cephalexin (1.5g/day), and told me no other treatment would be neccesary (eg. antibiotic soap or topical treatment).
How long should it be, approximately, before I see improvement in my symptoms? I have been taking the cephalexin for 48 hours and am still developing new pustules over the entire affected area at the same rate as prior to the onset of treatment.
I'm worried because I have to leave the US soon to return to school in Quebec, and if the folliculitis is non-bacterial (yeast or fungus) I could be making it worse with the antibiotics, and will not have the opportunity to see the doctor again soon.
The folliculitis is not spreading, but I don't know if that's due to the antibiotics or careful hygiene, as the rash didn't spread before treatment began.
Also, if symptoms do not resolve before I return to school, I am worried that I will spread the infection, as I train in an acrobatics school and am in close physical contact with classmates. Is it best to assume that I am still contagious until I stop developing new pustules?
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 18, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 18, 2004 12:00AM
The truth is, I'm not sure what you have, although it doesn't sound contagious or in any way serious. I don't know what the doctor meant by "folliculitis aggravated by the strep treatment." Strep treatment may not help folliculitis, but it doesn't aggravate it either.
I see folliculitis often in wintertime. It responds slowly to oral antibiotics, but I think the one you're on now should help, and will certainly minimize the chances of any contagion, if indeed there were any to start with.
I suggest finishing the course of treatment, and letting the remaining rash take care of itself, which it should do.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
I see folliculitis often in wintertime. It responds slowly to oral antibiotics, but I think the one you're on now should help, and will certainly minimize the chances of any contagion, if indeed there were any to start with.
I suggest finishing the course of treatment, and letting the remaining rash take care of itself, which it should do.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
