folliculitis

Dr. Rockoff,
I actually am writing just to tell you the answer to my problem, for two reasons. First of all, when I signed on this site to ask a question, I put in my whole name, which I wouldn't have done had I realized the way it worked. Secondly, you seemed unsettled and concerned. Also, maybe it will help someone else...so here goes.
You were right, I have folliculitis. I had an active infection on my face when my dermatologist did some piercing, undermining, and laser to stimulate collagen. The infection spread, my face blew up, and I went on keflex 1000/mg day. The day before going to my new dermatologist, the derm who did the procedure on me told me to use bleaching cream on my face to help remove scaring. So, on my big swollen face, I went to sleep with bleaching cream on and woke up with white stuff coming out everywhere. When I went in to see my new derm, she told me to let the white stuff come out on its own. That I shouldn't try to help it out, but she didn't tell me what it was. (Today she told me that  it is keratin.) At the same time, many areas around my body were draining...my chest, arms, legs...even my big toe.  So, I was now convinced that I had some massive systemic problem. That is when I wrote to you.
Anyway, my facial infection is gone (for good I hope). I have put bactroban in my nose at night (and will continue to periodically.) I will wash my hands often. And as my dad, a retired M.D. said, never put anything smaller that your elbow in your nose.
You did help me very much with my question about folliculitis. I have been on minocycline for a long time, and doxycillin before that, and neither helped. I have also been on creams for acne, rosatia, and believe it or not, a pill to alter my hormones. I am very happy to be diagnosed.
You helped with that. (And I paid $19.00 to tell you that!:)
                               Julie

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Thank you very much, Julie.  I'm gtrateful for the good news, and for the fact that you shared it with me.

And your Dad is right about the elbow . . .

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff