folliculitis

[buff2180]

I'm a 32-year-old woman. I have had folliculitis on my chest and back for many years and after lots of antibiotic treatments, I have been on Accutane (and off antibiotics) for 1 month. My boyfriend suddenly has itchy bumps and pustules that look like my folliculitis on his back and arms. He says he never has any skin problems, so I am worried that I spread my folliculitis to him. I'm planning to see my doctor as soon as possible, but what should we do to minimize this problem, and what can he do until he sees his doctor? I am extremely worried and upset that I might be spreading this problem to him and would appreciate any advice. Could there be any correlation between my stopping antibiotics and his suddenly having folliculitis-like symptoms?
Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I doubt you've spread anything to him.  Folliculitis is usually not contagious, and this should be especially true for yours, since you've had it so long.  Folliculitis is pretty common, so it wouldn't be that unusual for him to get it too, and besides, there are several different forms of it (bacterial, sterile, etc.)  So you needn't worry.  He should leave the spots alone (no picking), wash with an antibacterial soap, and see the doctor for definitive diagnosis.  His doctor would be helped by knowing what your doctor says too, just so the issue of contagiousness can be put to rest.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Jcon]

I also have been diagnosed with Folliculitis. I had a boil also, that went away on its own. The infected area is under my right inner thigh, just under my groin and is very painful, especially after I sweat alot. I was precribed Dicloxacillin, 1 pill 4 times a day for a week, That helped for a few days but the "pimples" and sores come back whenever I sweat and are very painful. I do hot compresses and aply a triple anti-biotic cream quite often everyday. I dont know what else to do, this is hampering me from doing my daily activities because of the area and the pain level, even when I walk because the sores rub against my left thigh. What other options do I have to get rid of this? I have had it for over 3 weeks  now! Thank you!!