folliculitus

[briant401]

A few months ago i got a shave at a barbers office about 10 days later my face got painful bumps and it was really red and irritated.  I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Foliculitus.  He gave me a prescription for zpac and some muciprin that I put on twice a day.  The swelling and the bumps have gone away but its still red and some small bumps are still there, you cant see them from far away only up close in the mirror.  When i wake up in the morning everything looks ok, it seems to get red and irritated in the afternoon and when i work out.  Is this normal or am i being paranoid?  the reason i ask is i am almost out of the muciprin, should i make an appointment with my dermatologist? is there anything i can do to treat this. Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough, but it sounds like folliculitis or boils. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are useful and can be repeated. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be need to be taken for longer periods of time. Please consult your dermatologist in that case.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.