pseudomonas infection (Skin)

In August I was diagonsed with hot tub folliculities and put on an anitbiotic.  After 3 additional courses of various antibiotics, I insisted the doctor culture one of the boils.  I was found to have pseudomonas and 2 types of staph.  Once again she put me on augmentin and 2 weeks later I developed another ear infection.  I am now on my 3 course of antibiotics for ear infections.  What is my doctor doing wrong?  I believe I have had this infection for several years: reoccuring ear infections, swollen lymph glands removed from under my arms (with an inconclusive biopsy results, and reoccuring folliculitis. I have edema, fatigue, joint pain, bursitis (shoulder, hip, heel).  From what I have learned of pseudomans infections, these symptoms may all be a result of that improperly treated infection.  What should I tell my GP to do or should I see an infectious disease doctor?  Some of what I read says that pseudomans in difficult to get rid of and often takes a combination of drugs, often administered intrevenously.  I am a 46 year old female with elevated blood pressure, allergies, and hypothyroiditis.  I have grown tired of the oral trush (thrush) and vaginal yeast infections from the antibiotics and am beginning to fear that I have grown resistant to them.  HELP!

[Forum-M.D.-DT]

Thank you for visiting the family practice forum.
Folliculitis is a superficial inflammation of the hair follicles, often caused by bacteria, which heals without leaving a scar. Exposure to tar, plaster, occlusive bandages or contact with mineral oils may predispose one to developing this condition. A bacteria known as Staph Aureus is commonly present in folliculitis caused by shaving. (beard area, under the arms or on the legs.) This rash appears as individual red papules which may have the appearance of acne. If the rash is in a small area, the use of an antibiotic ointment such as Mupirocin (prescription) may be helpful. If a larger area is involved, the doctor will commonly prescribe an oral antibiotic such as Cephalexin (Keflex) to help resolve this rash. Of course any chemical which has been shown to cause this type of rash should be avoided.
Pseudomonas infections are treated with combination therapy as you describe. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin), typically given as an intramuscluar injection (IM) along with a "aminoglycoside" antibiotic such as Clarithromycin (Biaxin) are is what is typically used to treat a resisitant infection due to pseudomonas.
I suspect the Augmentin is not resulting in total resolution of the symptoms you describe. While I understand that you may not want to be on antiboitics due to the yeast infections which result, until the infection is fully treated, you are likely to continue to experience symptoms.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Dean M. Tomasello, M.D.

[SUCUSE]

I am a 22 year old college student. For the past 8 months I have been noticing small lesions on my scalp that seem to be consistent with scalp folliculitis. They are small and have scabbed over, but do not heal.  I have been using a Pomade for my hair which contains Lanolin (which I heard increases the liklihood of the infection). What is the best way to treat such an infection? I am currently on Augmentin 875 mg for 10 days to treat a sinus infection, will or could that clear it up the scalp infection as well?.. or do you think that a longer course of a drug such as Tricyclen will be the only way to cure this?

Thank You.

M.

[Lonedog]

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