Folliculitis

[AnxiousMan585]

I've been diagnosed with Folliculitis on my face and my Dermatologist put me on Minocylcine 100mg for two weeks (2x a day).  I've noticed that it's clearling up, but I had a small outbreak today--I've been on the antibiotic for about a week now.  I have had this on going for about 3 months....my wife is also experiencing this now.  Also, about 3 months ago when I noticed the Folliculitis, I was experiencing severe dizziness, and I am still dizzy all the time.

My question is this; can Herpetic Folliculitis cause constant dizziness, and confusion?  Also, if this was viral, would the antibiotic do anything at all?

Thanks for the HELP!

[AnxiousMan585]

Dr. can you please answer my latest question?  This is starting to get frustrating since it's not going away....what would be your recommendaton...biopsy?

[AnxiousMan585]

Dermatolgist swtiched me off Minocycline to Z-pack....I've now been on Zpack for four days....no improvement.  Is it fair to assume that something beyond bacterial is going on here?

[AnxiousMan585]

Hello-

I had my follow-up appointment today and the Dermatologist suggested that I get off MinoCyline and move to a 5-day anitbiotic (Z-Pak).  However, said that since there's been significatn improvement, that it must be bacterial.  However, I am still having small red tiny pimples and burning sensation on the my face.  Also prescribed me Accudac Gel.

Please let me know you thoughts.

Thanks again!

[AnxiousMan585]

Thanks Doc!  I will keep you posted.  I am scheduled for a follow-up this week.

Again, I truly appreciate your insight on this matter.

Best Regards.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Folliculitis is a bacterial infection and HSV is a viral infection. So they are unrelated. Secondly minocycline is an antibiotic used for bacterial infection and not viral ones. Hence if you had improvement after minocycyline then possibility is that it is bacterial. To confirm the diagnosis, it is better to get a culture sensitivity of the bumps and to rule out any fungal infection, get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings of the bumps done. This will confirm the diagnosis and specific treatment can be planned.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[AnxiousMan585]

Hello Dr.

Sorry to Keep bothering you but am pretty anxious about the situation....can you please give some guidance around if this could be fungal or viral since it's not totally going away, however has significantly improved?  Does it mean that this cannot be viral or fungal if Antibiotics have improved it?

Thanks!

[AnxiousMan585]

Dr.  Can you please answer the above?

Thank you again in advance for your expertise and time!

Much appreciated.

Best Regards.

[AnxiousMan585]

Dr.  Thank you very much for your comments.  I do understand that it is very difficult to diagnose over the internet.

I have had testing for HIV, Syphilis, and Gonarreha, all negaitve (3mo window period), however, I just had an HSV-2 test done yesterday and am anxiously awaiting the results.  Is it possible to have Folliculitis as an ailment of HSV?  My face, shoulder, chest and back is mostly effected.  Also, I noticed that my face has a red hue to it on the cheeks, nose and above the eye brows that was not there since my potential exposure to an STD.

Lastly my question still stands; is it possible that if this is Viral, the Minocycline would have any affect on clearly this up?  I still have about another two weeks worth of anitbiotic, and there are still a few postulates that have appeared, but nothing even close to what it was before I started mediciation.  Is it fair to assume that since I've seen progress using the Minocycline, that this is not Viral?

Again, I truly do appreciate your professionial expertise, time, and comments.

Best Regards- AM

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Folliculitis cannot cause dizziness and confusion but these symptoms can be due to viral infection and the use of antibiotics. If your wife is showing similar symptoms then viral infection can be a possibility.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[AnxiousMan585]

Can anyone please comment on this?  I do appreciate your help.

Best Regards