Help with folliculitus

[Tennispanda422]

I've been diagnosed with folliculitus, and have had multiple flare ups. Last year I had to have two really bad ones drained. I keep good hygiene, yet I get flare ups every couple of months. Having a rather bad flare up right now, it's all over my face, starting to get into my scalp, all over my neck, chest, arms, arm pits, stomach and groin area. I used to have excellent skin with minimal acne, but now it is starting to scar, a lot. Home remedies and prescription pills from the doctor aren't doing squat, and I'm to the point I'm too embarrassed to be seen by anyone. I feel like a pubescent kid that everyone makes fun of. I'm afraid to date because it looks like an STI. My last boyfrirnd swore I had herpes, but I was tested repeatedly for it and it came back negative. What can I do to make it stop and to either prevent the scarring or at least minimize it. The doc said my flare ups are probably due to stress, but it doesn't usually show up when I'm extremely stressed, but rather when I'm only mildly stressed, or not stressed at all. I'm frustrated and embarrassed. Help please!

[Tennispanda422]

Thanks for the quick response! The doctor said it was caused by a staph infection. He's prescribed pills, but I've never had any improvement while I am taking them. I use antibacterial soap, and only wear makeup when necessary, and am careful to wash it off as soon as possible. I'll try to the Neosporin and see how that helps.

Unfortunately, I lost my job last month, and with it, my health insurance, so I am stuck waiting until I can afford to go to the doctor again.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
First of all this needs to be confirmed whether it is bacterial or fungal infection. You may try calamine lotion on the rash. You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics.You can also use antibiotic cream like Neosporin or Bactroban on the rash.

If the symptoms persist then get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings done.

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.