Foliculitis?

I have a severe case of foliculitis and have had it since I was about 15 years old. I am now 22 and found out what it actually was when I was pregnant. I have tried everything the doctors tell me to try and control it but nothing works. I have terrible scaring on my arms mostly because of this and it makes me feel really ugly. I also get boils, which is apart of it. People always stare at me and I even had a cop ask if I done drugs! If anyone knows anything about this skin condition please help me out in some way. Thanks.

Foliculitis?
How is it treated?





Usually mild folliculitis heals on its own in about 2 weeks. Warm compresses made with white vinegar or Burow’s solution may help relieve itching and aid healing. If the infection does not go away, an antibiotic or antifungal cream will usually clear up the condition. Medicated shampoos are available to treat folliculitis on the scalp or beard.





For deeper, more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal pills.





Sometimes the infection is stubborn and requires a long course of treatment. In some cases, laser hair removal may be an option. Laser treatment destroys the hair follicles so they can't become infected


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Treatment Overview





Mild cases of folliculitis sometimes heal on their own. However, folliculitis may return or get worse. If your folliculitis spreads or returns, see your doctor for proper treatment.





If your infection is caused by bacteria and it is:





*Mild, you can try an antibiotic ointment or cream such as bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate (Polysporin), clindamycin, erythromycin, or mupirocin (Bactroban). You may also use an antiseptic cleanser, such as povidone-iodine (for example, Betadine) or chlorhexidine.





*Deeper or more severe, you will need to take antibiotic pills. Your doctor may prescribe dicloxacillin, erythromycin, or cephalexin (such as Keflex). Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and ofloxacin (such as Floxin) are used for certain types of bacteria.





If your infection is caused by a fungus:





*You will need to take antifungal pills, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), griseofulvin (Fulvicin-U/F or Gris-PEG, for example), itraconazole (Sporanox), or terbinafine (Lamisil).


*Your doctor may give you a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.


*If folliculitis occurs on your scalp or beard area, you can use a shampoo containing selenium sulfide 2.5%, selenium 1%, or 50% propylene glycol.





For stubborn or recurrent cases of folliculitis, laser treatment may be an option. Laser treatment destroys the hair follicle and reduces the scarring that results from folliculitis. However, hair will no longer grow in the treated area. Laser treatment is expensive.


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If you have folliculitis, try the following measures:





*Use an antibacterial soap to wash the infected area. If the infection is on your scalp or beard, use a shampoo containing selenium or propylene glycol. Your doctor may also prescribe a medicated shampoo with ketoconazole (Nizoral Topical).





*Apply warm, wet compresses 3 to 6 times a day to help folliculitis heal faster and stop the itching or pain. Wash your hands before applying a compress. To make a compress, moisten a clean cloth or piece of gauze with warm water.





*Place it over the infected area until it begins to cool (usually 5 to 10 minutes). You can make compresses with:


Burow's solution, which you can buy without a prescription in many drugstores and supermarkets.





*White vinegar solution. Mix 1 Tbsp (15 mL) of white vinegar and 1.33 cups (315 mL) of water.





When to call a doctor


If you have folliculitis, call your doctor if:





*It spreads or keeps coming back.


*You develop other symptoms, such as fever over 101° (38°), redness, swelling, warmth, or increased pain over the infected area.


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Reply:you're welcome!


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Reply:Folliculitis is caused by the staph germ which hides in your nose and you become a carrier of the germ. One third of the population are carriers but most don't develop folliculitis very often.





Try using intranasal Bactroban (swab a dab on a q-tip swirled around inside of nose 2X daily, AM%26amp;PM) for a month and this will help. Also wash your pillow cases and sheets and clothes regularly in very hot water and detergent. And take a shower daily and use Hibiclens as your soap.





http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_bac...





If this doesn't work ask your Dr about taking Keflex or dicloxacillin every day to block the infection along with the intranasal Bactroban.





http://www.intekom.com/pharm/smith_kb/bb...





The generic bactroban ointment works just as well as the new name brand Bactroban intranasal formulation.





Using vinegar in the shower to clean skin of staph germs is also a good suggestion and this is cheaper than Hibiclens, although you have to rinse off the vinegar thoroughly after washing the skin.
Reply:Folliculitis Treatment Overview





Mild cases of folliculitis sometimes heal on their own. However, folliculitis may return or get worse. If your folliculitis spreads or returns, see your doctor for proper treatment.





If your infection is caused by bacteria and it is:





* Mild, you can try an antibiotic ointment or cream such as bacitracin, polymyxin B sulfate (Polysporin), clindamycin, erythromycin, or mupirocin (Bactroban). You may also use an antiseptic cleanser, such as povidone-iodine (for example, Betadine) or chlorhexidine.


* Deeper or more severe, you will need to take antibiotic pills. Your doctor may prescribe dicloxacillin, erythromycin, or cephalexin (such as Keflex). Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and ofloxacin (such as Floxin) are used for certain types of bacteria.





If your infection is caused by a fungus:





* You will need to take antifungal pills, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), griseofulvin (Fulvicin-U/F or Gris-PEG, for example), itraconazole (Sporanox), or terbinafine (Lamisil).


* Your doctor may give you a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.





If folliculitis occurs on your scalp or beard area, you can use a shampoo containing selenium sulfide 2.5%, selenium 1%, or 50% propylene glycol.





For stubborn or recurrent cases of folliculitis, laser treatment may be an option. Laser treatment destroys the hair follicle and reduces the scarring that results from folliculitis. However, hair will no longer grow in the treated area. Laser treatment is expensive.