Details Descriptions About :: Folliculitis, Furuncles, Carbuncles

 Folliculitis is a bacterial infection in the upper portion of a hair follicle that causes a papule, pustule, or erosion. The infection can be superficial (follicular impetigo or Bockhart’s impetigo) or deep (sycosis barbae). Furuncles, also known as boils, affect the entire hair follicle and the adjacent subcutaneous tissue. Carbuncles are a group of interconnected furuncles. With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for patients with folliculitis is good. The disorder usually resolves within 2 to 3 weeks. The prognosis for patients with carbuncles depends on the severity of the infection and the patient’s physical condition and ability to resist infection.

Causes for Folliculitis, Furuncles, Carbuncles

Causes Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus (most common) Klebsiella, Enterobacter, or Proteus organisms (gram-negative folliculitis in patients on long-term antibiotic therapy such as for acne) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (thrives in warm environment with high pH and low chlorine content—“hot-tub folliculitis”) Predisposing risk factors Shaving, plucking, or waxing Infected wound, poor hygiene Chronic staphylococcus carrier state in nares, axillae, perineum, or bowel Diabetes Debilitation Immunosuppressive therapy, defects in chemotaxis, hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome Tight clothes, friction Living in a tropical climate

Pathophysiology Folliculitis, Furuncles, Carbuncles

Pathophysiology The affecting organism enters the body, usually at a break in the skin barrier such as a wound site. The organism then causes an inflammatory reaction within the hair follicle. Staphylococcal infection commonly causes the abscess, which consists of a fibrin wall with surrounding inflamed tissues. This encloses a core of pus containing organisms and leukocytes. Hematologic spread of infection is possible even from the smallest abscess and is enhanced by proteolytic enzymes produced by the staphylococcal organisms. This spread can result in pneumonia and infection of the heart valves, bones, and joints. Immunocompromised patients may develop fatal sepsis.

Signs and symptoms Folliculitis, Furuncles, Carbuncles

Signs and symptoms Folliculitis In children—papule or pustules on scalp, arms, or legs In adults—papule or pustules on trunk, buttocks, legs, or face Furuncles Firm or fluctuant, painful nodules, commonly on neck, face, axillae, or buttocks Nodules enlarge for several days, then rupture, discharging pus and necrotic material After rupture, pain subsides (erythema and edema persist for days or weeks) Carbuncles Extremely painful, deep abscesses draining through multiple openings onto the skin surface, around several hair follicles Fever and malaise

Diagnostic Lab Test results

Diagnostic test results Wound cultures and sensitivity test results show the offending organism. Blood chemistry reveals elevated white blood cell count.

Treatment for Folliculitis, Furuncles, Carbuncles

Treatment Thorough cleaning of the infected area with antibacterial soap and water several times per day Warm, wet compresses to promote vasodilation and drainage Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin ointment or clindamycin or erythromycin solution Specific treatments Extensive folliculitis: systemic antibiotics, such as a cephalosporin or dicloxacillin Furuncles (ripe lesions): warm, wet compresses incision and drainage systemic antibiotic therapy Carbuncles: incision and drainage systemic antibiotic therapy

Disclaimer ::

The Information available on this site is for only Informational Purpose , before any use of this information please consult your Doctor .Price of the drugs indicated above may not match to real price due to many possible reasons may , including local taxes etc.. These are only approximate indicative prices of the drug.