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What Causes Recurrent Folliculitis?
Question: I have occasional breakouts of folliculitis. They become large and painful sometimes. Can I visit a dermatologist to have them frozen by liquid nitrogen?
Brief Answer:
Need to find out the cause for recurrence
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
Since you are developing recurrent folliculitis,it is important to find out the cause of the same.
Rule out diabetes by getting a blood glucose done .
Avoid oil and moisturiser application over the body .
wear cotton clothes to decrease sweating .
Rather than getting them freezed,it would be better to take some systemic antibiotics to cure the infection completely..
You can discuss this option with your treating doctor .
For the time being ,keep the affected area clean and dry . Apply a topical antibiotic cream like neosporin or mupirocin over the affected area twice daily .
Dr Geetika Paul
Need to find out the cause for recurrence
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
Since you are developing recurrent folliculitis,it is important to find out the cause of the same.
Rule out diabetes by getting a blood glucose done .
Avoid oil and moisturiser application over the body .
wear cotton clothes to decrease sweating .
Rather than getting them freezed,it would be better to take some systemic antibiotics to cure the infection completely..
You can discuss this option with your treating doctor .
For the time being ,keep the affected area clean and dry . Apply a topical antibiotic cream like neosporin or mupirocin over the affected area twice daily .
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
This is the "standard" answer I get from just about ALL dermatologists. And it does not work. Taking antibiotics is not a long term remedy. This is something I could have gotten just doing online research.
Brief Answer:
Systemic treatment is important
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I would suggest you to get a pus culture and sensitivity done from the lesions to look for the organism which is causing recurrent infections .
In my viewpoint, inadequate and improper intake of antibiotics could be the reason for recurring lesions. Taking complete course of antibiotics according to the pus culture would be more beneficial .
Also, cryo freezing is useful only for the active lesions. It will surely heal the lesions present at a time but will not prevent development of new lesions. Hence it is not a good way to treat recurrent generalized folliculitis.
Finding out the cause of development of recurrent lesions is important .You might need an array of blood tests and complete body examination by a dermatologist to find the cause .
Dr Geetika Paul
Systemic treatment is important
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I would suggest you to get a pus culture and sensitivity done from the lesions to look for the organism which is causing recurrent infections .
In my viewpoint, inadequate and improper intake of antibiotics could be the reason for recurring lesions. Taking complete course of antibiotics according to the pus culture would be more beneficial .
Also, cryo freezing is useful only for the active lesions. It will surely heal the lesions present at a time but will not prevent development of new lesions. Hence it is not a good way to treat recurrent generalized folliculitis.
Finding out the cause of development of recurrent lesions is important .You might need an array of blood tests and complete body examination by a dermatologist to find the cause .
Dr Geetika Paul
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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