{ "schemaVersion": 2, "eyebrow": "Dermatology", "title": "Folliculitis", "summary": "Folliculitis is best managed by separating uncomplicated bacterial disease from exposure-related, yeast-associated, eosinophilic, and scarring scalp disorders; culture, KOH examination, and biopsy are reserved for patterns in which the result changes treatment or prevents irreversible alopecia.", "seoDescription": "Physician-focused approach to folliculitis: distinguish bacterial, Pseudomonas, Malassezia, eosinophilic, and scarring scalp disease using targeted testing.", "clinicalQuestion": "How should clinicians distinguish common folliculitis phenotypes and select targeted testing or escalation?", "specialty": "Dermatology", "audience": "U.S. physicians and medical trainees", "tags": [ "folliculitis", "bacterial folliculitis", "Malassezia folliculitis", "hot tub folliculitis", "folliculitis decalvans", "eosinophilic folliculitis" ], "keyTakeaways": [ "Do not treat every follicular pustular eruption as staphylococcal disease: antibiotic-unresponsive papules and pustules in seborrheic areas should prompt evaluation for Malassezia folliculitis with direct microscopy or KOH preparation.[16]", "Recent contaminated-water exposure with pruritic or painful follicular papules and pustules supports Pseudomonas folliculitis, which usually clears spontaneously within 1–2 weeks.[3][5][9]", "Obtain skin biopsy for suspected eosinophilic folliculitis and for atypical or treatment-resistant eruptions when histology will distinguish a mimic.[15][18]", "Scalp pustules with tufted hairs, crusting, and alopecic patches indicate folliculitis decalvans, a neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia requiring early dermatologic management to limit permanent hair loss.[10][23]" ], "sections": [ { "id": "triage-and-initial-branching", "eyebrow": "Initial decision", "heading": "Identify patients who need urgent reassessment and classify the eruption before empiric therapy", "intro": "Use distribution, exposures, symptoms, and scalp hair loss to select the first diagnostic branch.", "paragraphs": [ "Folliculitis is usually a clinical diagnosis after focused history and examination; routine imaging is not indicated for typical limited disease.[15] Escalate assessment when fever, purulent drainage, deep painful nodules, progressive surrounding erythema, or concern for abscess or cellulitis is present, because bacterial folliculitis can involve deeper follicular structures and may be accompanied by fever.[4][17]", "Ask specifically about hot-tub, whirlpool, spa, or contaminated-pool exposure; prolonged antibiotic exposure; shaving or hair-removal procedures; and prior antibacterial treatment failure. Contaminated-water exposure shifts the leading diagnosis toward Pseudomonas folliculitis, whereas persistent or recurrent monomorphic follicular papules and pustules in seborrheic regions that do not respond to antibiotics should shift evaluation toward Malassezia folliculitis.[3][5][9][16]", "Examine the scalp separately from truncal or extremity disease. Alopecic patches with follicular pustules, crusting, pain or burning, and hair tufting are a scarring-alopecia pattern consistent with folliculitis decalvans rather than uncomplicated superficial folliculitis.[10][23]" ], "bullets": [ "Document systemic symptoms and evaluate for an associated deeper bacterial skin infection when fever or rapidly progressive inflammatory findings are present.[4][17]", "Inspect for permanent hair loss, tufted hairs, and crusting; these findings warrant prompt dermatologic evaluation for folliculitis decalvans.[10][23]", "Ask whether lesions developed after laser hair removal; post-treatment folliculitis is a reported adverse effect and is usually mild and self-limited.[22]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Clinical patterns that determine the next diagnostic step.[3][5][10][15][16][23]", "columns": [ "Pattern", "Discriminator", "Next action" ], "rows": [ [ "Typical limited follicular pustules without systemic illness", "Clinical diagnosis is generally sufficient.[15]", "Treat according to clinical severity; reassess if lesions persist, recur, or deepen." ], [ "Pruritic/painful eruption after hot-tub or pool exposure", "Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause after contaminated-water contact.[3][9]", "Expect spontaneous resolution over 1–2 weeks when the course is typical; reassess nonresolving or systemically ill patients.[5]" ], [ "Persistent monomorphic lesions in seborrheic regions after antibiotics", "This pattern should raise suspicion for Malassezia folliculitis.[16]", "Perform direct microscopy/KOH when available; use bacterial culture when bacterial disease remains in the differential.[16]" ], [ "Scalp pustules with tufting and alopecic patches", "Folliculitis decalvans is a neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia.[10][23]", "Refer for dermatologic confirmation and anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial disease control before scarring progresses.[10][23]" ], [ "Refractory or atypical follicular eruption", "Histopathology is useful in complex or nonresponsive Malassezia presentations and may distinguish mimics.[18]", "Perform punch biopsy when the result will change diagnosis and management." ] ] } }, { "id": "targeted-testing", "eyebrow": "Diagnostic testing", "heading": "Use KOH, culture, and biopsy selectively", "intro": "Testing should discriminate etiologies rather than confirm an obvious clinical presentation.", "paragraphs": [ "For suspected Malassezia folliculitis, obtain superficial scraping or follicular contents from an active pustule for direct microscopy with 10%–20% KOH. Clusters of round budding yeast with short hyphae support the diagnosis in an appropriate clinical setting.[16] A positive result must be interpreted with the lesion pattern because Malassezia is normal skin flora and may be present in healthy stratum corneum.[16]", "If direct microscopy is unavailable, clinical diagnosis followed by a therapeutic trial is an accepted practical approach for suspected Malassezia folliculitis; bacterial culture is useful when bacterial folliculitis remains a competing diagnosis.[16] In treatment-resistant or diagnostically complex cases, punch biopsy with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid–Schiff staining can identify fungal elements and follicular plugging that may be missed by direct examination.[18]", "Biopsy is usually unnecessary in routine folliculitis, but it is required to confirm eosinophilic folliculitis.[15] Expected histology is a perifollicular infiltrate dominated by lymphocytes and eosinophils near the sebaceous gland and follicular duct; bacterial folliculitis instead shows neutrophilic invasion of the follicle.[15]" ], "bullets": [ "Sample a fresh intact pustule or follicular material for KOH examination when Malassezia folliculitis is suspected.[16]", "Use bacterial culture to adjudicate bacterial disease when morphology, exposure history, or prior treatment response is discordant.[16]", "Proceed to biopsy for suspected eosinophilic folliculitis, atypical scalp disease, or eruptions that fail phenotype-directed treatment.[15][18][19]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Interpretation of targeted diagnostic studies in folliculitis.[15][16][18]", "columns": [ "Test", "Best-use scenario", "Actionable interpretation" ], "rows": [ [ "KOH preparation, 10%–20%", "Persistent or recurrent seborrheic follicular papules/pustules, especially after antibiotic failure.[16]", "Budding yeast and short hyphae support Malassezia folliculitis when correlated with the clinical pattern.[16]" ], [ "Bacterial culture", "Bacterial folliculitis remains plausible or the clinical course does not fit Malassezia disease.[16]", "Use organism identification to redirect management away from empiric antibacterial therapy when bacterial growth is not explanatory." ], [ "Punch biopsy with H&E; add PAS when fungal disease is considered", "Suspected eosinophilic folliculitis or complex, refractory eruption.[15][18]", "Eosinophil-predominant perifollicular inflammation supports eosinophilic folliculitis; PAS may detect fungal elements in difficult Malassezia cases.[15][18]" ], [ "Scalp dermoscopy plus culture or biopsy when indicated", "Diffuse scalp lesions with comma, broken, or corkscrew hairs and pustules suggest tinea capitis.[19]", "Request confirmatory culture when dermoscopy is typical; biopsy is recommended when dermoscopy is not typical and diagnosis remains uncertain.[19]" ] ] } }, { "id": "etiology-directed-management", "eyebrow": "Cause-directed care", "heading": "Match management to bacterial, water-exposure, or Malassezia patterns", "intro": "Avoid repeated antibacterial courses when the clinical phenotype favors a nonbacterial cause.", "paragraphs": [ "For uncomplicated bacterial folliculitis, topical antimicrobials used for impetigo include mupirocin ointment for susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes; retapamulin ointment is labeled for impetigo caused by methicillin-susceptible S. aureus or S. pyogenes in patients aged 9 months or older.[1] Restrict topical antibacterial selection to a compatible superficial bacterial presentation; deep lesions, systemic symptoms, or associated cellulitis require reassessment for a more extensive bacterial skin infection rather than simple topical management.[4][17]", "Pseudomonas hot-tub folliculitis follows exposure to contaminated water and commonly presents with discrete pruritic or painful follicular papules and pustules.[3][5][9] In a typical uncomplicated course, use observation and remove the exposure source because spontaneous clearing usually occurs within 1–2 weeks.[5] Failure to improve on this trajectory, development of fever, or progressive inflammatory findings should trigger reassessment for an alternative diagnosis or bacterial complication.[4][17]", "For Malassezia folliculitis, direct microscopy is preferred when feasible, but clinical treatment can be initiated when microscopy is unavailable and the phenotype is convincing.[16] Evidence summarized in a prospective study reported clearance in 75% of patients receiving systemic ketoconazole alone and improvement in the remaining 25%; this observation supports antifungal-directed rather than repeated antibacterial treatment, but drug selection and safety review should follow current prescribing information.[16]" ], "bullets": [ "Use exposure removal and short-interval clinical reassessment for typical hot-tub folliculitis because most cases resolve within 1–2 weeks.[5]", "For suspected Malassezia folliculitis, obtain KOH or direct microscopy before additional antibiotic courses when testing is available.[16]", "If fever, expanding erythema, abscess concern, or worsening pain develops, evaluate for deeper bacterial infection rather than continuing management as uncomplicated folliculitis.[4][17]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Etiology-directed management choices supported by phenotype.[1][3][4][5][16][17]", "columns": [ "Etiologic pattern", "Management priority", "Avoidable error" ], "rows": [ [ "Superficial bacterial pattern", "Use a topical antimicrobial with an appropriate superficial bacterial indication, such as mupirocin for susceptible S. aureus or S. pyogenes.[1]", "Do not manage fever or deeper inflammatory disease as isolated superficial folliculitis.[4][17]" ], [ "Pseudomonas after hot-tub/pool exposure", "Eliminate contaminated-water exposure and observe a typical uncomplicated eruption for spontaneous resolution over 1–2 weeks.[5]", "Do not assume persistent or systemic illness is self-limited; reassess diagnosis and complications.[4][17]" ], [ "Malassezia pattern", "Confirm with KOH/direct microscopy when available or use a clinically directed antifungal approach when microscopy is unavailable.[16]", "Do not continue empiric antibacterial therapy solely because lesions are pustular.[16]" ] ] } }, { "id": "scarring-and-refractory-scalp-disease", "eyebrow": "Scalp disease", "heading": "Recognize folliculitis decalvans before irreversible scarring progresses", "intro": "Tufting and alopecia change the problem from superficial infection to cicatricial alopecia management.", "paragraphs": [ "Folliculitis decalvans presents with painful follicular papules, pustules, crusting, tufted hairs, and alopecic patches, often involving the vertex scalp.[10][23] It is a chronic neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia; the management goal is suppression of inflammation and pustules to limit further permanent hair loss, not expectation of regrowth in scarred follicles.[10][23]", "Available treatments include oral and topical antibiotics, topical or intralesional corticosteroids, dapsone, isotretinoin, and combination regimens, but evidence is limited and outcomes vary.[10][11][23] A systematic review concluded that systemic antibiotic combinations with topical, local, or other systemic agents may provide the best outcome and longest duration of disease control, supporting specialist-led individualized regimens rather than repeated short empiric courses.[2]", "Isotretinoin has been associated with partial or complete response in 82% of 39 reported patients; doses above 0.4 mg/kg/day for more than 3 months were associated with the best response in that report, although systematic-review findings have been controversial.[11] Apremilast for refractory folliculitis decalvans is off-label and supported by a case report, not comparative evidence.[23]" ], "bullets": [ "Refer patients with scalp tufting, alopecic patches, crusting, or persistent pustules for dermatologic assessment because folliculitis decalvans is cicatricial.[10][23]", "Treat apparent disease activity and monitor for new pustules, pain, crusting, and expansion of alopecic areas rather than relying only on transient improvement in erythema.[10][23]", "Discuss isotretinoin only within a monitored specialist treatment plan; the reported dose-response observation is not definitive guidance.[11]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Escalation signals in scalp folliculitis.[10][11][19][23]", "columns": [ "Finding", "Likely concern", "Next step" ], "rows": [ [ "Tufted hairs plus alopecic patches and pustules", "Folliculitis decalvans with cicatricial alopecia.[10][23]", "Dermatology-directed treatment to suppress active inflammation and limit progression." ], [ "Diffuse scalp pustules with comma, broken, or corkscrew hairs", "Tinea capitis should be suspected.[19]", "Obtain confirmatory culture when dermoscopy is typical; biopsy when findings are atypical and uncertainty persists.[19]" ], [ "Refractory folliculitis decalvans despite conventional treatment", "Chronic inflammatory disease with limited evidence for salvage therapies.[2][11][23]", "Use individualized specialist management; apremilast is off-label and case-report supported only.[23]" ] ] } }, { "id": "when-to-biopsy-or-refer", "eyebrow": "Escalation", "heading": "Escalate when the phenotype is noninfectious, atypical, or scarring", "intro": "Recurrent pustules require diagnostic revision when targeted treatment does not fit the response.", "paragraphs": [ "Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is a rare noninfectious eosinophilic inflammatory condition; confirmation requires skin biopsy rather than empiric classification as bacterial folliculitis.[15][24] Histology showing perifollicular lymphocytes and eosinophils supports this branch and redirects care away from antibacterial-only management.[15]", "For recurrent or treatment-resistant lesions, reassess morphology and sampling strategy rather than simply broadening antimicrobial exposure. Direct examination of pustule contents is a practical discriminator between Malassezia folliculitis and bacterial folliculitis, while biopsy is appropriate when direct testing is unrevealing or the presentation remains complex.[16][18]", "Prompt dermatology referral is warranted for suspected folliculitis decalvans, biopsy-confirmation needs, atypical scalp disease, or progressive disease despite phenotype-directed management.[10][15][18][23]" ], "bullets": [ "Biopsy suspected eosinophilic folliculitis.[15]", "Refer scarring scalp disease urgently enough to prevent ongoing follicular destruction.[10][23]", "Reconsider Malassezia folliculitis in seborrheic eruptions that recur after or fail antibiotic treatment.[16]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "", "columns": [], "rows": [] } } ], "faq": [], "references": [ { "number": 1, "title": "[PDF] 208945Orig1s000 - accessdata.fda.gov", "detail": "www.accessdata.fda.gov", "url": "https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2017/208945Orig1s000MedR.pdf", "authors": "www.accessdata.fda.gov", "host": "www.accessdata.fda.gov" }, { "number": 2, "title": "Management of Folliculitis Decalvans: A Systematic Review", "detail": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "url": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajd.14603", "authors": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "host": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com" }, { "number": 3, "title": "Letter to the Editor - 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StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" }, { "number": 16, "title": "Malassezia Folliculitis: An Underdiagnosed Mimicker of Acneiform Eruptions", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12471122", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" }, { "number": 17, "title": "Taming the Rash: A Dermatological Case Report on Effective Treatments for Refractory Folliculitis", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12453617", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" }, { "number": 18, "title": "Malassezia Folliculitis: Pathogenesis and Diagnostic Challenges - PMC", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11633069", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" }, { "number": 19, "title": "A Practical Algorithm for the Management of Superficial Folliculitis of the Scalp: 10 Years of Clinical and Dermoscopy Experience", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10412046", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" }, { "number": 20, "title": "[Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid] - PubMed", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16638058", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" }, { "number": 21, "title": "A Cautionary Tale About a Bridesmaid's DRESS | Hospital Pediatrics", "detail": "hosppeds.aappublications.org", "url": "https://hosppeds.aappublications.org/content/6/8/501/tab-article-info", "authors": "hosppeds.aappublications.org", "host": "hosppeds.aappublications.org" }, { "number": 22, "title": "Folliculitis Induced by Laser Hair Removal: Proposed Mechanism and Treatment - PMC", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7380697?term=%22J+Clin+Aesthet+Dermatol%22%5Bjour%5D", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" }, { "number": 23, "title": "Successful treatment of refractory folliculitis decalvans with apremilast - PMC", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7516187", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" }, { "number": 24, "title": "Clinical Features and Treatment of Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis ...", "detail": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "url": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pde.70060", "authors": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "host": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com" } ], "editorialNote": "Prepared from cited clinical literature using Astra's research workflow. Verify recommendations against current guidance and patient-specific factors.", "citations": [ { "number": 1, "title": "[PDF] 208945Orig1s000 - accessdata.fda.gov", "detail": "www.accessdata.fda.gov", "url": "https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2017/208945Orig1s000MedR.pdf", "authors": "www.accessdata.fda.gov", "host": "www.accessdata.fda.gov", "snippet": "skin disease with evidence of a secondary infection, a bacterial infection that could not be treated appropriately with a topical antimicrobial, or signs or symptoms of a systemic infection. In addition, patients could not have been treated with on oral antimicrobial within the previous 7 days, a to", "score": 0.27074963 }, { "number": 2, "title": "Management of Folliculitis Decalvans: A Systematic Review", "detail": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "url": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ajd.14603", "authors": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "host": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "snippet": "Combination therapy with systemic antibiotics, topical, local and/or other systemic agents may provide the best outcome and longest DoE for FD/", "score": 0.42477044 }, { "number": 3, "title": "Letter to the Editor - Ng - 2024 - Journal of Paediatrics and ...", "detail": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "url": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.16602", "authors": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "host": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "snippet": "Jun 24, 2024 — Pseudomonas folliculitis (or hot tub folliculitis) is a gram-negative bacterial infection of hair follicles acquired following exposure to ...Read more", "score": 0.42205253 }, { "number": 4, "title": "Position statement: Recommendations on the diagnosis and ...", "detail": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "url": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.18982", "authors": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "host": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "snippet": "Bacterial folliculitis often affects the deeper portions of the hair follicle and can lead to purulent secretion or even fever. ... Eosinophilic", "score": 0.37986192 }, { "number": 5, "title": "Vellus hair follicle diseases : Dermatologica Sinica", "detail": "journals.lww.com", "url": "https://journals.lww.com/ders/fulltext/2024/04000/vellus_hair_follicle_diseases.3.aspx", "authors": "journals.lww.com", "host": "journals.lww.com", "snippet": "## BACTERIAL INFECTIONS\n\n### Hot tub folliculitis\n\nGram-negative folliculitis can involve both vHFs and tHFs in adult men on long-term antibiotic treatment, in superficial form with overwhelmingly pustules caused by Klebsiella, Escherichia, and Serratia species, or rarely in deep nodular form caused", "score": 0.33131495 }, { "number": 6, "title": "Antimicrobial use guidelines for canine pyoderma by the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) - Loeffler - 2025 - Veterinary Dermatology - Wiley Online Library", "detail": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "url": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.13342", "authors": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "host": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "snippet": "10.1186/s12917-015-0514-6PubMed Web of Science® Google Scholar\n 15Bond R, Morris DO, Guillot J, Bensignor EJ, Robson D, Mason KV, et al. Biology, diagnosis and treatment of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats clinical consensus guidelines of the world Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Vet D", "score": 0.2788951 }, { "number": 7, "title": "What Is Causing a Persistent Skin Boil?", "detail": "journals.lww.com", "url": "https://journals.lww.com/aswcjournal/Fulltext/2005/01000/What_Is_Causing_a_Persistent_Skin_Boil_.14.aspx?Ppt=Article%7Caswcjournal%3A2005%3A01000%3A00014%7C%7C", "authors": "journals.lww.com", "host": "journals.lww.com", "snippet": "Folliculitis usually does not present ... hot tub use. Identifying the causative agent and prescribing the appropriate treatment will clear folliculitis.", "score": 0.20268017 }, { "number": 8, "title": "Clinical Characteristics, Histopathological... : Clinical Dermatology Review", "detail": "journals.lww.com", "url": "https://journals.lww.com/cddr/_layouts/15/oaks.journals/downloadpdf.aspx?an=02006588-202504000-00008", "authors": "journals.lww.com", "host": "journals.lww.com", "snippet": "Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans (DCPA) is a symmetric chronic folliculitis of the lower limb described by Clarke in 1952. This chronic folliculitis typically involves the legs and resolves by scarring and atrophy. Its etiopathogenesis is not properly elucidated and is thought to be multif", "score": 0.19465888 }, { "number": 9, "title": "“Hot Tub” Folliculitis from a NonChlorinated... : Pediatric Dermatology", "detail": "journals.lww.com", "url": "https://journals.lww.com/00006602-201109000-00028", "authors": "journals.lww.com", "host": "journals.lww.com", "snippet": "Crossmark: Check for updates\n\n# “Hot Tub” Folliculitis from a NonChlorinated Children's Pool\n\n## Abstract:\n\nPseudomonas aeruginosais common cause of folliculitis following contact with contaminated water. We report a case of pseudomonal folliculitis that occurred after swimming in a children's pool ", "score": 0.19046825 }, { "number": 10, "title": "Folliculitis Decalvans - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/folliculitis-decalvans", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com", "snippet": "disease remission (level of evidence: 5).74 Additionally, isotretinoin and red-light photodynamic therapy have been reported to result in disease remission (Pearl 2.5).74 [...] Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia that presents with alopecic patches, pustules, crusts, a", "score": 0.528315 }, { "number": 11, "title": "Folliculitis decalvans: Effectiveness of therapies and prognostic factors in a multicenter series of 60 patients with long-term follow-up - ScienceDirect", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962218320450", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com", "snippet": "### Based on reading popularity\n\n## Cited by (67)\n\nAdding to the diagnostic difficulty is that various dermatological disorders can be comorbid with folliculitis decalvans.498,499 Diverse treatments have been recommended with mixed results and limited evidence-based guidance; these include antibioti", "score": 0.4787 }, { "number": 12, "title": "Successful treatment of recalcitrant folliculitis barbae and pseudofolliculitis barbae with photodynamic therapy - ScienceDirect", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1572100013001117?via%3Dihub=", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com", "snippet": "### Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology\n\n### Photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris using 5-aminolevulinic acid versus methyl aminolevulinate\n\n### Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology\n\n## Recommended articles\n\n### Based on reading popularity\n\n## Cited by (11)\n\nIn recent years, an", "score": 0.21534286 }, { "number": 13, "title": "Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles ...", "detail": "www.cochranelibrary.com", "url": "https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013099/references", "authors": "www.cochranelibrary.com", "host": "www.cochranelibrary.com", "snippet": "Comparative clinical study between roxithromycin and cephalexin in the treatment of folliculitis, Hot tub folliculitis: a clinical syndrome.", "score": 0.26377288 }, { "number": 14, "title": "Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and ...", "detail": "www.cochranelibrary.com", "url": "https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013099.pub2/references/id", "authors": "www.cochranelibrary.com", "host": "www.cochranelibrary.com", "snippet": "Clinical evaluation of telithromycin in patients with skin and soft tissue infections. Phase III double-blind comparative study of telithromycin versus cefdinir", "score": 0.11717781 }, { "number": 15, "title": "Folliculitis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547754", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "## Evaluation\n\nThe diagnosis of folliculitis is clinical. In general, no diagnostic testing or radiographic evaluation is necessary to diagnose this condition in lieu of a thorough history and physical exam. A standard KOH preparation can be used to visualize hyphae and spores associated with follic", "score": 0.72698855 }, { "number": 16, "title": "Malassezia Folliculitis: An Underdiagnosed Mimicker of Acneiform Eruptions", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12471122", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "A 2023 consensus statement by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (EADV) emphasized the importance of considering MF as a diagnosis in patients with persistent or recurrent follicular papules and pustules in seborrheic regions unresponsive to antibiotics. The expert group recommended", "score": 0.562874 }, { "number": 17, "title": "Taming the Rash: A Dermatological Case Report on Effective Treatments for Refractory Folliculitis", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12453617", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "Open in a new tab\n\nThe most likely diagnosis was bacterial folliculitis, given the clinical presentation and systemic symptoms, with _Staphylococcus aureus_ suspected as the likely pathogen [1][5]. Other possible causes, such as Malassezia folliculitis or gram-negative folliculitis, were considered l", "score": 0.5097406 }, { "number": 18, "title": "Malassezia Folliculitis: Pathogenesis and Diagnostic Challenges - PMC", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11633069", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "This table summarizes various diagnostic methods used for detecting Malassezia folliculitis (MF). It provides an overview of the advantages, limitations, and ideal clinical scenarios for each technique. Direct examination methods like KOH and Gram staining are practical and widely available, especia", "score": 0.49113917 }, { "number": 19, "title": "A Practical Algorithm for the Management of Superficial Folliculitis of the Scalp: 10 Years of Clinical and Dermoscopy Experience", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10412046", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "### Acneiform Eruption\n\nPustules and follicular crusts are generally observed on an erythematous base, sometimes accompanied by pain or accidental bleeding with minimal trauma. The culture was always negative for bacteria. In milder cases, a biopsy was performed to support the differential diagnosis", "score": 0.46847504 }, { "number": 20, "title": "[Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid] - PubMed", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16638058", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "Title: [Acne therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and azelaic acid] - PubMed\nAn official website of the United States government. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted. ## Save citation to file. ## Emai", "score": 0.32617533 }, { "number": 21, "title": "A Cautionary Tale About a Bridesmaid's DRESS | Hospital Pediatrics", "detail": "hosppeds.aappublications.org", "url": "https://hosppeds.aappublications.org/content/6/8/501/tab-article-info", "authors": "hosppeds.aappublications.org", "host": "hosppeds.aappublications.org", "snippet": "pustules and prescribed topical mupirocin 2% cream and 100 mg twice daily of minocycline for the folliculitis", "score": 0.29061884 }, { "number": 22, "title": "Folliculitis Induced by Laser Hair Removal: Proposed Mechanism and Treatment - PMC", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7380697?term=%22J+Clin+Aesthet+Dermatol%22%5Bjour%5D", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "Laser hair removal has shown promise as a therapy for PFB, acne keloidalis nuchae, hidradenitis suppurativa, and pilonidal disease and is generally well tolerated;6,9–13 however, posttreatment folliculitis has been reported as a side effect.1,4,14 It is currently unclear which patient populations ar", "score": 0.41364354 }, { "number": 23, "title": "Successful treatment of refractory folliculitis decalvans with apremilast - PMC", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7516187", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "Title: Successful treatment of refractory folliculitis decalvans with apremilast - PMC\n# Successful treatment of refractory folliculitis decalvans with apremilast. Folliculitis decalvans is a rare neutrophilic inflammation of the scalp, characterized by painful follicular papules, pustules, crusting", "score": 0.2688263 }, { "number": 24, "title": "Clinical Features and Treatment of Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis ...", "detail": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "url": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pde.70060", "authors": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "host": "onlinelibrary.wiley.com", "snippet": "Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF), first described by Ofuji in 1970, is a rare, noninfectious eosinophilic inflammatory skin condition.", "score": 0.27571365 } ], "publishedAt": "2026-09-15T23:21:19.468126+00:00", "updatedAt": "2026-09-15T23:21:19.468126+00:00", "readingMinutes": 5, "slug": "folliculitis" }