Gram-negative folliculitis

Gram-negative folliculitis
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Pustules, papules, inflammation
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Bacterial infection
Risks	Antibiotic use, immunosuppression
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, bacterial culture
Differential diagnosis	Acne vulgaris, folliculitis
Prevention
Treatment	Antibiotics, topical treatments
Medication	Isotretinoin, benzoyl peroxide
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths	N/A

Gram-negative folliculitis is a type of skin infection that can occur as a complication of long-term antibiotic therapy in acne patients. It is characterized by pustules and cysts.

Causes

Gram-negative folliculitis is caused by various types of gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria can overgrow in the nasal passages and then spread to the skin, causing infection.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of gram-negative folliculitis are small, pus-filled bumps (pustules) and larger, deeper lumps (cysts) on the skin. These can be painful and may leave scars.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gram-negative folliculitis is based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The doctor may take a sample of the pus from a pustule or cyst and send it to a laboratory for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing.

Treatment

Treatment of gram-negative folliculitis usually involves stopping the antibiotic therapy that caused the condition and starting a new antibiotic that is effective against gram-negative bacteria. In severe cases, isotretinoin may be used.

Prevention

Prevention of gram-negative folliculitis involves careful use of antibiotics, especially in acne patients. Long-term antibiotic therapy should be avoided if possible.

See also

• Acne
• Bacterial infections
• Skin infections
• Antibiotics