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I have folliculitis and need help in determining if ...


Sent to Health Experts October 26, 2007 3:39 p.m.
I have folliculitis and need help in determining if it's bacterial or fungal. I saw my GP who confirmed that I have folliculitis but could not help me any further. She tried to take a sample to do a test, but she was unable to get an adequate sample. She said the bumps are too small and since there is no flaking, she couldn't get a sample.
1) Are there any other tests that can be done?
2) What factors go with each - bacterial versus fungal?
3) Based on the following, tell me what you would guess: The rash looks like acne and is mainly on my right shoulder and inside upper arm. Most bumps are red, a slight few are red with white in the middle. It is constantly spreading (I've had it for 12 days). Every day a couple new bumps will pop up under one breast, my upper back, my belly, both breasts, the left arm, etc. It is now spreading quite heavily up my neck and in the hollow of my throat. This rash started 3 days after I used a heavy shea butter cream on my arms and entire torso, neck and belly. It was the one and only time I used that cream. The rash is extremely itchy. It flares in the shower and when I exercise. I was on day 21 of the first month trying out Yaz when the rash appeared. I am not taking any oral contraceptives now. I have used Metrogel 4 times in the past several months for bacterial vaginosis. Each time, I used it for 5-9 days and had just finished a 9-day course a few days before the rash appeared. Please tell me what you would guess, why and what course of treatment I should take.

My GP did not think it is fungal, but when I asked her why, she only replied "just because fungal is so rare". I know that if it is fungal and I use antibiotics, it could make it worse, so how can I determine the cause??

Optional Information:
Female, Age: 34, Minnesota
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $5   
Answer
October 26, 2007 4:28 p.m. (48 minutes and 59 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
Hi

That's a tricky one. Usually I obtain some scrapings and send them to the lab.

However as that has proved difficult here are your options.

1.Treat with an antibiotic and an antifungal.

2.Treat either with an anti-biotic or an antifungal. If which ever one you choose fails to work then you will no that the other is the correct treatment - it's a little crude but effective.


Dr Jef

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