Thanks for your question, and sorry it took a while to be answered. Sorry that you've been suffering with this for so long, as well.
First, if aluminum-based antiperspirants might be irritating your underarms, then you did as you should, and quit using them. There are plenty of alternatives available (check your local health-food store, if you wish) that don't have aluminum and can be very, very effective. I use one, and it works great. The aluminum-based products might be contributing.
Second, your granuloma annulare might be involved here, but it is pretty unlikely. Most cases of GA resolve on their own, without reoccurence.
Finally, the fact that the culture of your folliculitis didn't come back with any causative bacterial organism could be related to the fact that you appear to have already been on antibiotics at the time of testing. If testing isn't performed on the first visit, prior to any antibiotics, then the antibiotics can clear the bacteria just enough so that testing won't show anything, even though the problem continues.
Most cases of folliculitis resolve with topical antibiotics and other creams, but sometimes oral antibiotics are also required. It sounds like you have already been down this road.
Give you dermatologist a call and tell them you have had little relief, and continue to suffer. Set another appointment, and I would also recommend a second opinion at this point. Another dermatologist might have a different approach and treatment that might finally take care of things. I will always recommend a 2nd (or 3rd) opinion, as, in my opinion, 2 or 3 minds are most often far better than one.
But I think if you get into to see another dermatologist this might just be the ticket.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions - I'm more than happy to help.
Take care - Dr. Fay
Edited by jcfay on September 26 2006 at 12:36 PM
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