Pityrosporum Folliculitis - Treatment and Causes

Definition

Pityrosporum folliculitis is a condition where the yeast, pityrosporum, gets down into the hair follicles and multiplies, setting up an itchy, acne-like eruption. Pityrosporum folliculitis sometimes turns out to be the reason a case of acne isn't getting better after being on antibiotics for months. It is especially common in the cape distribution i.e. in upper chest, upper back and the pimples are pinhead sized and uniform. Tiny dome-shaped pink papules and small superficial pustules arise in crops on the upper back, shoulders and chest. It can occasionally affect other areas including the neck, face and upper arms. It tends to be quite itchy. The spots may appear more prominent when scratched. Malassezia yeasts are classified as superficial mycoses that by definition do not invade past the cornified epithelium. In PF, however, the organism is present in the ostium and central and deep segments of the hair follicle.

Causes

1. Bacteria: The most common bacteria that causes Pityrosporum folliculitis is staphylococcus aureus and is referred to as staphylococcal folliculitis.
2. Yeast: The most common yeast to cause Pityrosporum folliculitis is pityrosporum ovale.
3. Obesity: It is although not the direct reason but it makes the chances of getting affected from pityrosporum folliculitus a lot.
4. Pregnancy: this disease can also be caused during pregnancy.
5. Injuries to your skin such as abrasions or surgical wounds
6. Exposure to coal tar, pitch or creosote. Common among roofers, mechanics and oil workers.
7. It's caused by infection with a yeast-like fungus, Malassezia furfur, which is similar to the fungus that causes dandruff, although the pustules closely resemble acne.
8. Pityrosporum folliculitis has more tendencies to occur in environments of high heat and humidity.

Symptoms

1. Pityrosporum folliculitis is common in young and middle-aged adults.
2. Pityrosporum folliculitis produces chronic, red, itchy pustules on the back and chest and sometimes on the neck, shoulders, upper arms and face.
3. The yeast tends to overgrow in hot, humid, sweaty environments.
4. Sweating is encouraged by wearing occlusive clothing.
5. Sunscreens and greasy emollients may occlude the follicles.

Treatment

1. Topical or oral antifungal are the most effective agents in the treatment of PF.
2. A course of oral ketoconazole and topical ketoconazole shampoo is currently the recommended treatment. Because relapse almost always occurs when treatment is withdrawn, topical ketoconazole is indefinitely continued after the lesions resolve, and oral medication is discontinued.
3. Other topical that are used to treat PF are ciclopirox olamine cream, econazole cream, alcohol and salicylic acid solution etc.
4. Avoid predisposing factors such as emollients, occlusive topical, occlusive nylon clothing, immunosuppressants, steroids, and antibiotics.
5. The yeast tends to overgrow in hot, humid, sweaty environments. So keep your self away from this king of environment.
6. Because the condition often returns once you've finished the course of oral medication, your doctor may recommend using topical ointments indefinitely. Antibiotics aren't helpful in treating pityrosporum folliculitis and may make the infection worse by upsetting the normal balance of bacteria on your skin.