Pseudomonas Folliculitis Treatment & Management

  • Author: Charles B Toner, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 12, 2012
 

Medical Care

P aeruginosa is usually a self-limited infection, clearing in 2-10 days. Despite the discomfort caused by the Pseudomonas folliculitis rash, no treatment is necessary. Systemic spread is typically not observed.

  • P aeruginosa is resistant to nearly all common topical and oral antibiotics, and no indication exists that the course of the skin condition is altered with treatment.
  • Symptomatic relief of Pseudomonas folliculitis may be achieved through the use of acetic acid 5% compresses for 20 minutes twice a day to 4 times a day.
  • In Pseudomonas folliculitis patients with associated mastitis, in those with persistent infections, or in those who are immunosuppressed, a course of ciprofloxacin (500 or 750 mg PO bid) is advised.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Charles B Toner, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F Edward Hebert School of Medicine; Mohs Surgeon, Skin Cancer Surgery Center; Mohs Surgeon, Charles County Dermatology; Mohs Surgeon, Georgia Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center

Charles B Toner, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Association of Military Surgeons of the US

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Stephen J Krivda, MD  Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Chief of the Integrated Department of Dermatology, Chief of Dermatology Service, Director of Dermatopathology, Staff Dermatopathologist, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; Head, Department of Dermatology, Staff Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, National Naval Medical Center

Stephen J Krivda, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Leonard Sperling, MD  Chair, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Leonard Sperling, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Lester F Libow, MD  Dermatopathologist, South Texas Dermatopathology Laboratory

Lester F Libow, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatopathology, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Erythematous papulopustules of pseudomonas folliculitis. Courtesy of Mark Welch, MD.
Erythematous papulopustules of pseudomonas folliculitis, with significant perilesional flare. Courtesy of Andy Montemarano, MD.
Pseudomonas folliculitis. Courtesy of Hon Pak, MD.
 
 
 
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