folliculitis tinea ?

[bjjbosse]

2 days ago I noticed a severe case of folliculitis on the inside of both of my thighs. About the size of a palm on each thigh. I have talked both to a nurse and to a doctor about them and they both of course diagnose it as folliculitis but none of them tried to make any attempt at finding what caused it.

They asked me if I wore tight clothes or had worked with oils recently, which I have not.

I told them that I practice a sport much like wrestling and that a person I train with recently got an outbreak of ringworm on his face (face to thigh contact is very common). Also two weeks ago I myself had ringworm on top of my hand. Without diagnosing any further and with no tests made he prescribed me some lotion with 20 % propylenglycol. This was a doctor who specialized in general medicine. And he did not seem to have had much contact with fightingsports related illnesses (i.e. impetigo, ringworm, based on some questions I asked him).


Reading online and looking at pictures, my folliculitis very well might be caused by tinea, as I see it. Do you think I should take oral antifungals? Is the propyleneglycol a proper treatment in this case? Is this not contagious? He told me it is not contagious since there is no pus or wounds.

Basically I am looking for a second opinion from someone who has seen tinea causing folliculitis before and knows when it is advised to start on oral antifungals. Also I would like to know what kinds of tests can be made to establish the cause of my folliculitis, so that I dont take unneccesary antifungals/antibiotics. It could for example be mrsa too, which I have had before but not in the follicles, just the regular kind.

I have never had folliculitis like this before, only perhaps 1 or 2 pimple-like things now and then. No other known conditions. I exercise regularly and have normal weight.

There is white pus in many of these things, and they all sit on top of a follicle of course, and there is a small red inflammed area around them. I can post pictures if you are interested in viewing.

Thank you in advance.

[bjjbosse]

This is not me, but my thighs look exactly like this.

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/antibiotic_resistance/mrsa/picMRSA/folliculitis5.jpg

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

You have noted that the area affected is the size of your palm. Also, you have had a significant history of previous skin infections. I suggest that you seek consult with an internist. At this point, you may have a trial course of topical antibiotics. Antimicrobial soaps will also be able to help. Try to observe the skin condition. If this resolves or improves with topical medication then oral medications may not be needed.

At this point, this sounds like folliculitis. Refrain from touching the area as this may only further irritate the area and promote spread. If the condition does not improve with the topical antibiotics have this reassessed by your physician.

A fungal infection may be diagnosed though a microspcopic evaluation of the skin scrapings.A culture of discharge from the area is necessary to guide treatment in the future. Refrain from contact sports while this is present. Also, if the skin condition appears to spread or if the size enlarges, in the presence of fever, swollen lymph nodes and joint pains I suggest a prompt consult.

A this point, topical antibiotic application may help improve the condition. Have this assessed by an internist. Since this may be a severe form of infection called furuncle. If this is the case, oral antibiotics may be needed.