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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 5/2004

01-10-2004 | Therapy in Practice

Folliculitis

Recognition and Management

Authors: Dr Jesús Luelmo-Aguilar, Mireia Sàbat Santandreu

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 5/2004

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Abstract

Folliculitis is an inflammatory reaction in the superficial aspect of the hair follicle and can involve the follicular opening or the perifollicular hair follicles. The pilosebaceous unit of the follicle is divided into three compartments: the infundibulum (superficial part, outlined by the sebaceous duct), the isthmus (between the sebaceous duct and arrector pili protuberance), and the inferior segment (stem and hair bulb). This anatomical scheme forms the basis for any evaluation of the clinical manifestations of folliculitis. Most of the follicular conditions can be classified according to their anatomical location and histopathologic patterns. Clinically, the inflammation manifests as 1mm-wide vesicles, pustules, or papulopustules in acute cases; however, hyperkeratosis and keratotic plug formations are indicative of a chronic process. The presence of superficial pustules does not always imply an infectious origin, as there are many noninfectious types of folliculitis.
In this review, we describe the different types of folliculitis based on their etiology, clinical manifestation, and treatment. We also discuss some newly described disorders and the latest information on their treatment.
Footnotes
1
The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.
 
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Metadata
Title
Folliculitis
Recognition and Management
Authors
Dr Jesús Luelmo-Aguilar
Mireia Sàbat Santandreu
Publication date
01-10-2004
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 5/2004
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200405050-00003

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