Pityrosporum Folliculitis Diagnosis and Management in 6
Female Adolescents With Acne Vulgaris
Katherine Ayers, BA; Susan M. Sweeney, MD; Karen Wiss, MD
also see: Acne
Conclusions
These patients demonstrate that follicular papulopustular inflammation of the
face, back, and chest may be due to a combination of acne vulgaris and
Pityrosporum folliculitis, a common yet less frequently identified disorder.
Symptoms often wax and wane depending on the patient’s activities, time
of the year, current treatment regimens, and other factors. Pityrosporum
folliculitis will often worsen with
traditional acne therapy and dramatically respond to antifungal therapy
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159:64-67.
Background
Pityrosporum
folliculitis
is a common inflammatory skin disorder that may mimic acne
vulgaris.
Some adolescents with recalcitrant
follicular pustules or papules may have acne and Pityrosporum
folliculitis simultaneously. Clinical response is dependent on treating both
conditions.
Objectives
To demonstrate the similarity in clinical manifestation between acne vulgaris
and Pityrosporum folliculitis, the benefit of potassium hydroxide preparation,
and the benefit of appropriate antifungal therapy.
Patients
We describe 6 female adolescents with concurrent Pityrosporum folliculitis
infection and acne vulgaris.
Intervention
A potassium hydroxide examination was performed on all 6 patients from the
exudate of follicular pustules exhibiting spores consistent with yeast.
All patients were treated with oral
antifungals,
and 5 of the 6 patients were also treated with topical
antifungals.
Results
Six of 6 patients improved with antifungal treatment. All patients also required
some ongoing therapy for their acne.