Folliculitis

Question 1

Folliculitis is a superficial bacterial infection of the hair follicles. What is the most common organisms responsible for folliculitis?

1 - streptococcus
2 - staphylococcus aureus
3 - candida albicans i
4 - escherichia coli

Answer 1

2 - staphylococcus aureus

• folliculitis can also be caused by physical or chemical injury to the skin

Question 2

Is folliculitis a dangerous condition?

Answer 2

• no

Question 3

Folliculitis is NOT a dangerous condition and is self limiting. How long does it typically take to settle?

1 - hours
2 - days
3 - weeks
4 - months

Answer 3

2 - days

Question 4

Which 2 of the following topical antibiotics can be used to treat this if it does not settle or is more extensive down in patients?

1 - mupirocin
2 - diflucortolone valerate
3 - fusidic acid
4 - betamethasone dipropionate

Answer 4

1 - mupirocin
3 - fusidic acid

• if topical steroids fail, can try oral antibiotics
• other 2 are steroids

Question 5

Which of the following is the definition of a furuncle, commonly referred to as a boil?

1 - superficial inflammation of the hair follicle
2 - deep infection of hair follicle that includes surrounding tissue
3 - cyst formation in hair follicle
4 - >2 hair follicles that have a deep infection affecting surrounding skin

Answer 5

2 - deep infection of hair follicle that includes surrounding tissue

• most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus

Question 6

Which of the following is the definition of a carbuncle, commonly referred to as a boil?

1 - superficial inflammation of the hair follicle
2 - deep infection of hair follicle that includes surrounding tissue
3 - cyst formation in hair follicle
4 - >2 hair follicles that have a deep infection affecting surrounding skin

Answer 6

4 - >2 hair follicles that have a deep infection affecting surrounding skin

• most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus

Question 7

Which of the following is typically NOT used to treat boils (furuncle and carbuncle)?

1 - warm compress
2 - antibiotics
3 - incision and drainage
4 - topical steroids

Answer 7

4 - topical steroids

Question 8

Are boils (furuncle and carbuncle) the same as cysts?

Answer 8

• no
• cysts do NOT have to be based around the hair follicle

Question 9

Which of the following do patients with boils (furuncle and carbuncle) present with?

1 - perifollicular nodules
2 - warm
3 - induration (hard and thickened skin)
4 - painful to touch
5 - all of the above

Answer 9

5 - all of the above

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a realistic differential diagnosis for boils (furuncle and carbuncle)?

1 - cellulitis
2 - insect bite reaction
3 - atopic dermatitis
4 - acne

Answer 10

1 - cellulitis