Folliculitus & Furuncle
This term describes a superficial infection of the hair follicle that results in small pustules or inflamed nodules.
What is folliculitis?
This deep infection involves a cluster of skin lesions connected beneath the surface that drain through multiple hair follicles.
What is a carbuncle?
Open comedones are commonly known by this name and are characterized by dilated pores with oxidized sebum.
What are blackheads?
This chronic inflammatory skin disorder is marked by dry, sensitive skin and an exaggerated immune response to triggers.
What is atopic dermatitis (eczema)?
Painful papules that progress to vesicles and crust over 14–21 days are characteristic of this viral infection.
What is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)?
This poxvirus infection causes pearly, dome-shaped papules with a central dimple.
What is molluscum contagiosum?
The initial lesion in Pityriasis Rosea is called this and appears as a single oval, salmon-colored plaque.
What is a Herald patch?
A furuncle is a deep infection of this skin structure.
What is the hair follicle? (folliculitis is superficial, furnucle is deep - both affect hair follicles)
Cellulitis is an infection of this layer of the skin.
What is the dermis and subcutaneous tissue?
This superficial bacterial infection is highly contagious and often presents with honey-colored crusts on the face or extremities.
What is impetigo?
This chronic skin condition is characterized by erythematous plaques covered with silvery-white scales.
What is psoriasis?
This virus causes common and plantar warts and can also lead to certain cancers.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
This viral rash presents as a unilateral eruption of grouped vesicles that evolve into pustules and crusts within 7–10 days, typically confined to a single dermatome.
What is Herpes Zoster (Shingles)?
After the herald patch, the secondary rash typically follows this pattern on the trunk.
What is a “Christmas-tree” pattern?
When folliculitis lesions are multiple or persistent, this topical antibiotic applied three times daily is recommended.
What is mupirocin (Bactroban)?
Mild to moderate cellulitis without MRSA risk can be treated with these oral antibiotics.
What are Dicloxacillin or Cephalexin?
This topical antibiotic is recommended for limited impetigo, applied for 5 days.
What is mupirocin (or retapamulin)?
For stable plaque disease, a high-potency topical steroid + vitamin D analog is often superior to either alone—why?
What is additive anti-inflammatory/antiproliferative effect?
Definitive laboratory diagnosis of HSV infection can be confirmed with this test.
What is a viral culture, PCR, or Tzanck smear?
Pain, burning, or tingling before the rash appears is known as this phase of infection.
What is the prodrome?
Best initial management for an otherwise healthy adult with pruritic pityriasis rosea.
What are symptomatic measures (antihistamines, topical steroids, reassurance)?
This antibiotic is commonly prescribed to treat furuncles caused by MRSA when oral therapy is indicated.
What is Bactrim or Doxycycline?
These oral antibiotics are first-line for carbuncles when MRSA is suspected.
What are Bactrim, Doxycycline, or Minocycline?
Systemic antibiotics such as these two agents are used for severe or widespread impetigo.
What are cephalexin or dicloxacillin?
Topical management for mild to moderate psoriasis includes this vitamin D analog, which requires monitoring of calcium levels
What is calcipotriol (calcipotriene)?
Antiviral therapy for HSV should be started within this timeframe to shorten symptom duration.
What is within 72 hours of symptom onset?
Most cases of molluscum contagiosum resolve spontaneously within this time frame.
What is 6–12 months?
This test should be performed if lesions appear on the palms or soles, as it may mimic another disease.
What is a serologic test for syphilis?
Two common non-pharmacologic management strategies for mild folliculitis.
What are warm compresses and gentle hygiene (avoid shaving)?
For cellulitis with MRSA risk factors, these oral antibiotics are preferred.
What are Bactrim or Doxycycline?
First-line treatment for comedonal (non-inflammatory) acne includes this topical vitamin A derivative.
What is a topical retinoid (tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene)?
Non-pharmacologic and Pharmalogic management for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis include:
What are emollients or moisturizers after bathing and oral antihistamines such as oral lortadine?
The Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against this number of HPV types, including those responsible for most cancers and genital warts.
What is nine HPV types (7 cancer-causing, 2 wart-causing)?
Antiviral therapy for Herpes Zoster should begin within this timeframe to reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
What is within 72 hours of rash onset?
Two first-line scabicides used to treat scabies infection.
What are permethrin and ivermectin?
For recurrent furuncles in crowded settings/IVDU, name one MRSA-active oral option sometimes used after I&D if indicated.
What is doxycycline?
Severe cellulitis or hospital-acquired MRSA infections require one of these IV agents.
What is Linezolid or Vancomycin?
Moderate to Severe Mixed Papular/Pustular Acne include this treatment.
What are doxycycline or minocycline + topical retinoid + BPO
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis may be treated with systemic immunosuppressants such as these two agents.
What are methotrexate and etanercept?
Daily suppressive antiviral therapy for HSV is recommended for patients meeting this clinical criterion.
What is ≥6 outbreaks per year or severe recurrent symptoms?
Adults with genital molluscum lesions may use this topical immune response modifier.
What is imiquimod?
Patients should be taught to treat all household contacts and to wash linens, clothing, and towels in this manner.
What is hot water with detergent and thorough drying (plus vacuuming furniture)?