Follicutitis Research Paper

Onychomycosis is caused by three main classes of organisms. They are—dermatophytes (fungi that infect hair, skin, nails, and feed on the tissue of nails), yeasts, and nondermatophyte molds. All three classes cause the same symptoms, so the appearance of the infection does not tell which class is responsible for the infection. “Dermatophytes are, by far, the most common causes of onychomycosis worldwide. Yeasts cause 8% of cases, and nondermatophyte molds cause 2% of onychomycosis cases” (Ratz).

The patient presents with hair loss that began 5 months ago. The problem is mild to moderate and has worsened. The initial location of hair loss was the diffuse scalp and temporal region that occurred gradually. Symptoms are associated with very low carbohydrate dieting and new medication within 3 - 6 months (Aleve). Symptoms are not associated with hair pulling, increased psychological stress, fever, recent illness, recent surgery or scalp rash. Relevant history positive for family history of hair thinning on both sides. Relevant history negative for anemia, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism,

skin condition that staph is able to cause is cellulitis. It is more common in people who have a weakened immune system such as people who are immunocompromised, infants, and the elderly. Cellulitis is characterized by a red, warm patch on the skin paired with a fever. “The bacteria that cause cellulitis can spread rapidly, entering lymph nodes and your bloodstream. Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may cause chronic swelling of the affected limb” (Mayo, 2015). Cellulitis is spread extremely easily, and is a big issue within long term care facilities. The infection can be cured by antibiotics. However, there are cases reported stating that cellulitis is becoming resistant to some antibiotics. The doctor can order a culture to send to pathology.

This condition is caused by bacteria. It is passed from an infected partner during sexual activity. This contact could be with the genitals, mouth, or rectal area.

Examine for the following potential signs of atopic dermatitis: Eczema in the popliteal or antecubital fossa , Nipple eczema, Cheilitis , Dennie-Morgan infraorbital fold , Anterior neck folds, Wool intolerance, White dermographism and Infra-auricular fissuring.

Furuncle. Furuncles are also called boils. These lesions are staphylococcal infections of sebaceous glands. A patient with a furuncle will present with pain, redness, and swelling at the affected site. In some cases, the site may ooze pus and the lesions can be various sizes. Furuncles are commonly seen in groin and axillae region and tend to be very tender to palpation. These lesions will usually build with pressure and lead to the furuncle to burst and the pus will then drain. Some boils may require a I&D and packing if they are large and infected. Furuncles are usually noted on patients that have a compromised immune system or a medical condition that slows down the healing process of wounds. Complications of a furuncle are sepsis and MRSA. Antibiotic therapy may need to be prescribed it an infection is noted.

Then there is generalized erythema rapidly followed by the development of flaccid blisters and desquamation, as seen in this patient. The mucous membranes are not involved, which is also consistent with our patient. The surrounding areas of her face were involved, but the mucous membranes were spared. This condition is also associated with a positive Nikolsky sign. A Nikolsky sign is the ability to extend the area of superficial sloughing by applying gentle lateral pressure on the surface of the skin at an apparently uninvolved site. This was found incidentally in our patient when the adhesive tape of an IV line was removed resulting in sloughing off of the skin below it. Furthermore, due to the sloughing off of skin with pressure, there tends to be increased desquamation in areas of mechanical stress like the flexural areas, buttocks, hands, and feet. If SSSS is suspected, cultures should be obtained from the blood, the urine, the nasopharynx, the perianal area, and any other abnormal skin or suspected focus of infection. The intact bullae are sterile and will come back without growth. In this patient, blood cultures had no growth to date and the pan-cultures from the mouth, nares, eyes, and anus were non-specific. Diagnosis for SSSS is usually clinical, although it may be confirmed with skin biopsy that shows a cleavage plane in the lower stratum

The rash can appear in more than one place on the body at the same time.

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles that may have been caused by bacteria.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is also referred to as follicular keratosis. This skin condition is characterized by the formation of small, rough bumps on the surface of the skin (similar to goosebumps). Due to its appearance and rough texture, KP is frequently referred to as ‘chicken skin.’ This condition affects approximately 40 percent of adults and up to 80 percent of adolescents. While follicular keratosis is considered harmless, it can be bothersome because it is unsightly and usually leaves the skin feeling dry, and itchy.

Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually involves swollen, reddened and itchy skin. (www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dermatitis-000048.htm)

Athlete's foot will usually cause a rash that starts between the toes or on the sole of the foot. It can also cause a itchy, stinging or burning feeling. Dry, raw, cracking and peeling skin are also very common with athletes foot. The fungi will usually exist harmlessly on the skin, as long as it is dry and clean making the reproduction limited, if the skin is warm and damp it will multiply rapidly.

The most common cause for Folliculitis is Staphylococcus aureus (3). The definition of Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle on the body (8). This is the diagnoses I came up with because after shaving Kelly noticed the rash on her legs. Folliculitis is known to occur when there is damage to the hair follicle. Shaving can cause hair follicle damage in return can cause Folliculitis

Fungal infections: these affect the skin, nails and hair. They are common and indications are usually mild. However, in individuals with debilitated immune systems, they can be more serious.

Furuncles, also known as boils, can be self-diagnosed and are a deep infection of the hair follicles. Boils, are a deep form of bacterial folliculitis. Usually, Staphylococcus aureus and bacteria getting into the body by way of broken skin cause them. Anyone can get furuncles, even people with otherwise good hygiene.