Eosinophilic Folliculitis is a skin disorder which is associated with the immune cells eosinophils and the hair follicles. Read on to get more information about this chronic skin condition.
Eosinophilic folliculitis is a skin condition which may be observed as itchy skin rashes. It was first observed in a Japanese woman and was named as Ofuji disease, but later the name was changes to eosinophilic folliculitis or eosinophilic pustular folliculitis. It is usually found in the upper part of the body and this condition is more prevalent in the people suffering from HIV. It is mostly observed more in males than females and can take place at any age. It has many types like the classic type which is found in the Japanese people, variant which is associated with HIV, infantile type, cancer associated variant and the medication associated variant. Hence, we cannot say that it takes place only in the people suffering from HIV.
Eosinophilic Folliculitis Symptoms
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis causes are unknown. Rashes caused by this skin disorder can be observed in the upper part of the body like the scalp, face, neck, trunk, chest, etc. They look very similar to normal pimples, hence in the initial stage they are usually left unnoticed. Following are some of the symptoms of this skin disorder which may be helpful for you, to notice it in the initial stage.
- This skin condition is associated with intense itching. Frequent scratching may result in skin lesions that may develop infection and may get worse.
- Red, pus filled bumps may be found on the face and back which may spread to other parts also.
- After healing, the skin lesions may disappear but they leave scars on the skin. If this spreads all across the face then it may become very embarrassing. In some people, this skin discoloration may subside in a few months but in some, it may be carried on for many years.
- They may be very painful sometimes. If you have scratched them then they might pain like a wound and may take a lot of time to heal.
Eosinophilic Folliculitis Treatment
Diagnosis of this skin disorder is done with the help of skin bioscopy. As the causes are unknown it becomes very difficult to treat this condition. Following are some of the treatments which can be helpful in getting rid of this problem.
- Once the symptoms are observed, the doctor may advise you to take some topical steroids which can give temporary relief from the symptoms. But the lesions may keep popping up. Once the disorder is confirmed, the doctor will proceed with other beneficial treatments. Class I glucocorticoids may be helpful in curing the lesions. It should be applied on the affected areas regularly.
- Antihistamines give relief from some of the symptoms. Though it cannot cure the skin disorder, it helps in minimizing the effects of it. But only a high dose can be effective.
- Ultraviolet B is considered very effective in getting rid of lesions. It is recommended thrice a week.
- Studies have shown that itraconazole is a very effective eosinophilic folliculitis treatment. It has been noticed that most of the people were completely out of this disorder with the help of this drug. This drug may have some side effects too which can be overcome with the help of maintenance therapy. Apart from this drug, metronidazole, isotretinoin and permethrin are also considered to be quite effective.
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy has also helped in treating many patients. Hence, it can also be recommended by the doctor.
This skin condition spreads very fast, hence, it is better to get it treated as soon as possible. Avoid scratching the lesions as they can get infected which will be very difficult to treat. Do not take any medication without the prescription of your doctor. Do not leave the treatment in between as it can occur again. Complete the dosage and follow your doctor’s advise for proper treatment and recovery.
