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Eosinophilic Folliculitis

Eosinophilic Folliculitis, also known as EF or Ofigi Disease, is a non serious skin disorder that, although not limited to these areas, commonly affects the back, chest, and legs. This rash consists of small, red bumps located at the base of hair follicles, which occur after infections of those follicles.

This inflammation affects less than 200,000 people, which, according to the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD), classifies it as rare. Although it is not a serious condition, the itchy sensations, acne-like appearance, and potential scarring may be enough for you to seek treatment. This disorder may also be a symptom of a more serious, underlying problem, such as HIV or Lymphoma.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis Symptoms

To determine if you have this condition, check for Eosinophilic Folliculitis symptoms. The signs of this skin disorder are similar to acne, an ingrown hair, or a rash. Bumps that bear a likeness to red pimples may show up anywhere on your body. Sometimes they will excrete a pus, itch, or be painful to touch. Although the cause of these is not entirely certain, we do know that cleanliness has no effect.

One possible explanation is referred to as Pseudomonas Folliculitis, or Hot Tub Folliculitis. The Pseudomonas bacteria, which can be a cause of Eosinophilic Folliculitis, thrives in hot tubs that aren't well-regulated. Yeast can be another source, and this is called Pityrosporum Folliculitis. This form of the disease is especially prevalent in teens and adult men.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis HIV

There is a very strong connection to EF and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. The two are almost inseparable; the first search term that comes up is Eosinophilic Folliculitis HIV. While anyone can be affected by EF, it is rare for people without HIV to have this condition. The reason is likely because of the weakened immune system, though HIV may also cause a change in the immune system that could allow an attack on the oils in the skin, or the sebum, and lead to infections.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis Furunculosis

This skin condition is not restricted to humans; it can occur in pets as well. When it is found in dogs, it is referred to as Canine Eosinophilic Folliculitis, or Furunculosis. The disease comes out as skin lesions, and is usually confined to their faces--more specifically, to their chins and noses. In canines, this condition can be caused by a hypersensitivity to certain insects, and can be painful. In some circumstances, the disease leads to depression. Furunculosis can be treated orally with the antibiotic prednisone, or topically with antimicrobial therapy.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis Treatment

Mild cases of EF will clear up with no outside treatment. If it becomes unbearable, or if you want to avoid possible scarring, it is wise to treat it. Treatments for this skin condition have been found and used successfully. One Eosinophilic Folliculitis treatment is simply placing a warm, damp cloth on the affected area, to allow the follicles a chance to drain.

It is recommended to also use a topical antiseptic cream with this method, so you are certain the area is cleansed. Pharmaceutical drugs are another Folliculitis treatment, and you can either take them orally or use them topically, though the topical creams are more effective. Some oral medications are Dicloxacillin or Fluconazole. Topical creams are those that have the ingredients mupirocin or neomycin if the inflammation is bacterial; econozole nitrate if the infection is fungal.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis Itraconazole

Itraconazole is a medication that is used in the treatment of EF. It is most often used in moderate cases of the condition, and in those with HIV. Eosinophilic Folliculitis Itraconazole can be taken either orally or topically, and is used when fungi or yeast causes the skin condition.

There was a study done with this method of treatment, that consisted of 28 patients. The end result was that 74% responded to Itraconazole. At the three month mark, five of the patients were completely healed, and fourteen were greatly improved. If response isn't seen in the first two weeks, you can increase the rate of medication, though doing so will also increase the potential side effects.