Pityrosporum Folliculitis -
A Rosacea Mimic

Pityrosporum Folliculitis- Image skindoctor.pl

“Pityriasis folliculorum is an often over-looked clinical entity” and cases are ‘mostly female.’ He explains that there is ‘usually a history of rarely using soap or water to cleanse the facial skin but instead using cleansing creams.’ These individuals often apply moisturizers and complain of a burning or itchy sensation. He states that the diagnosis of PF is ‘facilitated by use of dermatoscopy, which shows a distinctive picture of the presence of multiple white keratotic material consisting of keratin encrusted demodex mites protruding upwards from the follicular orifices.’ This condition ’seems to be caused by an over population of mites facilitated by the frequent use of creams and the lack of face washing with soap and water.’
Source > Quote from my review of Frank Powell's book on rosacea management.

Notice the following email:

From: "maxigee2002"
Date: Mon Jun 24, 2002 09:31:57 AM US/Eastern
To: Brady Barrows
Subject: Re: Pityrosporum Folliculitis-UPDATE


Remember me, I asked the question can antibiotics make rosacea worst?
Back in April of this year I posted two very long emails asking for
support and advice about how to get off of the antibiotics and many
of you responded which I appreciated very much! I knew in my heart
that the antibiotics made my condition WORST! Ten times more worst.
My case was so mild that the derms did not think that I had it but
after going on the anti's and going back for follow up just 3 weeks
later, my condition progressed to the point that I truly did look
like I had rosacea. I had papules and pustules and red inflamed
skin. I had stinging and burning but the most chronic symptom was the
itching. The most terrible itching you could imagine. At times it
felt like something was crawling all over my face. This was a key
fact that no one heard until last Wed. 6/19/2002. After 6 months of
hell, 6 doctors, 20 different blood test of every kind, 15
acupuncture visits and lots of money spent on books, products, herbs,
medicines, etc. Dr. Campbell in Somersworth, NH (my savior)
diagnosed me correctly! When he said " I'll be right back you DO
NOT HAVE ROSACEA you'll be fine in 5 days" I felt like I had just won
the lottery!!!!!

I have a condition called Pityrosporum Folliculitis (PF). This is a
very common yeast problem that MANY doctors overlook! PF is
typically found in the upper trunk area of the body and I did have
itchy little bumps on my neck as well. My acupuncturists
consistently told me I had a lot of yeast in my body and that she did
not think it was rosacea but a yeast problem. Boy, was she right!!
But how difficult it was to believe this when I had red inflamed
skin, papules and pustules everywhere and stinging burning skin. And
I would flush after workouts and warm showers (this sounded and
looked like rosacea to me). PF was on my face, not my body, my Dr.
did a simple skin scraping from my face put it on the microscope and
let me look at the thousands of little beach ball organisms. It was
truly a sight to see. This stuff was growing all over my face! So
my question can antibiotics make rosacea worst? Should have been
"Can antibiotics make Pityrosporum Folliculitis worst?" The answer is
YES! PF is also now called Mallezza (SP).

I was put on the ant fungal pill called Sporanox (just 5 days), given
ZNP soap and a topical ant fungal lotion called Loprox. I have 100%
total clearance. I know you all know what hell having rosacea brings
to your life and the lifestyle changes you must make. This past 6
months I've learned more about dangerous skincare products,
treatments and how diet makes all the difference in the world! I
thought I knew a lot about diet, exercise and skincare, being a
former model and personal trainer. I knew nothing and I believe that
I was meant to go through this experience in order for me to make the
necessary lifestyle changes that will ultimately prevent some other
terrible condition in the future. So all though I do not have
rosacea, sugar is out of my life and so are a few others things that
I learned that are bad for the skin. I have to thank my wonderful
friend GT who was there for me through all my tears and gripes about
Rosacea. She is the most knowledgeable person I know about Rosacea
as well as business and she has a database in her head about product
ingredients that will blow your socks off! :-) GT you are my idol
and DR. Campbell thank you for going to that conference and learning
more about PF, you are truly my hero!!

Max the former model no more):-)

Source of the the above report.

Here's the link to learn more about PF
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/pityrosporum_folli.html

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