A 38-year-old male asked:
been dealing with scalp folliculitis on and off for years. doxy used to work, now doesn't clear it fully. tried mino and keflex-kept at bay. help?
2 doctor answers
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan answered
57 years experience Dermatology
See a deermatologist: Begin with evaluation by a skin specialist. Meanwhile use a daily shampoo, perhaps with salicylic acid such as T-Sal. Probably need long-term minocycline or doxycycline 50 or 100mg a day for at least a year.
Answered on May 27, 2015
Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered
53 years experience Infectious Disease
Antibiotic...: ...resistance. Antibiotics often stop working over time; in presence of the antibiotic, bacteria tend to become resistant to it. (Evolution at work!) But it is unlikely minocycline would help if doxy doesn't; these drugs are twins, usually with identical activity against the same bacteria. However, cephalexin is very different. See a doctor, preferably a dermatologist. Good luck!
Answered on May 27, 2015
2
2 comments
Dr. Mark Dickson commented
23 years experience General Surgery
And sometimes what is thought to be folliculitis is actually an inclusion cyst. This may require removal.
May 27, 2015
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan commented
57 years experience Dermatology
folliculitis is usually more complex than simply infection. Minocycline is usually more effective than doxycycline because of superior tissue penetration. These meds may be effective at sub-bacteriostatic levels because their benefits correspond to other properties.
May 27, 2015
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A 38-year-old male asked:
Dr. Robert Peppercorn answered
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Folliculitis: Try ketoconazole shampoo.
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Dr. Stuart Hickerson answered
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