592 replies to this topic

[LMAHD]

Hi all.. so this is more relevant to PF of the scalp and face than body.. but ive had SERIOUS trouble with this fungus and its led to BOAT LOADS of hair loss.. i mean boat loads. i rarely experience it on my body, just my face. my derm. finally diagnosed it after a couple of years of consistently greasy face, tetracylines, and what appeared to be persistent acne. so last summer, i began treating it with beta med beta care shampoo and loprox and the shedding/facial irritation seemed to decrease pretty substantially. however, i eased up on the use (not knowing that this condition was chronic) and the hair started falling out. so i returned to my previously succesful scalp care regimen and have been following it for 6 weeks but NOTHING is helping. in fact, its getting worse.

what im wondering is this-- how much of a problem is it that im in houston (notoriously humid)? i literally never go outside for this reason.. i move from one airconditioned environment to the next and work in a lab (which is FREEZING). i received one of the best opportunities of my life.. working at one of the medical centers here.. but the hair loss has become so traumatic (im an 18 year old girl and starting college next summer.. balding was not on the menu) that im considering quitting and going up to colorado for the summer if humidity plays that large of a role in aggravting this thing.

thanks guys. im so desperate i cant even begin to tell you. any suggested regimens to keep this thing under control would be GREATLY appreciated. also wondering if leaving my hair wet (it's long) and putting it up in a bun is bad for it? its just so hard to dry out..... but is it really affecting the condition that much? would it be worth it to go on an anti-fungal/accutane?

again, thanks. this has been going on for way too long. im so desperate to alleviate the symptoms ASAP but dont want to aggravate it/build up resistance if this is a life long situation. (PS ive always prided myself on my hair.. now ive had people ask if i have androgenic alopecia.. just to demonstrate how severe the problem has become).

[vavier]

I have this on my face. i don't know what to do. i iches, i'm told that fungi die more quicky if the skin is not moist

[lusie]

I'm also facing this problem and I don't know how to get rid of it. Please anybody suggest me a effective remedy for it.

[Alfonzo Trqa]

What products do I need to treat this? And is there any chance of me buying this not online? I live in the UK.
Also I was thinking would OXY 10 Benzoyl peroxide lotion help?

Edited by Alfonzo Trqa, 28 July 2010 - 03:15 AM.

[cjaesee]

Update on my current status.

I know when my condition started, I came to this board looking for alternate perspectives and resolutions, so I want to add to the community by giving updates.

I have limited my use of Benzoyl Peroxide (Panoxyl foam) at night and may stop all together. I was using it every other night and haven't used it for the past four nights (and have remained clear). I now instead use Panoxl soap in the shower along with Prascion (prescription) soap as shampoo. I only use the Prascion because I can't use Benzoyl Peroxide on my scalp.

I am still clear with a random spot that clears in a day or two. If I find a spot, I use the Panoxl foam after my shower and sometimes hit the spot again at night.

Hoping to keep this routine going forward as it is not time consuming and I don't have to worry about bleaching out clothes (having Benzoyl Peroxide on all night).

My dermo wants a follow up in a few weeks, so I'll get his perspective then. I very much appreciate this dermo for introducing me to this regimen (when I was convinced I had PF) and not taking the easy route (antibiotics). Since I only use Benzol Peroxide now, I am pretty sure PF is ruled out.

If you have tried other regimens and they haven't worked or you are not satisfied, you may want to suggest this to your dermo.

Regards,

Jim

Edited by cjaesee, 29 July 2010 - 06:36 AM.

[thunder2010]

Okay posted some pics. Do you think I have Fungal or Bacteria folliculitis? Went to 2 doctor's for my current outbreak neither did a swab and both prescribed the same thing CEPHALEXIN saying it was a BACTERIA. I have had this outbreak before(6 times in the past year) and usually goes away in 1-2 weeks. Does not itch much and most spots are all where I trim my upper chest, stomach(use electric trimmer on the shortest setting #1) and shoulder(electric shaver), upper back area(electric shaver). I have only in the last few years these outbreaks occur mainly it seems to happen a few days after trimming. I usually wear tight shirts when I go out on Fri or Sat night. I also sweat at the gym(shower afterwards all the time) during the week, and also been tanning outside lately and I usually get hot fast when tanning and sweat quite easily outside. Any ideas would be great! My regime for the past several years to fight regular acne is when I shower in the day use Cetaphil cleanser thats it. Night shower use 5% BP panoxyl soap bar then use AMLACTIN to moisturize.

[unknownloser]

There does not seem to be a cure for this. I have had this for many years. I have read posts on other sites that some have had this for 40 years. I believe it all stems from having acne as a teen and into my 20's. I am not sure if it was the crazy amount of antibiotics I was prescribed for it, or the strongest form of Accutane I took in my early 20's. I have seen an infectious disease doctor and still have it. Exercise or heat and humidity increases it tenfold.
What has been tried and results:
Cephalexin oral antibiotic. Very strong antibiotic. Did nothing. Effective as taking candy.
Antibiotic used for gum disease. Sorry I forget the name. This was a very mild antibiotic my dermatologist prescribed that I was on for a couple of years, that really improved my folliculitis, but never cured it.
Erythromycin gel or lotion. Did nothing. Effective like rubbing water on my skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide 8% body wash with urea. Decent improvement. If not rinsed well, it will bleach anything you wear. Never take a quick shower while using this. Even after rinsing very well, I find sometimes my clothes still get bleached. The urea helps the BP to get into the skin.
Ketoconazole 2%. Works very well but will not get rid of everything.
Pyrithione Zinc 2%. Works as well as Ketoconazole 2%, but seemed to irritate my skin a lot more.
Hibclens 4% Works as well as Ketoconazole 2% and Pyrithione Zinc 2%, but is 10 bucks for a small bottle. Best to mix it with your favorite body wash to save some money.
Clindamycin 1% foam or gel Works barely, but it is not safe to use all over the body. Only for spot use.
Tea tree oil Washes don't work, but full strength works okay, but can't be used all over due to the nasty smell.
Hydrogen Peroxide 3% baths Works very well. Pour entire standard size bottle in tub. Soak for 15-30 minutes. Bleaches body hair with continued use, so some guys may not like this.
Salicylic acid 6% lotion Works very well, but only works if you use it every day persistently. Not a cure, but a patch. Exfoliates under the skin, as a beta-hydroxy. See my next post.
Amlactin 12% or Glycolic Acid 10% or higher. Both work great with the Salicylic acid, but neither are cheap and the all over body use can get expensive. Once again this does not kill the bacteria, but only exfoliates the top layer of the skin to prevent the bumps from forming. These do make your skin look younger though.
Many oral anti-fungal herbs Did nothing. None of these seemed to work. Snake oil to me. Believe me I used them for months at a time, even on an empty stomach. I have not tried topical Oil of Oregano yet.
Non-milk derived probiotics These work well, as I notice when I stop taking them for a while, I get the big bumps on my skin.
I have a whole lot more to write, and some more products I probably left out, like fish oil for anti-inflammatory effects, or the tons of supplements I have tried, but this gives you an idea what I have been through. I have no idea on the long term effects from these. I hope I have helped.

Edited by unknownloser, 09 August 2010 - 10:52 PM.

[spoofy2]

How depressing...There's gotta be a manageable way to keep this stuff at bay. I'm still struggling and it really takes a toll on your confidence level. I haven't worn a scoop neck shirt all year trying to hide this stuff. It's pretty bad on the face too

Since our body naturally produces these thanks to our hormones there should be a natural way to regulate it...obviously some people never grow out of it judging by the posts. Has anyone had any success with the birth control? I hear that taking antiandrogens can reduce excessive sebum production. But what about those that cannot afford to always go to the doctor? Besides, long term consumption might be harmful. For the ladies I was looking into Dong Quai http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupple.../a/DongQuai.htm but apparently there are some possible side effects that are just kinda scary when you think about it. Not a whole lot is proven with this product and it is said that long term use of it could be harmful.

Going without makeup hasn't helped (plus knowing that it forms on the upper body too excludes the makeup factor out though I'm certain makeup doesn't exactly help either).

From what I've been learning and so far understanding, if we can learn to find a product or a natural way (like a supplement or diet or something) that will help reduce sebum and our hormonal levels then our skin may improve. I was on accutane and it sucked all the oil out of my face and it looked and felt great. Unfortunately it came right back after the treatment was over (though I did not stay on it the entire time because i was experiencing those lame side effects).

One thing that bothers me is the dryness. We are supposed to keep our skin dry, right? Well we would still need to moisturize so that our skin isn't parched to the point that sebum starts working over time. Finding something that moisturizes but doesn't contribute to the problem is my issue. Right now I'm using regular Aveeno lotion and so far...its OK. I understand healing takes time. I'm just tired of having this. I tried the low carb, sugar, salt + eat more veggies, fish, chicken diet but clearly that was no good or else i wouldn't be posting about it still.

Has anyone tried using hormone blockers for PF?

[kerriann711]

It cost me $20 to get my Pityrosporum Folliculitis under control!
I was diagnosed with PF in June 2 weeks before going on vacation. It was mostly on my face but also on my chest and back. Derm tried antibiotics which made it worse, because yeast feeds on Antibiotics. Then she gave me a rx for ketoconosole tablets, cleared up the sores in time for vacation but as soon as i stopped they came back. The Derm said its not good for my liver and she cant prescribe it full time. My DHEA level was over 5000 and my testosterone level was high. My hair is falling out and I am growing facial hair, cant lose weight and am always tired. I asked about a candida overgrowth in my entire body and the doctor told me i would be in Critical condition if i had a systematic fungal infection. After doing quite a bit of research online I can only come to one conclusion (I have been tested for pcos, cushings, adrenal tumors all came up neg). I have a candida overgrowth that is affecting my entire system. I did the am spit test and the legs appeared almost immediately. so I went to a health food store and purchased a $20 bottle of oil of oregano, put it on my face 2x a day and within a week my sores are GONE! I am taking it orally with Grapefruit seed extract and coconut oil which are very strong natural antifungals. I take 5 drops of oregano oil and 15 drops of gsextract (tastes horrible but hey if it works suck it up and drink it. 4-5 cloves of uncooked garlic a day and I am also starting to add 4 T of coconut oil a day to my diet. I'll let u know how that works out. But all the nasty chemicals couldnt help me like the oregano oil did and they make me feel great to boot!
PS the oil will burn slightly for 5 minutes and your face may appear red but it goes away within 30 minutes.

[kerrylee]

Im so over this...I read this whole topic. I have a 17 year old son who has been dealing with chronic scalp folliculitis for 2 years. On oral antibiotics he is completely clear, when stopped it comes back within days. For the first time 2 weeks ago he was put on Doxycyline. After 2 weeks he developed hundreds of pin head size pustuals on chest, shoulders, upper stomache and back. I know this is PF. He has had this same thing come and go on his forehead only a few times. All the while treating scalp pustuals. But...this is the first time on his body. Im at a total loss right now. He is very upset. for the last 2 years I have researched how to help him. Been to 2 derms, infectious disease and now drove 2 hours to Shanz medical center in Orlando for help. They were the most knowledgeable and have seen chronic scalp folliculitis. They said it was non scarring and his hair would not fall out. It has thinned a bit. Who knows. I'm so scarred for him. He's just a kid and this is destroying his self confidence.

Without medication his scalp gets sooo badly inflammed, painful, and hot. but now the medication is causing PF all over. Is there anyone out there who is struggling with this. Im so sick all the time. Also, he never had body PF till the Doxy. Just every now and then on his forehead. How can you treat scalp and body?

He started last night putting Nizoral shampoo on his chest and back along with Lamisil. We will see. But how will his head clear without antibiotics?

Please help. Thanks!

[CheyCheyenne]

@Kerrylee I don't exactly understand your son's story. You say his scalp gets better on antibiotics but the rest of his body gets horribly worse so why is that better? I think he should stop the antibiotics because they are obviously making it worse. It could be possible that the antibiotics are keeping the inflammation down or something - I'm not sure. However, they are just making it worse in the long run. I have no answer to his problem as every case of this is different but I can only give my best opinions which would be to try oregano oil or tea tree oil for the spots. I have had success with a neem oil shampoo that I have just started using. However, it could be a coincidence...who knows with this stuff. I have found that a low carb diet along with antifungal herbs has helped me but it might not help everyone. I would suggest that your son tries ingesting antifungal herbs at the least. This should do at least SOMETHING. Turmeric, caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, oregano oil, pau d' arco are all good antifungals.

[shazam]

Hey everyone, I've been thoroughly reading this forum, and just about everything regarding PF. Finally joined today, and thought I'd share my experience so far.

I've had PF for a little under a year now. It all started when I went hunting last spring and ended up rubbing my arm against some poison ivy, and got it pretty bad up my whole arm. Standard topicals just weren't cutting it, so I finally got fed up and went to my doctor. He gave me a steroid shot in the arse, prescribed me a topical steroid cream, and Prednisone to take for a 3 week period until the poison ivy was gone.

I tell ya, it sure was nice watching that poison ivy literally diminish before my eyes after that treatment. About a week went by after it was pretty much cleared up, and then out of nowhere I started noticing small pustules appearing on my mid chest area. I figured somehow the poison ivy spread onto my chest, so I instantly started applying the topical steroid to that area. Only this time, it wasn't doing anything to help. If anything, it was making it worse. Not long after, I started getting the same symptoms on my face. I've never had (bad) acne in my life, and now I was experiencing what seemed like the worst case ever. Finally I admitted defeat and went back to my doctor. After looking over my chest and face, he instantly pointed out that this was no poison ivy anymore, but folliculitis.

He reassured me that this was a typical reaction to Prednisone, and could be cured up after a script of Doxycycline. Relieved, I went and got my antibiotics and took them for about a couple weeks. To my amazement, NOTHING was happening. If anything my symptoms were getting worse. So, I went back to my doc and explained my situation further. He was surprised that the antibiotics had no effect, and said the only other thing he knew that may help was a topical antibiotic, Mupirocin. I wasn't pleased that he wasn't sure what else to do besides use this topical, but nonetheless - I went and picked it up and gave it a go.

The Mupirocin seemed to help somewhat, but definitely was not a cure. Since then, I've been to 4 dermatologists, and have been on 2 different antibiotics with no success. I've tried to get a culture done but each derm I've seen passes my story off as if it's no big deal and a culture isn't necessary. SO. That's about when I decided that my wallet wasn't big enough to keep forking at money to these people that really have no idea what the hell they're talking about, nor are able to help me.

I have found a ton of useful information online and on these forums ( ) that you'd probably never get from any dermatologist. Upon numerous tests I've done myself, I've determined that I most definitely have PF. It's really sad that this is passed off as something not to be concerned about, yet doctors have no idea how big of an impact that it makes on our lives, physically and mentally. I just find it amazing that there's operations to turn males into females, and vise versa... yet we can't find a cure for PF. I haven't had PF near as long as some of the other folks on this forum, and I sympathize for everyone who has it. I used to be really active, but as we all know, PF doesn't like when we get hot and sweaty. And it lets us know by riddling us with spots all over.

So, enough with the story. I'll share what has worked best for me so far.


Tea Tree Oil

This stuff really is a god send for PF. I've been using mostly JASON Products, which have worked wonders, and can be found at pretty much any local health food store. I'll list them below.

JASON Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

JASON Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Face Wash



Head and Shoulders: Classic Clean

I read about this recommendation on this thread, as a matter of fact. I picked up a bottle, and after using it for a couple days, it really cleared the PF on my face. Just use this stuff lightly! A little goes a long way. I just put a dab of this stuff in the palm of my hand and rub my hands together and gently rub your face, or any affected area, let it set for 45 seconds or so and rinse. It's also important not to use this continuously because not only will it dry your skin out, the PF becomes accustomed to the treatment and will not be as effective. So it's best to alternate this with other treatments.

Nizoral Shampoo

This stuff can be found at any Pharmacy, and is an Antifungal Shampoo. I use this stuff just the same way as I use Head and Shoulders. With as little as you need to apply, a standard bottle should last you a long long time. In my personal experience, Nizoral doesn't seem as effective as the Head and Shoulders Treatment, but it does work if you incorporate it into your regimen.

Propylene Glycol & Distilled Water 50/50

Another suggestion which was found on this forum. I couldn't find the Propylene Glycol anywhere in stores, so I found the 50/50 mixture from Cuban Crafters. (I tried to post URLS for all these products, but they don't seem to appear after posting) Just put this stuff in a spray bottle and mist your affected area after you get out of the shower. I wouldn't suggest you go heavy with this stuff as it will dry out your skin and possibly make it worse.

Turmeric Capsules

You can find these at any local health food store. I took these first before I did any of the above treatments, and had fairly good success with them. Unfortunately after a couple weeks they didn't seem to have as good of an affect. But, they are worth a shot.


The main thing you want to know, and remember is that PF can, and will become resistant to pretty much any treatment you throw at it. Therefore, you want to develop your own regimen, alternating different treatments so the PF doesn't have time to build up immunity to them. Hopefully this helps some of you with your PF. Just know that you're not alone, and keep hopes up that one day, there will be a cure!

[shazam]

Oh, and now that I got my introduction out of the way, I was curious if anyone had a recommendation for sunblock that doesn't agitate PF? I would imagine anything oil based would be a no-no, and I've been wanting to start tanning again but am not willing to risk having the PF flare back up as a result of the wrong kind of sunblock.

Thanks in advance

[sameolddeal]

after all the showering and cleansing, what moisturizer should i be using? im using the znp bar and my skin in really dry!

[aurora_rory]

Well I bought a 50/50 solution of propylene glycol and I will be starting the treatment today. I tried Head & Shoulders one night last week, and it made a dramatic difference. I mean, from then ON, my back just started clearing up on it's own. I only used it once. Perhaps I relieved my body a little bit from the accumulation of the yeast?? I stopped using it because from reading this thread it seems like it stopped working for people, and the best way to use it is when you're 80% clear like one user posted before to really finish the deal. From this thread it seems there was only one person who got completely clear and that was due to the propylene glycol use?? Well that's what i'll be trying from today but i'm worried about the possible reaction from using it on my face considering I also have an interview next week and the reaction on my body won't matter as much as my face which will the focus of the show!

But on the other hand, i'd prefer risking it to possibly improve my skin cause if it gets worse before the interview, what's the difference between the way it is now and if it were worse anyway? It's still there one way or the other. Cross my fingers!

[shazam]

Good Luck! I hope it works for you. I can't say I tried the 50/50 Solution on my face, because I have sensitive skin as it is, and that stuff makes me itch like something serious. Unfortunately I still haven't come across anything that is a permanent solution. The Head & Shoulders treatment is excellent to say the least though. I just wonder what kind of damage it could potentially cause on your skin over a long period of time. /sigh

[aurora_rory]

Thanks! That's actually the least of my worries, though. I'm afraid that although Head and Shoulders will potentially give good results, you get "used" to it. i.e. it'll stop working. Propylene Glycol gave me a strange reaction. Initially I kind of got red spots all over, and then they stopped, but to say the least there has been no significant change and it's been something over 2 weeks. Might switch to H&S now.

[shazam]

yeah, i've actually got a double whammy condition going on, kertosis palaris on top of PF. It's the pits, so I have to be careful of what I use to treat either condition. I'm going to order a handfull of different skin care products from www.betterhealthyskin.com

they've got a bunch of different mandelic scrubs, toners, and even what i've been looking for the most... SPF 30 Sunblock for acne prone skin! Haven't gone the route of mandelic serums yet, and a few people swear by it for PF, so I'm going to give it a shot. One things for sure, I'm going to run out of different treatments soon!

Good luck with the H&S, let us know how it works for you

[shazam]

after all the showering and cleansing, what moisturizer should i be using? im using the znp bar and my skin in really dry!

I'm not sure of any OVC products you can pick up and try, but here's something that may work for you that would help resist flare ups:

www.betterhealthyskin.com
Product Name: Clinical Formula Conditioning Lotion
Product Code: CF-1148

"Conditioning Lotion, specially formulated to freshen the skin, following cleansing and to complete cleansing process. Conditioning Lotion can be used with other cleansers, moisturizers, masks and creams. Helps calming, and makes skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.

Helps moisturizing and conditioning the skin, makes skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple. For All Skin Types."

• Helps control acne problem on the skin
• Contains high efficiency natural moisturizer
• Contains Salicylic Acid & Benzoic Acid
• Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic formulation

[aurora_rory]

yeah, i've actually got a double whammy condition going on, kertosis palaris on top of PF. It's the pits, so I have to be careful of what I use to treat either condition. I'm going to order a handfull of different skin care products from www.betterhealthyskin.com

they've got a bunch of different mandelic scrubs, toners, and even what i've been looking for the most... SPF 30 Sunblock for acne prone skin! Haven't gone the route of mandelic serums yet, and a few people swear by it for PF, so I'm going to give it a shot. One things for sure, I'm going to run out of different treatments soon!

Good luck with the H&S, let us know how it works for you

same actually...but KP is quite common. But I read that there is no treatment for it and that it disappears with age? Yes, I haven't tried any mandelic serums either...yet and I hope that the Propylene Glycol or/and H&S will be enough. I'm also praying that it's what I have had on my face for so long as opposed to acne, so i've been using the propylene glycol on my face aswell, but with no negative effects nor big difference?

I didn't wind up quiting using propylene glycol even though I said I was gonna go on to H&S that day. I read that people use it for 3 weeks, and I "only" used it for 2.5, didn't feel there were any results, and the day AFTER I posted that I'd stop using it I saw really huge results, how about that haha. Particularly on my back! The amount that's dissapeared is dramatic. I remember one user posting that it cured them to 80% and what I would say it did for me so far is maybe 45%. Possiblyy cause i've had it for much longer, the results are realllly slow. So I will continue until my 500mL bottle is finished.