52 replies to this topic

[BumpyEllsworth]

Hi, Just got on this forum. I've had pf for over a year now, but just self diagnosed in the last month. My experiences are exactly like everyone else pertaining to the Derms. It's amazing how they misdiagnose this so frequently and to a great extent many of them don't have a clue how to treat it. I basically TOLD the Derm I have now what I had, and that I didnt want antibiotics and to prescribe me diflucan. I used the Diflucan for 20 days at 150mg per day, I also used Keto cream and 2% shampoo. It started to clear up after about three days then by the 11th day it just flared up. I kept taking the diflucan and doubled up on the keto cream and shampoo to twice daily. Now, I have about 7 active postules on the chest, back, head, and shoulders, none on the face really. My regiment now is keto shampoo and cream twice daily, zinc pyrithione body wash (dial makes one now), 100% tea tree oil, probiotics, vitamin c, and garlic capsules. I no longer have the itch so I take that as a sign that it is improving(I hope). To my knowledge Pityrosporum or Malessazia is not contagious as it is a fungas that we all have on our bodies. I was wondering out of all the people who are on this post how many are healthy with healthy immune systems? I was also wondering how many of you are intense exercisers? (crossfitters,weightlifters,triathletes).. I have noticed that the PF is worse when I exercise and it helps to immediately shower when I am finished and begin my regiment. I've neen healthy all my life and I rarely ever get sick, I havent had a cold since 2007. Anyone have a clue as to how long this thing usually lasts, or does it never go away? Also, I just turned 40 and have read that it effects men in their 4th decade more than any other population. I'm thinking it may be a hormaonal imbalance of some kind as my testosterone levels are abnormally and naturally high.

[LuN3yDaV3]

From what I read about fungus, they grow immune to certain things that try to kill them. So I've heard of people rotating different anti fungal treatments so the fungus can't adapt. The melassazia fungus especially is also lipophillic meaning it feeds on fats and oils. That's why they cause flaky scalp and dry skin on the face and body. I also read that the fungus will persist if you use emollients (moisturizers). Fugus like dampness. Another thing is that fungus like sugar, so I believe having a no sugar/no carb diet will help get rid of it. I don't really exercise so I can't say mine is related to what you are saying. I shower daily and wash my face and neck 2 times a day with mild/natural products.

For me, I'm just going to take my antibiotic for 3 weeks up to when I go back to the derm. It'll be funny if I'm still in the same condition and she'll say, "OK let's start you on some treatments for fungus!" Of course by then I should have the results back from the cultures they are supposed to do.

Edited by LuN3yDaV3, 22 April 2011 - 01:09 PM.

[LuN3yDaV3]

Pityrosporum folliculitis.
Topical or oral antifungals are the most effective treatments for this type of folliculitis. Because the condition often returns once you've finished the course of oral medication, your doctor may recommend using topical ointments indefinitely. Antibiotics aren't helpful in treating pityrosporum folliculitis and may make the infection worse by upsetting the normal balance of bacteria on your skin.

I guess if I get worse from the antibiotic, I'll know this is true and the answer will be clear.

Source:
http://www.mayoclini...ments-and-drugs

Edited by LuN3yDaV3, 22 April 2011 - 12:48 PM.

[summerraine2]

Beachcat,
Yes, I have all of those. What made me think it was for sure PF was the sandpaper feeling. I could also take my nails and kinda scratch and it was like a hard piece came out, almost like a blackhead, but not. I went back to the derm a couple days ago and she said that they ran tests and it showed no fungus, yeast or bacteria. All it showed was inflammatory. She put me on an oral steroid, prednisone. I took ketocanozle for a week and used the nizoral shampoo before that and it looked as though it was starting to clear. Started to smooth out and not have that sandpaper feeling. Of course the derm had no answers to why that would help it if it wasn't fungal!! The prednisone is just making me itch in places that I wasn't before!! I'm beginning to think I need to find another derm to go to. It's upsetting when you go to a specialist and they don't know what the hell they're doing!! I'm still not convinced that it isn't PF. Looks just like it, in the same places and everything. I'll finish the steroid and when I go back in 2wks if no results then I'm finding another derm and she will know that she sucks!! lol Thanks again for listening to me vent. I will keep checking back in and let you know how its going!!

[BumpyEllsworth]

From what I read about fungus, they grow immune to certain things that try to kill them. So I've heard of people rotating different anti fungal treatments so the fungus can't adapt. The melassazia fungus especially is also lipophillic meaning it feeds on fats and oils. That's why they cause flaky scalp and dry skin on the face and body. I also read that the fungus will persist if you use emollients (moisturizers). Fugus like dampness. Another thing is that fungus like sugar, so I believe having a no sugar/no carb diet will help get rid of it. I don't really exercise so I can't say mine is related to what you are saying. I shower daily and wash my face and neck 2 times a day with mild/natural products.

For me, I'm just going to take my antibiotic for 3 weeks up to when I go back to the derm. It'll be funny if I'm still in the same condition and she'll say, "OK let's start you on some treatments for fungus!" Of course by then I should have the results back from the cultures they are supposed to do.

For some reason most Derms don't have a clue about pityrosporum. Its not as common as the bacterial type and mostly exists in tropical climates. Its fairly common with athletes and also recurring. I would say one of the major indicators that it is fungal is the itching, especially when you perspire or become hot. It also burns when you begin to sweat. Hope it works out. Please let me know.

[Beachcats]

Hey guys:

Trust your instincts! If you think is is fungal, the antibiotics will make it worse. Can you get a second opinion? A KOH scraping? Have you tried washing with over the counter products for dandruff to see if it improves?? Zinc Pyrithione has worked best for me. Dr. Cynthia Bailey's website has Noble soap bar. Similiar to ZNP bar but for sensitive skin. Like mine. Try apple cider vinegar. Good test!

Nieheoma-I was right ,my thyroid is low! Heard it can cause overgrowth like this. Sigh another issue. A few folks said it made it go away to fix their thyroid.

[summerraine2]

Hey guys,
Quick question..will PF scar you?? My skin no longer itches and it has smoothed out, but I have light red scars. Is there anything you guys recommend to use for these scars?? This is such a pain in the @#4!! Thanks for any response guys!!

[niehaoma]

Well my fellow inflammatory sufferers, I have had just about 100% clearance. I am using Plexion and taking Solodyn. So, it is one, the other, or both. Dont know, dont particularly care right now. Super stoked to have clear skin. I might stop taking the Solodyn once the month supply is up, and see if it starts to return. Then I will know which one is working. If my previous posts are evidence, it shows you have to keep with attempting to determine what the issue is, and find the EXACT remedy that works for YOU!!!!

[Beachcats]

Nieheoma:

What Plexion are you using? Is it cream in a tube? The wash? I did try the one by Perrigo (generic I think) and seem to be allergic. In the past, I used Sulfacet R (10% sodium sulfacetimide and 5% sulphur) and it was great! I am wondering about the other ingredients in the wierd toothpaste type one with these same ingredients I just tried? You started the Plexion first right? 4 days nothing much changed you mentioned. The minocycline was for acne? 100% clear? Wow that is wonderful!! Good no make that great for you. You did so many things are you 100% certain one of these did the trick?

I am on week 8 Diflucan 1X per week still. Dermie on Friday. Slow progress but not clear. Any mistep....slightest bit warm (do not sweat alot), shower too hot, it grows a bump instantly. I love the way they call this acne. Ever got tiny bit warm and grow an instant acne bump? Not!* Duh I hate this tightrope. I miss normal!

Found out my thyroid is low as I suspected! Will recheck. Heard this leads to PF for some! In general, I was very run down and stressed before this hit. I mean extremely so. Took generic Prednisilone for 20 days right before it hit as well. I think there was a culmination of factors. Oh and wearing tight hats on walks and sunscreeen withmoil during the way. think hormones off so yes to the person who brought up hormones. Thyroid is hormonal. Adrenals. Check bloodwork if you can do so. White blood cell count low and Potassium low for me as well.

[BumpyEllsworth]

Nieheoma:

What Plexion are you using? Is it cream in a tube? The wash? I did try the one by Perrigo (generic I think) and seem to be allergic. In the past, I used Sulfacet R (10% sodium sulfacetimide and 5% sulphur) and it was great! I am wondering about the other ingredients in the wierd toothpaste type one with these same ingredients I just tried? You started the Plexion first right? 4 days nothing much changed you mentioned. The minocycline was for acne? 100% clear? Wow that is wonderful!! Good no make that great for you. You did so many things are you 100% certain one of these did the trick?

I am on week 8 Diflucan 1X per week still. Dermie on Friday. Slow progress but not clear. Any mistep....slightest bit warm (do not sweat alot), shower too hot, it grows a bump instantly. I love the way they call this acne. Ever got tiny bit warm and grow an instant acne bump? Not!* Duh I hate this tightrope. I miss normal!

Found out my thyroid is low as I suspected! Will recheck. Heard this leads to PF for some! In general, I was very run down and stressed before this hit. I mean extremely so. Took generic Prednisilone for 20 days right before it hit as well. I think there was a culmination of factors. Oh and wearing tight hats on walks and sunscreeen withmoil during the way. think hormones off so yes to the person who brought up hormones. Thyroid is hormonal. Adrenals. Check bloodwork if you can do so. White blood cell count low and Potassium low for me as well.

That's good that you know for sure now. I'm sure that will take away some of the stress. I just had a punch biopsy done last week and am waiting for the results. I think maybe my case is the same. I remember at the time it first happened I was working 12 and sometimes 16 hours a day 6 to 7 days per week, trying to start up a business. Plus I was still working out and it was during the late summer. I was probably sweaty most of the day. I also remember my air condition breaking down for about a week. I'm sure the stress was beating me down too and definitely not eating right. I'm also thinking caffeine has helped the pf too as I was drinking lot of coffee to maintain this type of routine. I'm sure my adrenal glands are burned out at this point.

[doodleme123]

Could it be possible I have Pityrosporum Folliculitis if I only have mild acne on my face (mostly dry flaky skin & inflammation) & dandruff on my scalp?

[niehaoma]

I am using the generic Plexion from Perrigo. Super stoked, but I am sure it wont last. There are a few small bumps, so I know my body still wants to create inflamed bumps on my forehead, but at least the wash is 99.99% keeping them at bay.

Edited by niehaoma, 05 May 2011 - 10:52 PM.

[niehaoma]

Mine doesnt scar. Damn the blimpity berp da bumpy bumps! I have some bumps in the center of my forehead coming back. Hopefully they will not progress, and go away. I was really bad with my diet the last few weeks (gluten, dairy, alcohol), all of which I do not consume normally. I still think there is some link to food/environment. So far the Plexion wash has been the most effective with the longest positive impact (20 or so days now with little to no symptoms). That is the longest in 5 months.

[Beachcats]

Hello:

Mine does not scar. MD gave me steroids (topical) and this made me have some broken blood vessels! Grrrrh more money to fix. I think if you scratch it might scar, There are topical over the counter things for scarring. I would give it time personally.

Yes I exercise alot. Sweat is the number one thing that brings it on. And heat!!! Hot showers. Overheat sleeping. Huge factor.

Latest thing MD thinks it is in part Rosacea. I am all over the Demodex mite concept. I did develop what they call Keratosis Pilaris same day as this crap on forehead and along hairline?!Duh connection? Fungal? The mites and their bacteria? Bought a microscope but have not looked yet. They all but refuse to do scrapings?*& Afraid theeeey might catch it or what??

Did try Permethrin and Ivermectin a few doses. Not enough doses if you ask me for Demodex. I am a human guinea pig it seems. Sulfecetamide and apple cider vinegar and Noble Soap bar. Best things so far. Amlactin for supposed (yeah right) KP rash. I vote I have PF. BumpyEllsworth sounds like me all the way.....

I am considering Accutane after 2 years!! Starve the suckers

[micsin]

So glad I found this thread!

I'm 30 and have been diagnosed with this for some time. I've found that doxycycline on a regular basis and ketaconozole for the flare ups has worked the best. Now the dermatologist has me off the doxycycline permanently and on one month's worth of ketaconozole, plus the ketaconozole body wash and a conozole cream. The idea is that if it worked for the flare ups, maybe I just need to use it longer to completely cure it.

It's been two weeks and I think it's gotten worse??? Usually the ketaconozole works like a charm. Maybe my body is reacting to getting off the doxycycline--I have no clue???

Thoughts or advice?
Tips on back regimen?
Any lotions I should try?
Head and Shoulders shampoo?

[belerak9]

Hey guys,
I just have a quick question:
- About two years ago, after stopping using an abusive amount of benzoyl peroxide for a few days on my face, my forehead sprouted a bunch of red and white dots overnight. Literally, I remember driving home from the mountains with my girlfriend at the time being very happy with my choice of getting rid of all harsh chemicals on my face, and the next morning having my forehead feel like sandpaper. I have no acne on other parts of my face, and I just wash it with water. Both steroid creams (hyrocortisone butyrate - only for two weeks) and Epiduo have been prescribed by my dermatologist, saying that it's just forehead acne since my face is pretty oily. Strangely though, my whole face is oily (mainly in the summer - I live in Colorado, thank god it's dry), I sweat a lot (from constant exercise), but I only get these bumps on my forehead. The Epiduo helps, but they always seem to come back, only on the forehead, occasionally temples, and hairline. Additionally, I'm 22 now, have never really had any acne, and only used the Regimen because in my head my skin was terrible, when truthfully it was fine. Now this is my only problem.
I didn't think that acne appeared like this overnight, but she insisted that I keep putting on BP. Any suggestions for this? Could this be bacterial PF, fungal PF, a yeast overgrowth? Any helpful hints on the best way for clearing a yeast or fungus buildup in or on the body?
Thanks for any suggestions, and I wish you all the best.

Ya and about the scarring, I went to the same office about a year ago, saw a different doctor though. He looked at the oily forehead, saw the bumps, claimed they must be either open or closed comedones (I can't remember what he said), and began to painfully "extract" them. It left me with a viciously red forehead for awhile, but the marks subsided and left no scarring. I hope that helps someone.

Also, lastly, with all this exercise I get very lazy in washing myself, so, the sweat stays on my body for a long time. I have short hair (maybe an inch), and don't wash it, ever - don't really like soap. But, if this does seem to be a form of folliculitis, I would be willing to change all of that really quickly. Thanks again.

Edited by belerak9, 29 May 2011 - 10:04 AM.

[paul051966]

All,

For this condition, which appears to be mostly caused by the Malassezia (Pityrosporum) fungus, check out this link about Raw Honey. You would have to give it a minimum of 4 weeks, but the upside is potentially great. I've had this bastard since my days in college. I'm 45 now. I've only been doing the Raw Honey for less than a week (2 masks and twice per day cleaning). I've noticed dramatic improvement with flaking, itching, redness, and inflammation. I am an exercise nut, 5x min per week, coffee usually makes this condition much worse. I also have steroid induced Rosacea so I have very sensitive skin.

Please give this a try. You'll need to give it a full 4 weeks minimum. If you've used steroid creams , you might need to give it longer to see great results.

The fungus from what I understand does not develop a resistance to raw honey, as it would with any other drug. I think it's worth a try. Good luck.

Paul

[wicky]

What's the best way to determine if u have this? I have rosacea, dandruff but have tons of clogged pores in my chin area and in the laugh lines around my mouth. My pores are huge and I'm dry and flakey as well as oily. Does that make sense. No derm can tell me what is up with my chin and why no topicals respond to clearing these bumps or clogs. Can u scratch out grain like pieces of sebum off your skin? I can do this every nite and have them fill by morning. I've always said it's like my skin doesn't shed properly. Things get stuck to the hair follicle and it's not normal to have to go around your whole face picking off pieces of sebum. This started two yrs ago and have done more courses of doxy than I can count and it only helped the first time I went on it. I've been on spironolactone for a year thinning it was hormonal and it would slow my oil production but it hasn't done squat. I'm so distraught because yet another derm was like everyone has sebum and oil and maybe I should get lower wattage lightbulbs..Wtf!!!!! Please help me

[belerak9]

An update on here from me:
I started using a zinc-including shampoo (Head and Shoulders) about a week ago, and the bumps have vanished. Completely. This would be the first time in two years that I didn't have to put on some weird topical gel, cream, steroid, or whatever to make that happen. So it's safe to say that I'm elated. For the above poster though, it's also safe to say that anyone who tells you to "just deal with it" is not acting with your interests in mind. That's not to say that whatever you have is the same as me, but the only way to find some sort of remedy is through constant research, trial and error, and a little bit of patience. I had a dermatologist two years ago tell me that I just had acne on my forehead, and that it might never go away. She chuckled and kind of told me that I just had to deal with it as well. And here I am now, free of that plague, all with a simple solution. So I guess I'm just saying that you never have to settle for what you don't want, there's always a solution to your problem out there. Just keep looking and keep trying, please. Hope you're well.