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I called my derm today because the stuff has spread to my legs, arghhh. It looks different then what is on my face and neck tho and it doesn't itch. I couldn't see waiting until mid November to see the team of derms and get some answers so I am scheduled for a biopsy on Friday. They will do 1 on my leg and 1 on my neck. He said each place will have to have 1 stitch so it sounds deep and I'm scared but hopefully it will tell what is wrong. I don't mind going through the biopsy if it results in answers. I asked him about yeast again and he said that usually only happens to people that are sick and don't have much of an immune system and that I don't fall into that category. I don't know if there is a way to check your immune system but all my blood work came back good.
Your derm should talk to the dozen of healthy people on here who suffer from folliculitis. 
I was and still am a very healthy person who rarely gets sick, and yet I suffered from it pretty badly. He might be thinking of a systemic fungal infection. That's when fungus invades your whole body, including your blood and that's a very serious condition that usually only happens to immuno-compromised people. But yeast overgrowth on the skin is very common- just think of how many people have dandruff!
But in any case, it's great that you're getting a biopsy to figure out what you have. I didn't think they had to do stitches for that though- you might want to look that up and see if that's common procedure.
In answer to your previous question: I couldn't live without bread! 
akko
I had something like that once. I had it for months, wasn't as bad. I started taking a multivitamin and it went away in under a week. I'm suspicious that its a deficiency of something or maybe your wheat with extra wheat diet is causing some bacteria in your bowel to produce something that may be causing the allergy.
Either way, drinking caffeinated drinks like mountain dew when you have symptoms of hives is just asking for trouble.
Seriously, my advice would be just to go with the multivitamin for a week or so, that would rule out most of the vitamin deficiencies- doctors are really shit at spotting those.
I go for the skin biopsy tomorrow. I am a little scared which I'm sure will turn to a lot of scared by morning. Has anyone ever had punch biopsy done? I have been reading online about them it seems like it may be a waste of time and pain. Do you know what all they will be testing for? The doc said it will be 4mm with a punch tool. Wish me luck with it and more importantly with results that help treat this.
I go for the skin biopsy tomorrow. I am a little scared which I'm sure will turn to a lot of scared by morning. Has anyone ever had punch biopsy done? I have been reading online about them it seems like it may be a waste of time and pain. Do you know what all they will be testing for? The doc said it will be 4mm with a punch tool. Wish me luck with it and more importantly with results that help treat this.
Good luck.
Post here as soon as you get the results:)
Went for the biopsy and the derm said e wasn't going to do it, arghhh. He swares it is nothing but acne and the new bumps on my legs is from dry skin. He told me I really needed to give the differin a try and then go to the appt. with the many derms to see what they think. It will be up to the group of derms if they do the biopsy. I used the differin last night and will start a new thread on my journey with it. I will post back here after the appt on 11-18.
Today was my appt with the 20 derms I had mentioned above. It was a quick visit, consisted of my derm and alll the other ones coming in the room. My derm gave a quick recap to everyone and then they all looked at me. They asked a few questions and then met with each other to talk. My derm came back in and said everyone thinks it is either yeast or hormonal, lol. I have been asking if it was yeast for some time now... He said he wanted to run labs and check my hormone levels (why didn't you do this after my 1st, 2nd or 3rd appt I was thinking). In the mean time he gave me a script for an oral anti fungal med. 200 mg a day that I am to take Mon, Wed and Fri for 3 weeks. He said no need to test for yeast because all results come back positive since everyone has yeast. I wonder to what degree though. Shouldn't there be a way to test how much yeast? He said if I am better after 3 weeks then yeast is the problem and if it doesn't help then its not. He said the only side effect I would likely notice is a metalic taste in my mouth and that if it isnt yeats, taking the med wont hurt anything. I am wondering if I should give it a go or not. What do you guys think? Has anyone had experience with taking the oral med? Also he said we may try spironolaqctone if the lab work suggest hormones. My face isnt oily though and I heard hair loss is a side effect of that. So here I am still not knowing what to do. I leave for FLA on Fri and am worried the humid weather may make this stuff worse, ughh.
Hey all..... just skimming through your post.I suffer from a similar problem for the last year with ichy spots and hives..... long story short is ive had 7 blood tests and a skin biopsy and all negative so therefor in the doc eyes i dont have a problem ....... done alot of research and have come to the conclusion i have candida..... so i tried the candida diet..... within days i noticed a difference the itching for one stopped i still get hives but ive only just started the diet.I also started a course of probiotics........ I ve been where you are now. try the diet you've nothing to loose. Hopefully you ll see results within a few days.....
Best of luck
So far I've been using over the counter nizoral shampoo 1% and selsun blue with selenium sulfide 1% about twice a week, three days apart. It's keeping me relatively clear with no itching with a few spots popping up here and there under my arm pit and upper back.
My question is should I attempt to get prescription strength ketoconazole 2% cream?
I have had PF since I was 14. I'm now 50 yr old male and believe it or not, it's worse now than ever. I go through periods where I actively, daily battle it and do what I should. This means using a medicated soap and a BuffPuff cleansing pad and then 97 percent isopropyl alchohol with cotton pads. These two things have been able to just about wipe it out or at least calm it down for the duration. But when I stop or go camping or sit in the sun or get hot or skip a shower? Right back where I started. Mine cover the backs and fronts of my upper arms, my sides (under my arms) and my buttocks. The last time I went to a dermatologist (back in the early 90s) she said there was nothing she could do and added that my case was the worse she'd ever seen. I have extensive scarring (little brown spots from healed-then-tanned bumps) THANKFULLY, I don't have any on my face, forearms or neck or back. Otherwise, I'd be totally covered. I can go in public and keep the affected areas covered easily. You'd never know there was anything wrong. But when it comes to intimacy? That's when I take a week beforehand and make sure they are calmed down to the point I don't feel inhibited. Otherwise it's a train wreck.
I'm basically posting here to let you know that Neutrogena acne soap and 97 percent isopropyl alchohol are the best things I've tried and I've literally tried EVERYTHING over the last 36 years, every acne medication (including Proactiv, far too expensive and doesn't work) and every diet, every method (including literally sanding them off with 001 grit sandpaper and then applying medication). Yeah, that stung but it did work for about a week. Of course, they came back.
The hardest part is knowing that PF will never go away altogether, at least according to what I read and see online. I thought when I got older, my hormones would slow down and they'd dry up. Nope, worse than ever. But at least I can control them when I'm constantly taking an active part and doing it daily.
I want to also thank whoever wrote about the anti-fungal cream and shampoo. That has helped me some and realizing that it's fungus-based has me looking at this in a whole new way. I'm going to try some stronger anti-fungal medications and see what happens. I've also heard that a diet that is alkaline in nature is a big help for systemic fungal infections, so you just need to look up acidic vs. alkaline diets and see what you might be able to control on your own. FYI, alkaline diets also help fight cancer, so it's probably good to do anyway.
I'm also wondering if there are other things that PF sufferers have in common. Here are some things about me:
I'm lactose intolerant
I get severe migraines (aura/blind with pain)about 4 times a year
I have a chronic sinus problem, but manageable
I'm hardly ever sick, literally go for years with no colds or flu.
Just wondering if others here have these things in common...
I'm also wondering if there are other things that PF sufferers have in common. Here are some things about me:
I'm lactose intolerant
I get severe migraines (aura/blind with pain)about 4 times a year
I have a chronic sinus problem, but manageable
I'm hardly ever sick, literally go for years with no colds or flu.
Just wondering if others here have these things in common...
Hi there and welcome to the boards.
Are you sure it's Pityrosporum Folliculitis you have? You say you just found out it's caused by fungus!!!??!! After 36 years...
If you are certain it's Pityrosporum folliculitis and haven't tried oral Ketoconzole I would get on that drug as soon as possible.
Good luck to you!
I'm also wondering if there are other things that PF sufferers have in common. Here are some things about me:
I'm lactose intolerant
I get severe migraines (aura/blind with pain)about 4 times a year
I have a chronic sinus problem, but manageable
I'm hardly ever sick, literally go for years with no colds or flu.
Just wondering if others here have these things in common...
Hi, I have PF but I luckily don't suffer from any of those ailments- although I also hardly ever get sick (except this year for some reason). I think there is a genetic factor that makes certain people more prone to PF- and they are probably the same people that are prone to dandruff. I don't know if it's a skin ph or something that makes us more prone to yeast overgrowth.
bumpyguy said:I'm also wondering if there are other things that PF sufferers have in common. Here are some things about me:I'm lactose intolerant
I get severe migraines (aura/blind with pain)about 4 times a year
I have a chronic sinus problem, but manageable
I'm hardly ever sick, literally go for years with no colds or flu.
Just wondering if others here have these things in common...
No, I don't have any of those problems, but I do get PF (mild, but persistant - mostly on my chest and upper back/shoulders). Just wondering a few things about your history:
Have you taken antibiotics frequently or for long periods of time? I know this can trigger a case of PF in people or cause an existing problem to flare up again.
What is you diet like overall? Do you eat a lot sugars, yeasts, etc? I found that a very low sugar/low yeast diet helped me a lot. I also did a few rounds of antifungal supplements at the same time, which I think helped me. I found Olive leaf to be really helpful - if you look at some of the research on it, its one of the most potent antifungals out there. Before the development of antifungal medications, doctors sometimes used it to treat fungal infections. I also like oil of oregano (a few drops in a glass of water, 2x a day)
Have you tried topical mandelic acid? For me, that has been the most effective topical treatment. It might get a little pricey to use though, if your PF is widespread, but I really love the results I get from it.
I also found that rotating treatment products regularly (topical treatments, and supplements) really helps. PF seems to adapt to most treatment products eventually, and once it does, that treatment may not work as well in the future. I rotate my treatments at least once a month or so.
I am attaching an article I wrote on PF. It may help give you some ideas you haven't tried yet. Let me know if you have any questions. In case you don't want to read the entire document, here are some general recommendations I outlined in the article:
I would also make several general recommendations for dealing with this problem:
1. Kill the fungus topically AND systemically by using:
a Antifungal cleansers
a Leave-on antifungal treatments
a Oral antifungal supplements
a Dietary changes
a Products that exfoliate the skin
2. Important: Use multiple antifungal treatments at the same time (either topical or oral supplements, or both), and rotate them on a regular basis (e.g., every few weeks). Do NOT use the antifungal to the point where it stops working. From what I have read and through my and others' experiences, once a product stops working, then it doesn't work well again in the future.
3. Keep the affected area as dry as possible. Minimize use of moisturizers, creams, etc. For folliculitis on the body, applying Gold Bond Powder may help keep area drier this may be particularly good for those living in humid climates.
4. If possible, stop using certain acne medications such as oral and topical antibiotics or topical antibacterial treatments like benzoyl peroxide. Other acne products such as retinoids may not help very much, as there is no clogged pore involved with folliculitis breakouts. If there is a combination of acne and folliculitis, it is probably okay to keep using retinoids, and other products such as salicylic or glycolic acid to treat the acne.
5. Foods to avoid : sugar and yeast containing products (bread, alcohol, etc,), processed/frozen foods, sandwich meat and other processed meats, dairy. Reducing dietary sugar may be very important, as fungus and yeast feed on sugars. According to those who support dietary methods of controlling fungal infections, omitting sugars and yeast helps to starve and kill off the fungus.
6. Also consider adding a probiotic to the diet, especially for those who have taken long courses of antibiotics for acne or other bacterial infections.
7. For body folliculitis, avoid clothing that is rough or that irritates the skin. Cotton clothing and cotton sheets are the best bet.
8. Don't use fabric softener or harsh detergents on clothing or bedding.
9. Avoid sitting in hottubs/spas or taking really hot baths or showers.
[Edited link out]
Have you taken antibiotics frequently or for long periods of time? I know this can trigger a case of PF in people or cause an existing problem to flare up again.
What is you diet like overall? Do you eat a lot sugars, yeasts, etc? I found that a very low sugar/low yeast diet helped me a lot. I also did a few rounds of antifungal supplements at the same time, which I think helped me. I found Olive leaf to be really helpful - if you look at some of the research on it, its one of the most potent antifungals out there. Before the development of antifungal medications, doctors sometimes used it to treat fungal infections. I also like oil of oregano (a few drops in a glass of water, 2x a day)
Have you tried topical mandelic acid?
No, I've never been a fan of antibiotics, the last time was back in the 80s.
I was discussing my diet with a homeopathic earlier today and he said that I really had a pretty low sugar intake. I was asking about the Candida diet and he said to delete sugars... I only have a bit of honey in my coffee, but then he said to get rid of coffee and honey altogether! LOL, so I guess that's going to be next.
I will try some of the things you've mentioned, thanks for posting those!
Greeting fellow sufferers!
First off, my heart goes out to all of you. I know the pain and angst involved with all sorts of skin ailments.
Here's my tale: I have had skin issues since I was an infant (I'm now 48). My mother told me I had cradle cap as an infant and my earliest memories include pimples. As I child I had pimples in my arm pits and in my crotch pits. They were always cystic in nature and I spent countless hours squeezing them. I know, yech but it had to be done. As I got older I developed what was diagnosed as Folliculitis. Specifically, small surface pimples on my back, arms and sometimes legs and ass. (sound familiar)
I battled this for years and was even sent home from grammar school once because the nurse thought I had chicken pox. Not too humiliating huh? I suffered with it throughout High School too and wasnt allowed in the swimming pool because of it. Again, only slightly mortifying.
Like most sufferers, it gets worse in summer and clears up in winter. I learned to live with it my entire life. In the meantime, I saw dozens of Dermatologists and took piles of antibiotics and it never ever cleared it up.
When I got into my 40s, it started to get worse! For the first time, it or something seemed to move to my face! I would get these localized large bumps that seemed like hives and itched like hell. And then they would weep and get bigger. Yech again. I also would get cyst like pimples in different areas on my face. I was diagnosed again with Folliculitis - and of course given all the wrong medicines. This has gone on for the last seven years and has caused great heartache and concern. Particularly because I am an actor and the last thing you need is weeping things on your face. My god, it's humiliating.
About a year ago, I discovered the existence of Pityrosporum Folliculitis and I seemed to be the poster boy of it. Excluding the cystic acne I was prone to my whole life, the pimples on my back that I got at summer time clinched it. That and the fact that I never responded to antibiotics. Again, I diagnosed myself - ME - not ANY of the doctors. ME and the everloving internet that doctors cringe if you bring up. After 40 years, Doctor Me figured out what me had!
I've had a great dermatologist for the past few years and 7 months ago, I pitched to her that I would like to try Accutane to once and for all cure me. I was horrified of the reported side effects but really wanted to give a go as a last ditch attempt. So she green lit the prescription and I completed a five month cycle. I had the usual drying side effects, plenty of aches and pains, trouble sleeping but thank god none of the psychological ones. However, it was no picnic and I couldnt wait to finish it!
Concerning my skin, my back completely cleared up by the first month and stayed clear. My face also cleared up to the point where it looks like I am wearing makeup! It was nothing short of a miracle. This was the first time in 48 years I was pimple free! I even rejoiced being able to hug and swim with my two year old daughter. Elation to the highest degree!!
I might also add that a month after I finished the Accutane my eyes started to be extremely light sensitive and I started to be in excruciating pain. I went to an Opthamologist and was diagnosed with corneal ulcerations (that's holes in my eyeballs!). The doctor was furious that I was on Accutane and said I was on too high of a dose. My eyes have healed and my skin is perfect and I am the happiest man in the world!
I even have been having nightmares that I have pimples again - then I wake up and I'm so relieved I could cry.
And then guess what happened three days ago? My back completely broke out again! I was having a very stressful day and by night time I seemed to have a few pimples on my shoulders and neck. Nothing I thought. Then the next day, worse and the next day, even worse. Now I even have four of the super itchy large bumps on my face. Not cystic so I will assume it is part of the return of the Pityrosporum Folliculitis.
My god, talk about a steep fall! I really thought I was cured and I went through hell to get cured and now it's back a mere two months after finishing accutane! Talk about depressing! And I cant afford to be depressed with a two year old who is entering an intense crying faze.
My next course of action is to see my Derm in four days and try the anti-fungal medicine for the first time. I'm hoping I stay cyst free and this is a minor episode but I fear it is back for good. Kind of like the opposite of an old friend.
I'm open to hear anyone's thoughts!!
Best,
Steve
Greeting fellow sufferers!
First off, my heart goes out to all of you. I know the pain and angst involved with all sorts of skin ailments.
Here's my tale: I have had skin issues since I was an infant (I'm now 48). My mother told me I had cradle cap as an infant and my earliest memories include pimples. As I child I had pimples in my arm pits and in my crotch pits. They were always cystic in nature and I spent countless hours squeezing them. I know, yech but it had to be done. As I got older I developed what was diagnosed as Folliculitis. Specifically, small surface pimples on my back, arms and sometimes legs and ass. (sound familiar)
I battled this for years and was even sent home from grammar school once because the nurse thought I had chicken pox. Not too humiliating huh? I suffered with it throughout High School too and wasnt allowed in the swimming pool because of it. Again, only slightly mortifying.
Like most sufferers, it gets worse in summer and clears up in winter. I learned to live with it my entire life. In the meantime, I saw dozens of Dermatologists and took piles of antibiotics and it never ever cleared it up.
When I got into my 40s, it started to get worse! For the first time, it or something seemed to move to my face! I would get these localized large bumps that seemed like hives and itched like hell. And then they would weep and get bigger. Yech again. I also would get cyst like pimples in different areas on my face. I was diagnosed again with Folliculitis - and of course given all the wrong medicines. This has gone on for the last seven years and has caused great heartache and concern. Particularly because I am an actor and the last thing you need is weeping things on your face. My god, it's humiliating.
About a year ago, I discovered the existence of Pityrosporum Folliculitis and I seemed to be the poster boy of it. Excluding the cystic acne I was prone to my whole life, the pimples on my back that I got at summer time clinched it. That and the fact that I never responded to antibiotics. Again, I diagnosed myself - ME - not ANY of the doctors. ME and the everloving internet that doctors cringe if you bring up. After 40 years, Doctor Me figured out what me had!
I've had a great dermatologist for the past few years and 7 months ago, I pitched to her that I would like to try Accutane to once and for all cure me. I was horrified of the reported side effects but really wanted to give a go as a last ditch attempt. So she green lit the prescription and I completed a five month cycle. I had the usual drying side effects, plenty of aches and pains, trouble sleeping but thank god none of the psychological ones. However, it was no picnic and I couldnt wait to finish it!
Concerning my skin, my back completely cleared up by the first month and stayed clear. My face also cleared up to the point where it looks like I am wearing makeup! It was nothing short of a miracle. This was the first time in 48 years I was pimple free! I even rejoiced being able to hug and swim with my two year old daughter. Elation to the highest degree!!
I might also add that a month after I finished the Accutane my eyes started to be extremely light sensitive and I started to be in excruciating pain. I went to an Opthamologist and was diagnosed with corneal ulcerations (that's holes in my eyeballs!). The doctor was furious that I was on Accutane and said I was on too high of a dose. My eyes have healed and my skin is perfect and I am the happiest man in the world!
I even have been having nightmares that I have pimples again - then I wake up and I'm so relieved I could cry.
And then guess what happened three days ago? My back completely broke out again! I was having a very stressful day and by night time I seemed to have a few pimples on my shoulders and neck. Nothing I thought. Then the next day, worse and the next day, even worse. Now I even have four of the super itchy large bumps on my face. Not cystic so I will assume it is part of the return of the Pityrosporum Folliculitis.
My god, talk about a steep fall! I really thought I was cured and I went through hell to get cured and now it's back a mere two months after finishing accutane! Talk about depressing! And I cant afford to be depressed with a two year old who is entering an intense crying faze.
My next course of action is to see my Derm in four days and try the anti-fungal medicine for the first time. I'm hoping I stay cyst free and this is a minor episode but I fear it is back for good. Kind of like the opposite of an old friend.
I'm open to hear anyone's thoughts!!
Best,
Steve
I'm so sorry to hear that and also getting worried since I'm on accutane as well at the moment. Can you post a pic of the Pityrosporum folliculitis?
Keep us updated with the progress on the anti-fungal!
God luck!
I remember back when I was skiing and we were told to not shower in the morning for the cold ect. and I remember when I came back from the trip I noticed a lot of red bumps at my hair line and basically on my forehead. I didn't think much about it, and I guess it just went away on its own with water.
Almost 1‚½ months ago I started the caveman regimen which means no water touching my face, and showering became less frequent. It worked somewhat great, since I haven't really had any big pimple since I started, but for some reason I started getting a little scalp acne and forehead acne along with very few but still odd spots on chest and neck. I don't know about the body spots but the forehead I believe to be Pityrosporum Folliculitis or atleast a condition other than acne. Another reason to believe this, is that after the rare wash it would clear up the next days but then return after going like a week of no water. So, according to the past it should clear up with water alone, and I'm going to rinse it and shower more often from now on to see if it helps. For safety reasons I asked my mom to bring home some Nizoral shampoo, but right now I'm a little confused. It says Nizoral shampoo 1% with balsam(?) is that ok? I mean since it's going on my face aswell it doesn't sound very pleasent. Anyway do I just wash my hair with it and let it run down my face or should I apply it topically and how long do I leave it on? Also the tube is pretty small so I'm guessing small amounts?
I would really appreciate some help
I think I may have this...
I've thought I've had "acne" for as long as I can remember, but I think it actually went a few years ago and I have this 
I used to get a lot of spots on my face, I hardly get any these days.
I get outbreaks of tiny spots/bumps, most of them have white stuff in them. Its particularly over my chest, neck, arms and back. It's always very itchy and I've noticed it gets worse when its hot. All the little spots seem to have a hair in them too. My isotretinoin gel is the only acne med I have at the mo, it does not help whatsoever.
Its been very bad over the last 3 weeks, I figure now because the weather has been very warm and I ran out of Head & Shoulders!
I've convinced myself this is PF, what does anyone else think?
Gonna go to the chemist tomorrow and buy some 2% ketoconazole cream I think (and buy some more Head & Shoulders!)