Well, this could make sense, I remember when I used to eat a few cloves of raw garlic each day, which is a POWERFUL anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, pretty much anti-everything, my skin looked great. Unfortunately, garlic is so potent that it comes out in your sweat VERY strong. So you basically smell like a freshly crushed garlic clove.

Any ideas on this hollistic approach? Like what to eat for example?

Well, this could make sense, I remember when I used to eat a few cloves of raw garlic each day, which is a POWERFUL anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, pretty much anti-everything, my skin looked great. Unfortunately, garlic is so potent that it comes out in your sweat VERY strong. So you basically smell like a freshly crushed garlic clove.

 

Any ideas on this hollistic approach? Like what to eat for example?

There is so much info on google, it'll provide you with much more information than I'll be able to give you. Just google candida and you'll have hundreds of sites telling you what to do.

also propylene glycol toxic?:

Propylene glycol is one of the most common humectants. It is used in many cosmetics including liquid foundation makeup, spray deodorants, baby lotions, emollients or moisturizers, lipsticks and suntan lotions. It is less expensive than glycerin and has a better permeation rate. It has also been linked to sensitivity reactions -- local irritations, allergic reactions. This would not be news to the manufacturers of propylene glycol. If you were to purchase a drum of this chemical from a manufacturer he is required to furnish you with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and it may alarm you to find that this common, widely used humectant has a cautionary warning in its MSDS that reads, "If on skin: thoroughly wash with soap and water!" What? Aren't we putting this stuff on our skins daily, sometimes in copious amounts over long periods of time?

It's no wonder propylene glycol has been linked to many severe health problems including contact dermatitis (irritation), auto toxicity, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It has been shown to be toxic to human cells in cultures. (Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Jan. 1987) In fact, in tests conducted over the years propylene glycol has been shown to inhibit skin cells growth in human tests and cell respiration in animal tests. (J. Pharm. Belg. Nov/Dec 1989). It was found to cause skeletal muscular damage in rats and rabbits (Pharm Res Sept. 1989). It is reported to directly alter cell membranes (Human Reproduction, Feb 1990) to cause thickening of the skin (contact dermatitis, 1987) skin dehydration and chronic surface damage to skin ( Derm. Beruf Umwelt July/Aug, 1988) It was also shown to increase beta activity (changes found in anxiety states) when inhaled. (The Medical Post Sept 27, 1994.)

also propylene glycol toxic?:

 

Propylene glycol is one of the most common humectants. It is used in many cosmetics including liquid foundation makeup, spray deodorants, baby lotions, emollients or moisturizers, lipsticks and suntan lotions. It is less expensive than glycerin and has a better permeation rate. It has also been linked to sensitivity reactions -- local irritations, allergic reactions. This would not be news to the manufacturers of propylene glycol. If you were to purchase a drum of this chemical from a manufacturer he is required to furnish you with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) and it may alarm you to find that this common, widely used humectant has a cautionary warning in its MSDS that reads, "If on skin: thoroughly wash with soap and water!" What? Aren't we putting this stuff on our skins daily, sometimes in copious amounts over long periods of time?

 

It's no wonder propylene glycol has been linked to many severe health problems including contact dermatitis (irritation), auto toxicity, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It has been shown to be toxic to human cells in cultures. (Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Jan. 1987) In fact, in tests conducted over the years propylene glycol has been shown to inhibit skin cells growth in human tests and cell respiration in animal tests. (J. Pharm. Belg. Nov/Dec 1989). It was found to cause skeletal muscular damage in rats and rabbits (Pharm Res Sept. 1989). It is reported to directly alter cell membranes (Human Reproduction, Feb 1990) to cause thickening of the skin (contact dermatitis, 1987) skin dehydration and chronic surface damage to skin ( Derm. Beruf Umwelt July/Aug, 1988) It was also shown to increase beta activity (changes found in anxiety states) when inhaled. (The Medical Post Sept 27, 1994.)

That's all good, but to be fair it seems to be working for me. Over the past few days I've been treating PF with Organic Apple Cyder Vinegar and Propylene Glycol, morning and night. It's not gone, it's not been long enough yet, but it is the clearest it's ever been. I'm hopeful that this will work

Just wanted to add my story - for the past year or so I've had what I think is PF mostly on my backside. Lovely, huh? I tend to wake up with a couple new red spots every few days. They're usually pretty small with no white or black center, and don't itch. I've ruled out bedbugs but was at a loss on how to treat the little bumps, but I think I might have had a breakthrough. I applied the Target brand of athlete's foot cream (an antifungal) to each brand-new bump yesterday, and when I woke up they were nearly gone. Whohoooo!!

To me, this helps prove that the problem IS fungal (other stuff I'd dabbed on didn't have nearly this good of an effect). My plan now is to alternate daily applications of the antifungal with a really diluted solution of Head & Shoulders (which seems to help, too.)

Any feedback or experience along these lines? Thanks!

(I should also mention that I do have acne as well, but unlike the PF, a combo of Benzaclin and Tazorac does the trick on my face.)

I feel I should share something that may sound a little disgusting...

As I've previosuly stated in this thread, and provided a link to the topic on these forums, it's well known that under most peoples skin are tiny mites - Demodex mites. These mites are normally harmless and kept in check by the immune system, but sometimes they can, for one reason or another, cause skin problems. It's been suggested that they cause acne, as well as rosacea, but to be honest, not enough research has been done to prove this.

Well, for the past couple of weeks, I've been applying organic apple cyder vinegar followed by propylene glycol to the PF - and now it's almost gone, meaning it's currently at the best it's ever been, and improving daily - at the very least I have it under control. The thing is, sometimes when I apply the ACV or PG, I notice that immediately after, like a couple of seconds after applying, that small black things come out of some of the hair follicles - only like 1 or maybe 2 at a time, sometimes none at all. In fact, over the course of using the ACV and PG, I've noticed them appearing less and less.

To me, this seems to have two implications. Either:

1. These small mites were indeed the cause of my PF, and the ACV and PG are killing them, therefore getting rid of the folliculitis, or
2. The ACV and PG work extreemly well on PF, and these 'mites', if thats what they are (I'm not pretending to be an expert on mites, they could be anything, just seems most likely since they come out of the follicle where Demodex are proven to live) are being killed with no direct effect on the actual folliculitis itself.

It isn't a nice thing to think about, mites living and multiplying under your skin, especially for a hypocondriac like myself, but the fact is they exist, and I'm beggining to wonder whether a study examining the link between them and PF should be called for.

If anyone else has any similar experiences, please share.

I feel I should share something that may sound a little disgusting...

 

As I've previosuly stated in this thread, and provided a link to the topic on these forums, it's well known that under most peoples skin are tiny mites - Demodex mites. These mites are normally harmless and kept in check by the immune system, but sometimes they can, for one reason or another, cause skin problems. It's been suggested that they cause acne, as well as rosacea, but to be honest, not enough research has been done to prove this.

 

Well, for the past couple of weeks, I've been applying organic apple cyder vinegar followed by propylene glycol to the PF - and now it's almost gone, meaning it's currently at the best it's ever been, and improving daily - at the very least I have it under control. The thing is, sometimes when I apply the ACV or PG, I notice that immediately after, like a couple of seconds after applying, that small black things come out of some of the hair follicles - only like 1 or maybe 2 at a time, sometimes none at all. In fact, over the course of using the ACV and PG, I've noticed them appearing less and less.

 

To me, this seems to have two implications. Either:

 

 

1. These small mites were indeed the cause of my PF, and the ACV and PG are killing them, therefore getting rid of the folliculitis, or
2. The ACV and PG work extreemly well on PF, and these 'mites', if thats what they are (I'm not pretending to be an expert on mites, they could be anything, just seems most likely since they come out of the follicle where Demodex are proven to live) are being killed with no direct effect on the actual folliculitis itself.

 

It isn't a nice thing to think about, mites living and multiplying under your skin, especially for a hypocondriac like myself, but the fact is they exist, and I'm beggining to wonder whether a study examining the link between them and PF should be called for.

 

If anyone else has any similar experiences, please share.

I've thought of this, I tried putting ACV mixed with Hydrogen peroxide on my face and it has made great benefits but I broke out like CRAZY.

I got like 15 new ugly pimples and I look like total shit..

I've heard that if the mites die they cause a horrible initial breakout so it might be worth continuing but I don't know if it's bullshit and it's just causing me acne then I can't risk it because my skin is now worse than it has been for years.

Well, towards the beggining of starting using ACV and PG, I didn't really break out, but some existing spots got bigger and inflamed - these are now fading, as is everything else. Yea apparently you do get an initial breakout that can last for a couple of weeks - if you have any time where you can take a couple of weeks to yourself and try it, it might be worth trying, or alterantively try to control the IB with anti-inflammatory's such as omega 3, zinc or even BP.

Good luck!!

Well, towards the beggining of starting using ACV and PG, I didn't really break out, but some existing spots got bigger and inflamed - these are now fading, as is everything else. Yea apparently you do get an initial breakout that can last for a couple of weeks - if you have any time where you can take a couple of weeks to yourself and try it, it might be worth trying, or alterantively try to control the IB with anti-inflammatory's such as omega 3, zinc or even BP.

 

Good luck!!

There isn't a whole lot about this stuff and people report that they get such a horrible breakout and for MONTHS.. and what if it doesn't even work? omg I don't think I could do it

There isn't a whole lot about this stuff and people report that they get such a horrible breakout and for MONTHS.. and what if it doesn't even work? omg I don't think I could do it

True, but I've only ever heard stories of people using this for acne... so don't know. I wouldn't quite go as far as using the stuff that they have tried though... stuff like permethrin, which is specifically marketed as an anti-parastie, because it could be that the product is just seriously comedogenic or something like that - I don't recall any scientific studies that say the dieing mites are definately the cause.

Hi

Im pretty new to this site but im sure i have PF as I have those little black 'mites' as you call them in my hair follicles and my back looks like a war zone! I have had bacne sine i was 12 but recently it has went out of control and it has now spread to the top of my arms which is really annoying as i have to constantly have to make sure i can cover it up with long sleeves etc

I was prescribed antibiotics and went on an oral contraceptive pill (used for treatment of acne) but it didnt make a difference and i stopped taking anything. I tried head and shoulders but that didnt make a difference, it just made my skin peel and the red lumps were exposed even more (ouch!), i also bought a beautyskin and am using that for my back too but to be honest nothing has made a great difference. As Im getting older (20!) its getting worse (sigh).

Also I bought some tetrasil (recommended by someone on this thread), it is making a difference but for a small tube its £15 and as my problem is all over my back its very expensive!

Anywho enough of my sob story, i was wondering Thomascoote where you got the propylene glycol from?(I live in Ireland).

Can somebody post some pictures which shows the difference between Pityrosporum Folliculitis and acne?

I think it is extremely unlikely that candida is causing my folliculitis .... seems like candida gets blamed for everything these days. I did a bit of reading, and I don't feel that I have a systemic problem at all. I have occasional itchy red bumps on my hairline and face; it seems far more likely that it's a localized problem. A pityrosporum overgrowth following antibiotic courses seems logical.

Demodex mites have been linked in some cases to rosacea and bumpy skin .... but again, I think that's an unlikely culprit in my case.

My folliculitis is still pretty dormant. A few bumps flared just before my period .... probably an inflammatory response .... but they went away in a day or two without leaving marks.

I'm still getting the laser and microderm treatments (alternating, every 2 weeks) and using mandelic and Spin Trap (a C serum containing propylene glycol as a stabilizing agent) daily.

Hi

 

Im pretty new to this site but im sure i have PF as I have those little black 'mites' as you call them in my hair follicles and my back looks like a war zone! I have had bacne sine i was 12 but recently it has went out of control and it has now spread to the top of my arms which is really annoying as i have to constantly have to make sure i can cover it up with long sleeves etc

 

I was prescribed antibiotics and went on an oral contraceptive pill (used for treatment of acne) but it didnt make a difference and i stopped taking anything. I tried head and shoulders but that didnt make a difference, it just made my skin peel and the red lumps were exposed even more (ouch!), i also bought a beautyskin and am using that for my back too but to be honest nothing has made a great difference. As Im getting older (20!) its getting worse (sigh).

 

Also I bought some tetrasil (recommended by someone on this thread), it is making a difference but for a small tube its ‚£15 and as my problem is all over my back its very expensive!

Anywho enough of my sob story, i was wondering Thomascoote where you got the propylene glycol from?(I live in Ireland).

Hmm, well anti-bitotics actually make it so much worse! You could try asking for an oral anti-fungal - although when my doc refused, I bought them online and took WAY too much and almost killed my liver

I bought the propylene glycol from Simply Cigars, its in the U.K aswell, so shipping shouldnt be too expensive. Heres a link.

Simply Cigars

When it arrives, you'll notice it says on the front it is a mix of distilled water and polyglycol - as far as I can tell propylene glycol and polyglycol are the same thing, seems to work the same anyway.

Good luck!

..Wow, I'm not alone!

Anyone have tips for facial PF, I have it bad on the sides of my face right along the sideburns. Itchy little red bumps that scar like crazy.

Well, I'd imagine the same procedure as for body PF would apply.

You could try:

• Ketoconazole Cream
• Ketoconazole Shampoo
• ZNP Bar
• Propylene Glycol (Works very well)
• Organic Apple Cyder Vinegar (I use this with the propylene glycol, it seems to reduce inflammation drastically, and possibly aids healing)
• Head and Shoulders? (Might work, it has Zinc Pyrithione in it so maybe)
• Sea salt baths (Never tried myself)

Theres more, just have a read through and I'm sure you'll find the ones I don't remember. On the previous page there is a link I posted at the bottom to one of the only U.K stockists of propylene glycol I've come across. It's a cigar humidor solution, 50% PG and 50 distilled water, and pretty cheap too. Try using this with the ACV, it works well for me.

Oh, and anti-biotics will make it worse just in case you're taking any at the moment.

Good luck

Has anyone taken Accutane for their Pityrosporum Folliculitis? Is Accutane likely to get rid of it?

Acne Sucks Donkeys said:

Has anyone taken Accutane for their Pityrosporum Folliculitis? Is Accutane likely to get rid of it?

No, but it is supposed to work. Something that I'm trying next week is Vitamin A, a day for a few months. Vitamin A is essentially just accutane, but a little more dangerous

And I should also point out that when I said ACV topically worked in an earlier thread, it seems to just reduces the redness a bit topcially, but I think I saw the improvement from drinking it - I stopped drinking it and it came back pretty bad again, I started again and it seems to be going down - correlation doesn't define cause and effect, but it seems likely that ACV taken orally is good for PF.

How is Tea Tree Oil in treating this stuff?

I read a lot of places that it is anti-fungal, but does it do what it says?

How is Tea Tree Oil in treating this stuff?

 

I read a lot of places that it is anti-fungal, but does it do what it says?

In my experience, no, I tried tea tree oil, didn't work.

Something that has worked lately for me is comeing off all topicals (A BIG step for me!) and just drinking loads of apple cyder vinegar (organic) each day. I literally sit there with a bottle and have about 3 or 4 mouthfuls at a time, do this a few times a day, wash it down with some water. I haven't used any topicals and it's going away. I tried going cold turkey a while ago, it just made it so much worse!

Try it, I'm interested to see if this works for other poeple too.

I have a question about ACV, I bought some at Walmart but the bottle said it was watered down to 5% acidity. Is this the kind I want..? Or is there a higher potency type that works better..? Should I drink it, or use it right on the marks.

Tea Tree Oil has worked for me, seems to make the marks less red.

Has anyone taken Accutane for their Pityrosporum Folliculitis? Is Accutane likely to get rid of it?

 

No, but it is supposed to work. Something that I'm trying next week is Vitamin A, 125,000 IU a day for a few months. Vitamin A is essentially just accutane, but a little more dangerous

 

And I should also point out that when I said ACV topically worked in an earlier thread, it seems to just reduces the redness a bit topcially, but I think I saw the improvement from drinking it - I stopped drinking it and it came back pretty bad again, I started again and it seems to be going down - correlation doesn't define cause and effect, but it seems likely that ACV taken orally is good for PF.

 

Maybe I'm going to try vitamin A to. ive used Vitamin B5 and it cleared up my face nicely, but didn't get rid of my Pityrosporum Folliculitis on the body. I'm using Head & Shoulders with good results at the moment, but I would really like a more permanent solution beacause this thing is stubborn and spreads really fast.

I read a lot of places that it itches. I can't say I have a problem with itching, sometimes it does, but it not a real problem. What about you guys?

And more question. Is it likely that you outgrow this stuff?

Has anyone taken Accutane for their Pityrosporum Folliculitis? Is Accutane likely to get rid of it?

 

No, but it is supposed to work. Something that I'm trying next week is Vitamin A, 125,000 IU a day for a few months. Vitamin A is essentially just accutane, but a little more dangerous

 

And I should also point out that when I said ACV topically worked in an earlier thread, it seems to just reduces the redness a bit topcially, but I think I saw the improvement from drinking it - I stopped drinking it and it came back pretty bad again, I started again and it seems to be going down - correlation doesn't define cause and effect, but it seems likely that ACV taken orally is good for PF.

 

 

Maybe I'm going to try vitamin A to. ive used Vitamin B5 and it cleared up my face nicely, but didn't get rid of my Pityrosporum Folliculitis on the body. I'm using Head & Shoulders with good results at the moment, but I would really like a more permanent solution beacause this thing is stubborn and spreads really fast.

 

I read a lot of places that it itches. I can't say I have a problem with itching, sometimes it does, but it not a real problem. What about you guys?

And more question. Is it likely that you outgrow this stuff?

 

I decided not to got the Vit A route because it's too dangerous.

And I've never really had a bad case of itching with it. I occasionaly get an itch, but other than that never.

Hi everybody.

I finally bought some propylene glycol and mix it with water and apply with a cotton ball 3-4 times per week. I really think it helps.... at least it definetly doesn't hurt!

I also noticed that hand santizier, the gel kind, contains several ingredients that are useful in treating PF, alcohol (which dries it up if you're sweaty), propylene glycol, and water. I may try using small amounts of the hand santizier on the really bad areas that flare up during the summer heat. Just a thought, especially to those who can't find the P.G.

To answer the question above about Accutane, it does clear up the PF while you are on the drug, within 1 month of stopping it the PF comes back. I was on accutane 3 times, and still have PF. It's not really worth the money, the effort to get the prescription, and the blood work you have to do.

Current regimine (oh, by the way, I'm pregnant now, so Retin-A is out )

Wash twice daily with Olay Daily Exfoliating Scrub

Wash with ZNP bar & Selsun blue (alternating 2x week)

Ketoconazole twice daily to affected areas

Propylene glycol/water 3-4 times per week

Alcohol swab to sweaty areas after exertion (forehead, chest)

Liquid nitrogen "facial" once a month at dermatologist (it gives you a "wind burn" on the areas to help exfoliate.)

The reason I think Mandelic Acid works so good for many people is that most of the people in this thread uses the Mandelic Acid from Vivant. All of their Mandelic Acid products got a lot of Propylene Glycol in them which helps with PF. The Mandelic Acid will probably also help, but I think it is the propylene glycol which does the most for this condition.