Tag Archives: Folliculitis

Straight, No Chaser: Questions About Abscesses (Boils)

September 8, 2018General Health and WellnessCellulitis, There are 72 Hours in a Day, streptococcus, Straight No Chaser, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Sterling Medical Advice, Staphylococcus aureus, Staph, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Incision and drainage, Folliculitis, Behind the Curtain, Abscess, 844-SMA-TALKJeffrey Sterling, MD

Whether you call them boils, pus pockets or abscesses, they hurt. Abscesses are infections that localize and collect pus beneath the skin. Although previous Straight, No Chaser posts have addressed MRSA, this one will highlight your frequently asked questions about abscesses.

Why do I get an abscess?
Something causes an injury or sufficient irritation to your skin to allow bacteria to enter, and/or your lowered immunity can’t adequately fight back. Examples of circumstances causing skin infections that can develop into abscesses include ingrown hairs (folliculitis), insect bites and IV drug use. You are at increased risk for developing an abscess if you have diabetes, are obese, use IV drugs, have a weakened immune system or have an untreated skin infection (cellulitis).

What causes abscesses?
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and Streptococcus are common causes of abscesses. I’ll remind you that MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staph Aureus; this is an indication that traditionally used antibiotics don’t work against this particular strain of bacteria. MRSA should be a reminder of the dangers of inappropriate antibiotic use.

How do I know if I have an abscess?
Trust me. You’ll know. Typically you’ll develop a skin infection first, which could simply include pus-filled bumps that worsen to become red, warm, swollen and tender. You may develop a fever, and you will have a significant amount of pain.
Can I treat these at home?
Generally not unless you’re a physician or have access to one at home… What you can do is prevent them. Stop picking at your skin; in fact, learn to keep your hands off your skin. Use clean equipment (e.g. razors, clippers) if you shave hair from your skin.
In terms of treating abscesses at home, it is not advisable for you to attempt to cut yourself or otherwise deal with these once one has formed. Abscesses often have deep tracks under the skin that need to be explored. Whatever you’re doing to delay getting evaluated is increasing the risk that things will worsen.

So how are abscesses treated?
There are two approaches to treating abscesses: “from the inside out” and “from the outside in.”

From the inside out refers to receiving antibiotics. Most abscess do respond promptly to antibiotics if you don’t wait too long to get them treated.
From the outside in refers to a procedure called incision and drainage (I & D). You’ll recognize this as your physician having to cut open the abscess, clean the area out and place gauze in the wound for a few days. Doing this in most cases eliminates the need to also take antibiotics. Unfortunately, I & Ds often must be done on higher risk abscesses, and in some instances, it’s necessary to have it done by a surgeon.

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2018 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Abscesses (Boils)

September 27, 2017Skin/Dermatology, Infectious DiseaseStaph, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Incision and drainage, Folliculitis, Cellulitis, Abscess, 844-SMA-TALK, Staphylococcus aureus, There are 72 Hours in a Day, streptococcus, Straight No Chaser, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Sterling Medical AdviceJeffrey Sterling, MD

So how are abscesses treated?
There are two approaches to treating abscesses: “from the inside out” and “from the outside in.”

From the inside out refers to receiving antibiotics. Most abscess do respond promptly to antibiotics if you don’t wait too long to get them treated.
From the outside in refers to a procedure called incision and drainage (I & D). You’ll recognize this as your physician having to cut open the abscess, clean the area out and place gauze in the wound for a few days. Doing this in most cases eliminates the need to also take antibiotics. Unfortunately, I & Ds often must be done on higher risk abscesses, and in some instances, it’s necessary to have it done by a surgeon.

When should I see a doctor for one of these?
These generally aren’t getting better on their own. In particular, if you have one of the risk factors previously mentioned (diabetes, IV drug use, obesity, decreased immunity), the abscess is on or near your genitalia, is spreading fast or is extremely painful, you should be seen sooner rather than later.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Hot Tub and Barbershop Folliculitis

September 30, 2016Skin/Dermatology, Infectious DiseaseSterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Straight No Chaser, Sterling Medical Advice, Folliculitis, Behind the Curtain, 844-SMA-TALKJeffrey Sterling, MD

Follulicitis. You know it well as hot tub rash, barber bumps, ingrown hairs and many other names. The first thing you need to know is the ‘itis’ means inflammation, and the follicle is the pouch from which your hair grows. Any inflammation of that area is folliculitis. You’ll typically see white-headed pimples with or without itching, pain and redness. So what? Let’s quickly run through causes, problems, prevention and treatment.

Causes

It’s usually caused by microorganisms (usually bacteria, including Staph and others, but also yeast, fungi and viruses may do the same).
Blocking skin pores will also get you there (think heavy application of make-up or oils, or heavy sweating in tight spandex-type clothing).
External irritation can be a cause (think long-term topical steroid use, tight clothing, untreated scratches or lacerations, improperly chlorinated hot tubs, whirlpools or swimming pools).

Prevention
I’m just going to give you a list of healthy hygiene tips that will serve you well in many circumstances, including prevention of folliculitis.

Use antimicrobial soap.
Don’t share towels, and avoid using the same towel multiple times (Sorry, hotel chains!).
Shower immediately after getting out of the swimming pool, whirlpool or hot tub.
Don’t shave (and avoid otherwise irritating) areas where razor bumps exist.
Be moderate with application of lotions, makeups and other moisturizers.

Treatment
Most cases of folliculitis, whether an inflammation or an infection, resolve in 1-2 weeks, assuming you don’t further irritate it to the point where a substantial skin infection sets in. Consider the following a treatment progression for the overwhelming majority of cases; cases more severe (or any you may be concerned with) require consultation with your individual physician.

Warm compresses (clean, hot towels) to the area do a world of good.
Wash with antimicrobial soap, and consider using medicated shampoo, particularly if the discomfort is on the scalp and/or beard.
Your physician may consider topical or oral antibiotics if the situation warrants or worsens. That means you need to be alert for spreading of the bumps, fever, drainage or worsening of pain, swelling or redness.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Abscesses (Boils)

September 29, 2016Skin/Dermatology, Infectious Diseasestreptococcus, Straight No Chaser, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Sterling Medical Advice, Staphylococcus aureus, Staph, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Incision and drainage, Folliculitis, Cellulitis, Behind the Curtain, Abscess, 844-SMA-TALKJeffrey Sterling, MD

So how are abscesses treated?
There are two approaches to treating abscesses: “from the inside out” and “from the outside in.”

From the inside out refers to receiving antibiotics. Most abscess do respond promptly to antibiotics if you don’t wait too long to get them treated.
From the outside in refers to a procedure called incision and drainage (I & D). You’ll recognize this as your physician having to cut open the abscess, clean the area out and place gauze in the wound for a few days. Doing this in most cases eliminates the need to also take antibiotics. Unfortunately, I & Ds often must be done on higher risk abscesses, and in some instances, it’s necessary to have it done by a surgeon.

When should I see a doctor for one of these?
These generally aren’t getting better on their own. In particular, if you have one of the risk factors previously mentioned (diabetes, IV drug use, obesity, decreased immunity), the abscess is on or near your genitalia, is spreading fast or is extremely painful, you should be seen sooner rather than later.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Hot Tub and Barbershop Folliculitis

September 3, 2015Skin/DermatologyStraight No Chaser, SterlingMedicalAdvice.com, Sterling Medical Advice, Folliculitis, Behind the Curtain, 844-SMA-TALKJeffrey Sterling, MD

Causes

It’s usually caused by microorganisms (usually bacteria, including Staph and others, but also yeast, fungi and viruses may do the same).
Blocking skin pores will also get you there (think heavy application of make-up or oils, or heavy sweating in tight spandex-type clothing).
External irritation can be a cause (think long-term topical steroid use, tight clothing, untreated scratches or lacerations, improperly chlorinated hot tubs, whirlpools or swimming pools).

Prevention
I’m just going to give you a list of healthy hygiene tips that will serve you well in many circumstances, including prevention of folliculitis.

Use antimicrobial soap.
Don’t share towels, and avoid using the same towel multiple times (Sorry, hotel chains!).
Shower immediately after getting out of the swimming pool, whirlpool or hot tub.
Don’t shave (and avoid otherwise irritating) areas where razor bumps exist.
Be moderate with application of lotions, makeups and other moisturizers.

Warm compresses (clean, hot towels) to the area do a world of good.
Wash with antimicrobial soap, and consider using medicated shampoo, particularly if the discomfort is on the scalp and/or beard.
Your physician may consider topical or oral antibiotics if the situation warrants or worsens. That means you need to be alert for spreading of the bumps, fever, drainage or worsening of pain, swelling or redness.

Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright, Sterling Initiatives, LLC. 2013-2015

Straight, No Chaser: Abscesses (Boils)

July 22, 2014Skin/Dermatology, Infectious DiseaseStaphylococcus aureus, Staph, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Incision and drainage, Folliculitis, Cellulitis, Abscess, 844-SMA-TALK, Sterling Medical Advice, streptococcus, Straight No Chaser, SterlingMedicalAdvice.comJeffrey Sterling, MD

So how are abscesses treated?
There are two approaches to treating abscesses: “from the inside out” and “from the outside in.”

From the inside out refers to receiving antibiotics. Most abscess do respond promptly to antibiotics if you don’t wait too long to get them treated.
From the outside in refers to a procedure called incision and drainage (I & D). You’ll recognize this as your physician having to cut open the abscess, clean the area out and place gauze in the wound for a few days. Doing this in most cases eliminates the need to also take antibiotics. Unfortunately, I & Ds often must be done on higher risk abscesses, and in some instances, it’s necessary to have it done by a surgeon.

Straight, No Chaser: Hot Tub and Barbershop Folliculitis (Yep, Even More Staph Infections!)

September 9, 2013Health Prevention, Skin/DermatologySwimming pool, Staphylococcus aureus, Skin infection, Shopping, Pseudofolliculitis barbae, Hot tub folliculitis, Hot tub, Home and Garden, Folliculitis, AntibacterialJeffrey Sterling, MD

It’s usually caused by microorganisms (usually bacteria, including Staph and others, but also yeast, fungi and viruses may do the same).
Blocking skin pores will also get you there (think heavy application of make-up or oils, or heavy sweating in tight spandex-type clothing).
External irritation can be a cause (think long-term topical steroid use, tight clothing, untreated scratches or lacerations, improperly chlorinated hot tubs, whirlpools or swimming pools).

Problems
It’s inflammation that most commonly is an infection. The irritation can progress to a skin infection (cellulitis) and/or a boil (abscess). These can range from annoyances to ‘not-fun’ to outright problematic, particularly if you’re diabetic, have HIV or otherwise have a compromised immune system.
Prevention
I’m just going to give you a list of healthy hygiene tips that will serve you well in many circumstances, including prevention of folliculitis.

Use antimicrobial soap.
Don’t share towels, and avoid using the same towel multiple times (Sorry, hotel chains!).
Shower immediately after getting out of the swimming pool, whirlpool or hot tub.
Don’t shave (and avoid otherwise irritating) areas where razor bumps exist.
Be moderate with application of lotions, makeups and other moisturizers.

Treatment
Most cases of folliculitis, whether an inflammation or an infection, resolve in 1-2 weeks, assuming you don’t further irritate it to the point where an substantial skin infection sets in. Consider the following a treatment progression for the overwhelming majority of cases; cases more severe (or any you may be concerned with) require consultation with your individual physician.

Warm compresses (clean, hot towels) to the area do a world of good.
Wash with antimicrobial soap, and consider using medicated shampoo, particularly if the discomfort is on the scalp and/or beard.
Your physician may consider topical or oral antibiotics if the situation warrants or worsens. That means you need to be alert for spreading of the bumps, fever, drainage or worsening of pain, swelling or redness.