Thursday, November 8, 2007

Follicular Impetigo

Synonym: Bockhart's Impetigo

It is characterized by staphylococcal infection of the superficial part of the hair follicles and the perifollicular area giving rise to the formation of follicular pustules covered by tiny yellowish crusts.

Infection spreads from one hair follicle to another, producing multiple but discrete lesions which are usually found on the legs, thighs, forearms and the pubic area. There is no scarring, and the hair is not shed after the lesions have healed, unless the infection has descended into the hair follicles and produced furunculoses.

Occasionally, follicular impetigo follows the local application of irritant me (curial and tar preparations or croton oil on hairy regions.

Treatment of Follicular Impetigo
Treatment is similar to that employed for impetigo contagiosa.