Treatment of presumed staphylococcal folliculitis on the trunk or extremities

MRSA: methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.

* We typically prescribe a 5-to-7 day course of topical mupirocin or a 7-to-10 day course of topical clindamycin.

¶ Examples of disorders that may be in the differential diagnosis include other types of infectious folliculitis (eg, Malassezia [Pityrosporum] folliculitis), keratosis pilaris, and drug-induced folliculitis. Refer to UpToDate content on infectious folliculitis for details.

Δ Examples of factors that raise suspicion for MRSA infection include recent antibiotic use (within 6 months), known MRSA colonization, close exposure to a MRSA-positive contact, or living in a community with high colonization rates of MRSA. Refer to UpToDate for further details.

◊ A culture sample can be obtained through superficially incising a pustule and collecting the drainage with a culture swab.

§ We most often prescribe doxycycline for extended antibiotic therapy. The best approach to refractory folliculitis is unclear.