Pityrosporum folliculitis in Adult
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Synopsis

Pityrosporum folliculitis is an acute, intensely pruritic eruption caused by Malassezia furfur, the causative organism of tinea versicolor. The condition frequently manifests as follicular papules and pustules on the upper trunk (ie, upper back and chest as well as shoulders) of young to middle-aged adults. It also can affect the face, especially on the forehead along the hairline, the neck, and scalp.
The condition is also seen frequently in the immunocompromised, including patients on chronic oral prednisone and those with diabetes. High heat, humidity, and occlusive clothing or personal care products predispose to the condition. Recent use of oral antibiotics is also a risk factor.
Underlying conditions include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, immunosuppressive therapy, antibiotic therapy, Down syndrome, and systemic candidiasis.
The condition is also seen frequently in the immunocompromised, including patients on chronic oral prednisone and those with diabetes. High heat, humidity, and occlusive clothing or personal care products predispose to the condition. Recent use of oral antibiotics is also a risk factor.
Underlying conditions include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, immunosuppressive therapy, antibiotic therapy, Down syndrome, and systemic candidiasis.
Codes
ICD10CM:
L73.8 – Other specified follicular disorders
SNOMEDCT:
428172002 – Malassezia folliculitis
L73.8 – Other specified follicular disorders
SNOMEDCT:
428172002 – Malassezia folliculitis
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Bacterial folliculitis from Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas folliculitis (hot tub folliculitis)
- Acne
- Folliculitis due to herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), or molluscum contagiosum
- Steroid acne
- Eosinophilic folliculitis – another pruritic cause of folliculitis
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae
- Tinea barbae
- Keratosis pilaris
- Insect bites
- Miliaria rubra
- Acne keloidalis nuchae
- Flat warts
- Milia
- Candidiasis
- Seabather's eruption
- Grover disease
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:03/20/2018
Last Updated:02/08/2021
Last Updated:02/08/2021