Question:
Is this a weight related skin disorder, FOLLICULITIS (sp?)

My sister has been diagnosed with folliculitis (sp?) She has been told this is weight realted, but with no medical ins thats all she knows. Anyone know if this is weight related? What are the best treatments? THanks    — candylnd24 (posted on November 30, 2003)

November 30, 2003
Elizabeth ~ You know what? I had this too, post-op, only no one had ever told me what it was!! I looked it up just now to see what it was and I was like: OMG- I HAD this! I used to get these places on the inside of my thighs, lower buttocks and occassionally in my pubic area. They were very painful, ugly and drove me bananas. I have not had any more problems with it at all. I truly feel it disappeared when my thighs no longer rubbed together and my clothes didn't rub and irritate those areas. So yes, even tho I'm certainly not a doctor, I would certainly agree that this is def a comorbidite. The description clearly states one cause is due to the skin & clothes rubbing/irritating the areas, causing the hair folicles to become infected with bacteria (even turning into staph at times). I would advise her to be sure her doctor lists this as a comorbidite, if she is pre-op, to assist with surgical insurance approval. Pre-op, I would carry corn-starch powder to help alleviate the rashes and skin rubbing. Panty hose were the worst thing for me....whenever I would wear pantyhose, I'd have to deal with the sores and rashes. The powder helped quite a bit, but never cured it. Sometimes it was so bad I'd have to use warm moist washclothes to ease the pain, itching and inflammation. I know what she's going thru - it was very uncomfortable.
   — chelle3081

November 30, 2003
Here's a link that discusses the problem and suggests that it IS more common in the obese: http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic159.htm I agree with the idea it might possibly be hidradenitis suppurativa instead. THat seems to be quite common in obese women too. Check out the info at http://www.hs-usa.org/ and see if it sounds like what she has. Hope that you find a treatment that helps her.
   — K M.

December 1, 2003
For the itching use Triamcinolone Cream 0.1%. The cream stops the itching practically on contact. With no itching / no scratching, it will heal faster. This is a prescription cream. Tell her to ask the doctor for the large, 80 gm size. She will need to use it frequently in the beginning - every time it starts itching. This cream is excellent for any type of itchy rash!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 2, 2003
I've had this problem most of my life - pre-op and post-op, fat and thin. My sister and daughter alos have the problem. I am very fair skinned, but it is a problem olive complected men deal with also when they shave. It does seem to be more frequently found in obese people, but any size person can have it. See a dermatologist, not a family Dr. Many cases of folliculitus also have minor skin infections (some small some large) which can spread causing more folliculitis. Oral antibiotics help that problem go away. Laser treatments can help, unless there are other underlying causes like PCOS or elevated free testosterone counts. An Endocrinologist can help with the the last 2 things I have mentioned. If you have PCOS or high rates of free testosterone, no amount of laser or electrolosys or topical treatments will help until those problems are in check. Good luck!!
   — M B.

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