What is the Difference Between Bacterial and Fungal Folliculitis?

Bacterial and fungal folliculitis are two types of folliculitis, which is an infection of one or more hair follicles in the skin. The main difference between the two is the causative agent: bacterial folliculitis is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas, while fungal folliculitis is caused by fungi such as Trichophytom rubrum and Malassezia.

Bacterial Folliculitis:

• Caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus.
• Can develop when bacteria enter the skin through cuts or scrapes.
• Mild cases may be treated with topical antibiotics, while more serious cases may require oral antibiotics.

Fungal Folliculitis:

• Caused by fungi, such as dermatophytes or Malassezia.
• Can be triggered by self-inoculation from tinea pedis or by spreading through shaving.
• Treatment typically involves oral and/or topical antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or fluconazole.

Both types of folliculitis can cause raised bumps or pimples on the skin, which may be itchy and painful. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, as the treatments for bacterial and fungal folliculitis are different.

Comparative Table: Bacterial vs Fungal Folliculitis

Bacterial and fungal folliculitis are two types of folliculitis caused by bacterial and fungal infections, respectively. Folliculitis is an infection of one or more hair follicles in the skin, which can appear as pimples on various body parts such as the face, chest, back, arms, legs, buttocks, or head.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between bacterial and fungal folliculitis:

In summary, bacterial folliculitis is caused by bacteria and typically treated with antibiotics, while fungal folliculitis is caused by fungi and treated with antifungal medications.