Treatment of Skin Furuncle in Gram-Negative Folliculitis — ‘Hot Tub’ Folliculitis Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Skin furuncle arising in the context of gram-negative folliculitis — specifically ‘hot tub’ folliculitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa — is a clinically distinct scenario that calls for targeted antimicrobial management.
‘Hot tub’ folliculitis is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination of undertreated water in saunas or whirlpools. Patients typically present with follicular pustules following exposure to contaminated water. This gram-negative aetiology differentiates it from the more common staphylococcal furuncle and directs the treatment choice.
Management in this setting centres on an antibiotic with antipseudomonal activity. Ciprofloxacin — delivered orally or parenterally — is the agent indicated for this gram-negative folliculitis. The full regimen, including dose, frequency, and duration, is specified in the structured protocol.
References
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013099
- Oral or parenteral ciprofloxacin 400 to 500 mg twice daily with antipseudomonal activity may be administered for gram-negative folliculitis such as ‘hot tub’ folliculitis (Craft 2012).
- ‘Hot tub’ folliculitis is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination of undertreated water in saunas or whirlpools (Zacherle 1982).