Sycosis

Sycosis is a staphylococcal infection of the entire hair follicle, which commonly results in the permanent destruction of that follicle.
Areas of involvement most typically include the beard, sycosis barbae, and the scalp, folliculitis decalvans.
It is not known why some patients develop this more profound destructive type of folliculitis, rather than more common superficial variants.
Progression over many years can result in the destruction of extensive areas of hair bearing tissue.

Treatment:

• Long term treatment with antistaphylococcal antibiotics, such as oral fusidic acid* is often quite helpful.
• Treatment of the nasal carrier state with topical mupirocin or fusidic acid is also indicated.

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