Efficacy of Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline in the Management of Chronic Folliculitis of Legs – A Comparative Study

Abstract

Chronic folliculitis of legs results from the inflammation of the ostium of the hair follicle. Clinically, it is characterised by profuse eruption of follicular papules and pustules with the hair piercing the centre of the lesion. It involves predominantly lower legs and also thighs and forearms in severe cases. Usually asymptomatic, but sometimes associated with pruritus and pain. The lesion resolve without any sequelae. There are no associated systemic disturbances. In majority of cases, coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the lesions. It runs a chronic recurrent and relapsing course and usually resistant to treatment affecting the quality of life of the patient. A number of therapeutic agents have been tried in various studies including Cotrimoxazole, Psoralen with UV-A (PUVA) therapy, (1) Ciprofloxacin, (2,3) Rifampicin, Dapsone, (4) Minocycline (5) with variable success rates. Complete cure is not seen with any antibiotic therapy. The present study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline in the management of chronic folliculitis of legs. MATERIALS AND METHODSYoung adults above 18 years presenting with chronic folliculitis were included in the study. It was a comparative study of 100 patients with chronic folliculitis attending Outpatient Department of Dermatology of KGH affiliated to AMC, Visakhapatnam for a period of 1 year. These patients were divided into 2 groups and the efficacy of Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline in the management of chronic folliculitis was compared at the end of the study. RESULTSWith Ciprofloxacin we reported early and excellent response when compared to Tetracycline. Recurrences were reported in all cases studied. Early recurrences were reported following treatment with Tetracycline when compared to Ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSIONSClinically best results were obtained with Ciprofloxacin in a dose of 500 mg BD for 2 weeks followed by Tetracycline. KEYWORDSChronic Folliculitis, Ciprofloxacin. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rama R, Suryanarayana G, Prasad PG, et al. Efficacy of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline in the manage ment of chronic folliculitis of legs -a comparative study.