Had A Staph Infection. Hair Growth On Head, Eyes And Ears. Having Hair Loss And Hyper Pigmentation. Suggest?

Posted on Fri, 28 Jun 2013

Question: Three years ago i had a Staph infection on my chin. Since then my hair has been growing (deep under my skin), in a cris cross way all over my head through my eyes, ears, nose & mouth. I can pull very thin, white hair that "snaps" and relieves the tightness for a short period. This ordeal has caused a lot of hair loss and hyper pigmentation. Been to many Dr.'s who dismiss my symptoms. What could be causing this? Is this a disease or parasite?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Growth of hair in criss cross direction, under the skin is called as pseudo folliculitis.
In actual there is no infection, but an inflammatory reaction to the penetrating hair.

The reason for this situation is that, during staph infection there was damage to the bulb of hair follicles and now they are growing in a misdirected way.

The treatment for this is use of topical steroids; along with that please do not shave too close. You can use a trimmer.

I would like to see a photograph of lesions on your face, so I can support my probable diagnosis and help you better.

You have a feature to upload the reports / image by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your queries better. You can also send the reports/ image to YYYY@YYYY with the subject as 'ATTN: Dr. Rahul Kumar' XXXXXXX

Waiting for your response.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (8 hours later)

I don't have photographs of any lesions on my face at the moment. As I stated, the staph infection occurred three years ago. However, I did have a biopsy at one point because I could never get a diagnoses from any of the doctors I went to. I have uploaded it for you to view if that helps.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (9 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for the follow up.
I saw your biopsy report, it is quiet non specific.
One important thing in biopsy is that, there is no infection now.

With all the above factors and knowing your clinical condition, I think it is pseudo folliculitis.
You need to apply some topical steroid lotion like hydrocortisone, and please don’t shave, instead use a trimmer for at least a month.
This will help in resolution of your condition.

Let me know, if you have any other doubt.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (39 hours later)

Will I need an Rx Hydrocortisone or will the OTC brand work? Thank you so much for all of your input! You have helped so much, you have no idea! I have been through hell the last three years trying to figure out what's going on.
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (5 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for the follow up.
I prescribed you hydrocortisone because it is available OTC. so you dont have to run around.
You can use the OTC available brand.
Wishing you all the best.
Thank you

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar