Gram-Negative Folliculitis

[Guide]

Gram negative folliculitis is an inflammation of follicles caused by a bacterial infection that can result from long-term antibiotic treatment. Patients who are being treated with antibiotics for severe acne may develop Gram negative folliculitis.


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The word “Gram” refers to a blue stain used in laboratories to detect microscopic organisms. Certain bacteria do not stain blue and are called “Gram negative. [1] Gram-negative folliculitis is an acne condition caused by Gram-negative organisms. Usually people who had Gram-negative folliculitis are they who had complication with acne vulgaris and rosacea, and also develops in patients who have received systemic antibiotics for prolonged periods.

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Gram-negative folliculitis occurs in patients who have had moderately inflammatory acne for long periods and have been treated with long-term antibiotics, mainly tetracyclines, a disease in which cultures of lesions usually reveals a species of Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, or, from the deep cystic lesions, Proteus. [2]

Images of Gram-negative Folliculitis by DermIS

H Pylori, a gram negative bacteria, has been implicated in many rosacea research papers as being a factor in rosacea. This controversy continues to be debated. 

An interesting thread to read on this was started by Rory. http://www.rosaceagroup.org/The_Rosacea_Forum/showthread.php?30120-Gram-negative-Perioral-Dermatitis

End Notes

[1] Acnenet
American Academy of Dermatology

[2] Wikipedia