[Treatment of recurrent furunculosis].
The management of recurrent furunculosis is difficult, and often disappointing. We present the case of a 23-year-old female patient suffering from recurrent furunculosis. The furunculosis persisted after treatment with mupirocin nasal ointment, chlorhexidine soap and instructions for washing clothes, towels and bed sheets for a period of 7 days. Treatment with low-dose clindamycin for three months ultimately proved successful. We propose a structural approach for recurrent furunculosis in which extensive history-taking is followed by appropriate tests. Before prescribing an oral antibiotic (preferably low-dose clindamycin or a macrolide for 3 months), the patient should use an antimicrobial nasal ointment and soap and follow hygienic instructions as mentioned above. Members of the household who also have signs of the infection should be treated. Hygienic education is an essential component of treatment. We believe that this approach will lead to a treatment that is more effective and efficient.
Academisch Medisch Centrum, Afd. Infectieziekten, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. e.a.engelhard@amc.uva.nl
Esther A N
EA
Engelhard
Lodewijk
L
Spanjaard
C Kees
CK
Stijnis
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005667:Furunculosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D016712:Mupirocin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009666:Nose / Q000382:microbiology; D009824:Ointments; D012008:Recurrence; D017211:Treatment Failure; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009824:Ointments; D002981:Clindamycin; D016712:Mupirocin; D002710:Chlorhexidine