What is Gram-Negative Folliculitis?

Gram negative folliculitis is an inflammation of the follicles and it is caused by a bacterial infection, which can be the result of long term antibiotic treatment for severe acne. The naming of this type of acne was not by chance, gram refers to a blue stain that is used in laboratory testing in the detection of microscopic organisms and this bacterium is gram negative.

The treatment for this type of acne includes antibiotics, and isotretinoin, and not all antibiotics will work on these gram negative bacteria that live in the follicles. Treatment is needed by a dermatologist, the medicines and treatments that are found over the counter without a prescription are not equipped to fight this type of bacteria. These treatments and medications often are not able to reach the deep seated infection of acne in the hair follicles and with one that is a resistant infection there is no chance for treatment without the proper medications.