Reader Laura’s Comment:

“A TERRITORY politician has been treated by a plastic surgeon after two huge holes suddenly appeared in his face. Newly elected Ross Bohlin will be scarred for life after contracting folliculitis, an infection of his hair follicles – but the former police officer is still surprisingly cheerful.” Is folliculitis common? Have you seen cases as bad as this one? Can women get this?

Source: ntnews.com.au/article/2009/12/31/112541_ntnews.html

Folliculitis is simply an infection or inflammation of hair follicles. It is not some rampant menace that is destined to eat New York or anything. That is news hype. Sometimes these infections can get out of control, but this is uncommon. Folliculitis can occur in men or women. Usually it just results in an ingrown hair or something minor. This man likely developed an infection that became worse until it required drainage and that drainage produced the hole.

The wound should heal and in a few months or when the scar is mature a scar revision will be in order. The key to avoiding these things is to get to your doctor before the infection gets really advanced.

Best Regards,

John Di Saia MD

Related:

Scar Revision

Originally posted 2010-01-14 07:30:11.