Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
In 1965, Dr. Seiichi Ise and Dr. Shigeo Ofuji described a variant of “superficial pustular dermatosis” in a Japanese female patient with “crops of small pustules on the face, the trunk, and the upper arms without any general symptoms.” Skin exams in the patient showed pustules in the upper parts of hair follicles.
Eosinophilic folliculitis(EF), or eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF), is a rare type offolliculitis(infection of the hair follicles). It causes an itchy rash and is thought to have no known causes. EF also causes itchy red bumps in and around the hair follicles. EF is sometimes called Ofuji disease after one of the doctors who first described the condition.
They would later name the skin condition eosinophilic pustular folliculitis after coming across additional cases and finding evidence ofeosinophils, a type of disease-fighting white blood cell, in the hair follicles of affected people.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
In this article, we will learn about the types of EF, the symptoms and causes of the different types, and how the skin condition is treated.
Types of Eosinophilic Folliculitis
Other types includeHIV-associated eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, infantile eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, cancer-associated eosinophilic folliculitis, and medication-associated eosinophilic folliculitis. All are rare and can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions.
Classic EF
Classic EF appears as groups of “sterile papulopustules” on annular (ring-shaped) plaques.The term papulopustules refers to a rash consisting ofpapules(small raised pimples) andpustules(small filled blisters). These rashes are noninfectious (sterile).
What Is a Papule?A papule is a raised area of skin that is less than 1 centimeter around.Papules might have clear borders or the borders may appear broken. They appear in different shapes, sizes, and colors. When they cluster together, they form rashes. Papules are sometimes called skin lesions.
What Is a Papule?
A papule is a raised area of skin that is less than 1 centimeter around.Papules might have clear borders or the borders may appear broken. They appear in different shapes, sizes, and colors. When they cluster together, they form rashes. Papules are sometimes called skin lesions.
The pustules seen in classic EF are small in size and not “macroscopic” (large).Classic EF papulopustules will appear on the face, neck, and upper back. They are rarely seen on the scalp.
What Is a Pustule?
HIV-Associated EPF
HIV-associated EPF is also called immunosuppression-associated EPF. It is common in people with advanced-stage HIV.It causes highly pruritic (itchy) urticarial (hive-like) follicular papules.
What Are Skin Plaques?A skin plaque is an elevated, solid lesion that is wider than it is thick.Plaques are linked to many different skin conditions.
What Are Skin Plaques?
A skin plaque is an elevated, solid lesion that is wider than it is thick.Plaques are linked to many different skin conditions.
Immunosuppression-associated EPF is often misdiagnosed. Differential diagnoses (other conditions that are considered) or conditions this type of EPF might be mistaken for includeacne vulgaris,rosacea, bacterial folliculitis, dermatomycosis (fungal skin infection), and seborrheic dermatitis.
Infantile EPF
Much like other types of EPF, the infantile type is extremely rare, with limited research on its occurrence and presentation. According to a 2021 report in theJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology, this rare condition appears as itchy blisters and noninfectious pustules on the skin surfaces of the scalp and face.
Infantile EPF is commonly seen in the neonatal period (the first four weeks of life).Skin biopsies and blood work in infantile EPF often show the presence of dense eosinophils, a type of disease-fighting white blood cell, found in hair follicles.
What Are Eosinophils?Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. They usually make up less than 5% of the total number of white blood cells circulating in the blood.
What Are Eosinophils?
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. They usually make up less than 5% of the total number of white blood cells circulating in the blood.
Infantile EPF tends to affect more male babies and will cause recurrences of noninfectious pustules on the scalp.The skin condition is often not harmful and will eventually clear up on its own.
Cancer-Associated EF
Cancer type EF is a less commonly known type linked tohematologic malignancies(blood cancers), specificallyleukemiaand non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
Leukemia refers to different cancers of the blood cells. NHL is a type of cancer that starts in thelymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of both yourimmune systemandcirculatory system.
Cancer type EF tends to be underrecognized and difficult to diagnose. A 2017 report in theJournal of the American Academy of Dermatologydescribes cancer type EF as presenting with lesions, itchy papules, and variable blisters, pustules, and urticarial lesions that appear on the head and neck, the upper trunk, and the hands.Evidence of eosinophils in hair follicles was also present.
Medication-Associated EF
Medication-associated, or drug-induced, EF can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). According to a 2019 report in theJournal of Cutaneous Pathology, follicular eruptions due to the use of a particular drug are a type ofhypersensitivity drug reaction.
The drug reaction shows up as pustules on the face with or without neck swelling. When drug-induced EF skin is examined, “eosinophilic infiltration” (eosinophils) might be present in the follicles andsebaceous glands.
What Are Sebaceous Glands?The sebaceous glands are small glands in the skin that secrete oily matter called sebum into the hair follicles to lubricate skin and hair. The hair follicles are the tunnel-shaped structures of theepidermis(outer layer of the skin).
What Are Sebaceous Glands?
The sebaceous glands are small glands in the skin that secrete oily matter called sebum into the hair follicles to lubricate skin and hair. The hair follicles are the tunnel-shaped structures of theepidermis(outer layer of the skin).
Eosinophilic Folliculitis Symptoms
General signs and symptoms of EF include itchy red dome-like papules and pustules.
Papules and pustules might look like acne or other types offolliculitis. They commonly appear on the face, neck, scalp, and trunk and can be present for weeks or even months. EF papules and pustules rarely appear on the palms and soles because there are no follicles in these areas.
Sometimes, EF lesions appear as large patches. There might be crusting if any of the lesions burst.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?Hyperpigmentation is a term that describes skin that appears darker. It can appear in small patches over large body areas. Hyperpigmentation usually isn’t harmful but is often a sign of an underlying medical condition.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a term that describes skin that appears darker. It can appear in small patches over large body areas. Hyperpigmentation usually isn’t harmful but is often a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Depending on the type, people with EF may experience different symptoms than what is considered general.
Psoriasis vs. Eosinophilic Folliculitis
Psoriasisis anautoimmune skin conditionthat causes inflammation throughout the body. That chronic inflammation leads to raised plaques and scales on the skin. These can appear anywhere on the body but mainly on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back.
Different types of psoriasis that might be mistaken for folliculitis are:
Psoriasis and EF share similar features and may even coexist.Folliculitis is also sometimes linked to psoriasis. There are differences between psoriasis and EF, and it is important to distinguish between them to avoid misdiagnosis.
Most types of folliculitis are considered mild skin conditions resulting from bacteria that enter the base of the hair follicles.In addition, folliculitis only affects areas of the body where there is hair.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment. EF can sometimes clear up on its own without any treatment. Skin involvement with EF also tends to be noninfectious, although blisters may become filled with pus. Your doctor might perform askin biopsyif they cannot determine the source of your skin symptoms.
Causes of Eosinophilic Folliculitis
The causes of EF are not always known, although researchers have some theories. Most believe there are immune processes in play to trigger the development of EF. They further suggest that EF might be an inflammatory condition related to immune dysregulation (the immune system malfunctioning) or an underlying infection.
Classic EF Causes
Classic EF occurs in generally healthy people and mainly affects people of a Japanese background. It is the only variety seen in people who are otherwise healthy and notimmunocompromised(having an immune system that is not working at full capacity).
A 2013 review of Japanese published works aimed to examine the frequency of EF.More than 300 cases were reported. Among those, 113 cases were reported in Japan since 1980. Of those EF cases, 91 were classic type, with 73% in males and 27% in females.
No known causes of classic EF have been identified. However, researchers do believe there is some type of immune process involved.
HIV-Associated EF Causes
This type of EF is a well-known symptom in advanced HIV and in people who are immunocompromised. Inflammation of sebaceous glands and an inflammatory response that causes eosinophils andT lymphocytesmight be to blame, according to a 2020 report in the journalCase Reports in Dermatology.
Skin tissue examination in HIV-associated EF has found much higher levels of CD15 (for eosinophils), CD4 (T helper), and CD7 (pan-T lymphocytes) compared with people with HIV who did not have EF.
Infantile EF Causes
Infantile EF was first described in 1984 as a type of EF that affects babies.It is extremely rare and presents in the first few months of life. Some studies have described it as appearing as early as the first day of life to 3 years of age.
Causes of infantile EF are not yet known. However, the increased number of eosinophils found in and around lesions links the condition to some type of immunological pathology (related to an immune response).
Cancer-Associated EF Causes
People with cancer type EF often develop the condition during and after treating withchemotherapy.Much like other types of EF, people with cancer type EF have evidence of eosinophils in affected areas of skin upon a skin biopsy.
A 2017 report in the journalJAAD Case Reportslooked at seven people who had EF associated withchronic lymphocytic leukemia.Of the seven patients, six were men older than 50 years. Six of the seven patients had skin biopsies that showed the presence of eosinophils.
According to the study’s authors, cancer type EF can present with other leukemias and lymphomas. It has also been reported in people withmultiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, andSézary syndrome. EF can also occur after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
Medication-Associated EF Causes
Medication-associated EF is rare but is more likely to occur with the use of certain prescription drugs. It is considered a hypersensitivity drug reaction.The risk of EF is dependent on the dose and duration of treatment with a particular drug.
Some drug classes can include the risk for EF, including antibiotics, steroids and androgens, oral contraceptives, and halogens such as bromides and iodine.
Risk Factors for Folliculitis Conditions
EF is common in people who are immunocompromised, who have certain cancers, or who have a Japanese heritage, but there are no other known risk factors. Similarly, the causes for other types of folliculitis are not always known.
But many other types of folliculitis—includingStaphylococcus aureusfolliculitis,Malasseziafolliculitis, andPseudomonas aeruginosafolliculitis—have been linked to specific risk factors.
Risk factors for folliculitis might include:
Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Folliculitis
Folliculitis is generally diagnosed with a physical exam of the skin. Your doctor will go over your medical history and ask about symptoms experienced and how long those have been present. They will also want to know about medications you are on and the health conditions you have.
If symptoms are severe or your healthcare professional isn’t able to confirm a diagnosis, they might refer you to adermatologistfor additional testing. One such test might be adermoscopy. This involves the examination of skin lesions using a handheld device called a dermatoscope. This technique is noninvasive and painless.
A skin biopsy of someone with EF will uncover eosinophils under the skin surface and around the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Some types of EF might also show increased lymphocytes andneutrophils(different types of white blood cells) in biopsy samples.
What Is a Skin Biopsy?A skin biopsy procedure involves cutting and removing a small sample of skin to be tested. The tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the source of skin symptoms.
What Is a Skin Biopsy?
A skin biopsy procedure involves cutting and removing a small sample of skin to be tested. The tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the source of skin symptoms.
In making a diagnosis, a doctor will want to distinguish EF from other types of folliculitis, including bacterial, fungal, and viral types.
Other conditions your doctor will want to rule out include different types of acne, psoriasis,rosacea, eczematous dermatitis, granuloma faciale, autoimmune annular erythema, infestations,pustular dermatosis, and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.
Treatment for Eosinophilic Folliculitis
Although some types of EF need specific treatment approaches, most can be treated with similar therapies.
Classic EF is often treated withnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), including oral and topical indomethacin and naproxen.Other treatments for classic type EF include dapsone, topical and systemic steroids, isotretinoin, antibiotics, different types ofphototherapy,calcineurin inhibitorssuch as tacrolimus ointment, andcolchicine.
HIV-associated EF has been treated withantiretroviral therapyandisotretinoin therapy.HIV type does not respond well to NSAIDs.
Additional treatments for HIV type include:
Infantile EF responds well to topical corticosteroid therapy and oral antihistamines, including cetirizine.But this type of EF is benign and often resolves on its own before age 3 without any aggressive treatment.
Other types of EF are generally similar to classic EF based on the severity of symptoms. But there are no generally accepted treatment approaches.
Prognosis
EF tends to be a benign skin condition. The long-term outlook for people with EF depends on the type they have.
Classic type is a chronic and recurrent condition but is self-limiting. Except for skin symptoms, the classic type causes no systemic (whole-body) symptoms or long-term complications.
Drug-associated EF tends to resolve with treatment and recurrences are uncommon.
HIV type and cancer type EF are more concerning. The overall prognosis for these two types is dependent on the underlying condition.
Summary
Eosinophilic folliculitis is a recurrent skin condition with unknown causes. It was first discovered in 1965 and has five different types—classic, HIV/immunosuppression type, infantile, cancer type, and drug-induced.
All types of EF are self-limiting, although cancer EF and HIV EF types might be more concerning and should be treated and monitored. EF is thought to be a noninfectious eosinophilic infiltration of hair follicles, due to the presence of eosinophils, disease-fighting white blood cells. Eosinophils have been found on skin biopsies of people with EF.
Treatment is aimed at managing skin symptoms with a variety of systemic and topical therapies. The condition is not linked to any systemic symptoms or complications.
A Word From Verywell
Even though most cases of eosinophilic folliculitis are harmless, it is always a good idea to reach out to your doctor anytime you experience a skin rash that doesn’t go away after a short time. In most cases, a quick exam can help your doctor to determine the source of your symptoms and provide treatment.
If you are being treated for HIV, cancer, or any condition that suppresses your immune system, or if you suspect skin symptoms are drug-induced, reach out to your doctor right away.
You should also seek medical attention if an EF rash has spread from the original areas to other body areas, affected skin areas are painful, you have bumps that are draining fluid, or you experience a fever or other systemic symptoms.
Researchers aren’t sure what causes EF to start, but many speculate that faulty immune system responses might be to blame. Most types of folliculitis start when hair follicles become inflamed or infected. Early on, EF might start as small bumps on the face, neck, arms, and upper back.If symptoms don’t worsen, they might improve with time. However, if skin symptoms last for weeks or if bumps start to present as papules and pustules, you should reach out to your doctor or a skin specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers aren’t sure what causes EF to start, but many speculate that faulty immune system responses might be to blame. Most types of folliculitis start when hair follicles become inflamed or infected. Early on, EF might start as small bumps on the face, neck, arms, and upper back.
If symptoms don’t worsen, they might improve with time. However, if skin symptoms last for weeks or if bumps start to present as papules and pustules, you should reach out to your doctor or a skin specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
24 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ise S, Ofuji S.Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: a follicular variant?ArchDermatol.1965 Aug;92(2):169-71. doi:10.1001/archderm.1965.01600140057014Nomura T, Katoh M, Yamamoto Y, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a proposal of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.J Dermatol.2016 Nov;43(11):1301-1306. doi:10.1111/1346-8138Monastirli A, Antoniades G, Kapranos N, et al.Classic form of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an immunocompetent girl: rapid and complete resolution after low-dose oral indomethacin treatment.Dermatol Online J. 2017 Nov 15;23(11):13030/qt9604k2jmLinton CP.Essential morphologic terms and definitions.JDNA; 2011, 3(2), 102–103. doi:10.1097/jdn.0b013e318211c6f0Monastirli A, Antoniades G, Kapranos N, et al.Classic form of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an immunocompetent girl: rapid and complete resolution after low-dose oral indomethacin treatment.Dermatol Online J.; 23(11):13030/qt9604k2jmKanaki, T., Hadaschik, E., Esser, S. et al.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) in a patient with HIV infection.Infection2021; 49, 799–801 doi:10.1007/s15010-020-01543-zSaylam Kurtipek G, Zekey E, Tuncez Akyurek F, Demirbas A, Harmankaya İ.Infantile eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a case report.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Apr 20. doi:10.1111/jocd.14161Kovalszki A, Weller PF.Eosinophilia.Prim Care. 2016;43(4):607-617. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2016.07.010Alonso-Castro L, Pérez-García B, González-García C, Jaén-Olasolo P.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in infancy: report of a new case.Dermatol Online J. 18(10):6Motaparthi K, Kapil J, Hsu S.Eosinophilic folliculitis in association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a clinicopathologic series.JAAD Case Rep. 2017;3(3):263-268. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.03.007Ogawa K, Mitsui Y, Miyamoto S, et al.Facial pustules due to drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms may histopathologically mimic eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a case report.J Cutan Pathol. 2019 May;46(5):363-367. doi:10.1111/cup.13428Yoshida S, Yatsuzuka K, Chigyo K, Kuroo Y, Takemoto K, Sayama K.A case of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis since birth.Children(Basel). 2021 Jan 7;8(1):30. doi:10.3390/children8010030National Psoriasis Foundation.Understanding pustular psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Guttate psoriasis.Magro C, Cheng E, Kline MA, et al.Follicular psoriasis: a report of 5 cases and review of the literature, likely an under-recognized yet distinctive variant of psoriasis.Dermatol Online J. 2020 Jul 15;26(7):13030/qt5103211m.Sun KL, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol. 2017;9(1):e1356519. Published 2017 Sep 27. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519Rajendran R, High WA, Maurer T, et al.HIV-associated eosinophilic folliculitis.Katoh M, Nomura T, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a review of the Japanese published works. J Dermatol. 2013 Jan;40(1):15-20. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.12008Marasca C, Ruggiero A, Fabbrocini G, Megna M.A case of Ofuji disease successfully treated with the combination of low-dose indomethacin and topical tacrolimus.Case Rep Dermatol. 2020 Aug 18;12(2):155-158. doi:10.1159/000509176Cleveland Clinic.Folliculitis.Almodovar-Real A, Molina-Leyva A, Espiñeira-Carmona MJ, et al.Widespread eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in a nonimmunocompromised patient.Med Princ Pract. 2014;23(5):475-477. doi:10.1159/000361049Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis(Auckl). 2016;6:7-32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950Fujiyama T, Tokura Y.Clinical and histopathological differential diagnosis of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.J Dermatol.2013 Jun;40(6):419-23. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.12125.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.
24 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ise S, Ofuji S.Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: a follicular variant?ArchDermatol.1965 Aug;92(2):169-71. doi:10.1001/archderm.1965.01600140057014Nomura T, Katoh M, Yamamoto Y, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a proposal of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.J Dermatol.2016 Nov;43(11):1301-1306. doi:10.1111/1346-8138Monastirli A, Antoniades G, Kapranos N, et al.Classic form of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an immunocompetent girl: rapid and complete resolution after low-dose oral indomethacin treatment.Dermatol Online J. 2017 Nov 15;23(11):13030/qt9604k2jmLinton CP.Essential morphologic terms and definitions.JDNA; 2011, 3(2), 102–103. doi:10.1097/jdn.0b013e318211c6f0Monastirli A, Antoniades G, Kapranos N, et al.Classic form of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an immunocompetent girl: rapid and complete resolution after low-dose oral indomethacin treatment.Dermatol Online J.; 23(11):13030/qt9604k2jmKanaki, T., Hadaschik, E., Esser, S. et al.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) in a patient with HIV infection.Infection2021; 49, 799–801 doi:10.1007/s15010-020-01543-zSaylam Kurtipek G, Zekey E, Tuncez Akyurek F, Demirbas A, Harmankaya İ.Infantile eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a case report.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Apr 20. doi:10.1111/jocd.14161Kovalszki A, Weller PF.Eosinophilia.Prim Care. 2016;43(4):607-617. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2016.07.010Alonso-Castro L, Pérez-García B, González-García C, Jaén-Olasolo P.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in infancy: report of a new case.Dermatol Online J. 18(10):6Motaparthi K, Kapil J, Hsu S.Eosinophilic folliculitis in association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a clinicopathologic series.JAAD Case Rep. 2017;3(3):263-268. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.03.007Ogawa K, Mitsui Y, Miyamoto S, et al.Facial pustules due to drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms may histopathologically mimic eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a case report.J Cutan Pathol. 2019 May;46(5):363-367. doi:10.1111/cup.13428Yoshida S, Yatsuzuka K, Chigyo K, Kuroo Y, Takemoto K, Sayama K.A case of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis since birth.Children(Basel). 2021 Jan 7;8(1):30. doi:10.3390/children8010030National Psoriasis Foundation.Understanding pustular psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Guttate psoriasis.Magro C, Cheng E, Kline MA, et al.Follicular psoriasis: a report of 5 cases and review of the literature, likely an under-recognized yet distinctive variant of psoriasis.Dermatol Online J. 2020 Jul 15;26(7):13030/qt5103211m.Sun KL, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol. 2017;9(1):e1356519. Published 2017 Sep 27. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519Rajendran R, High WA, Maurer T, et al.HIV-associated eosinophilic folliculitis.Katoh M, Nomura T, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a review of the Japanese published works. J Dermatol. 2013 Jan;40(1):15-20. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.12008Marasca C, Ruggiero A, Fabbrocini G, Megna M.A case of Ofuji disease successfully treated with the combination of low-dose indomethacin and topical tacrolimus.Case Rep Dermatol. 2020 Aug 18;12(2):155-158. doi:10.1159/000509176Cleveland Clinic.Folliculitis.Almodovar-Real A, Molina-Leyva A, Espiñeira-Carmona MJ, et al.Widespread eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in a nonimmunocompromised patient.Med Princ Pract. 2014;23(5):475-477. doi:10.1159/000361049Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis(Auckl). 2016;6:7-32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950Fujiyama T, Tokura Y.Clinical and histopathological differential diagnosis of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.J Dermatol.2013 Jun;40(6):419-23. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.12125.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ise S, Ofuji S.Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: a follicular variant?ArchDermatol.1965 Aug;92(2):169-71. doi:10.1001/archderm.1965.01600140057014Nomura T, Katoh M, Yamamoto Y, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a proposal of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.J Dermatol.2016 Nov;43(11):1301-1306. doi:10.1111/1346-8138Monastirli A, Antoniades G, Kapranos N, et al.Classic form of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an immunocompetent girl: rapid and complete resolution after low-dose oral indomethacin treatment.Dermatol Online J. 2017 Nov 15;23(11):13030/qt9604k2jmLinton CP.Essential morphologic terms and definitions.JDNA; 2011, 3(2), 102–103. doi:10.1097/jdn.0b013e318211c6f0Monastirli A, Antoniades G, Kapranos N, et al.Classic form of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an immunocompetent girl: rapid and complete resolution after low-dose oral indomethacin treatment.Dermatol Online J.; 23(11):13030/qt9604k2jmKanaki, T., Hadaschik, E., Esser, S. et al.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) in a patient with HIV infection.Infection2021; 49, 799–801 doi:10.1007/s15010-020-01543-zSaylam Kurtipek G, Zekey E, Tuncez Akyurek F, Demirbas A, Harmankaya İ.Infantile eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a case report.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Apr 20. doi:10.1111/jocd.14161Kovalszki A, Weller PF.Eosinophilia.Prim Care. 2016;43(4):607-617. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2016.07.010Alonso-Castro L, Pérez-García B, González-García C, Jaén-Olasolo P.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in infancy: report of a new case.Dermatol Online J. 18(10):6Motaparthi K, Kapil J, Hsu S.Eosinophilic folliculitis in association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a clinicopathologic series.JAAD Case Rep. 2017;3(3):263-268. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.03.007Ogawa K, Mitsui Y, Miyamoto S, et al.Facial pustules due to drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms may histopathologically mimic eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a case report.J Cutan Pathol. 2019 May;46(5):363-367. doi:10.1111/cup.13428Yoshida S, Yatsuzuka K, Chigyo K, Kuroo Y, Takemoto K, Sayama K.A case of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis since birth.Children(Basel). 2021 Jan 7;8(1):30. doi:10.3390/children8010030National Psoriasis Foundation.Understanding pustular psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Guttate psoriasis.Magro C, Cheng E, Kline MA, et al.Follicular psoriasis: a report of 5 cases and review of the literature, likely an under-recognized yet distinctive variant of psoriasis.Dermatol Online J. 2020 Jul 15;26(7):13030/qt5103211m.Sun KL, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol. 2017;9(1):e1356519. Published 2017 Sep 27. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519Rajendran R, High WA, Maurer T, et al.HIV-associated eosinophilic folliculitis.Katoh M, Nomura T, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a review of the Japanese published works. J Dermatol. 2013 Jan;40(1):15-20. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.12008Marasca C, Ruggiero A, Fabbrocini G, Megna M.A case of Ofuji disease successfully treated with the combination of low-dose indomethacin and topical tacrolimus.Case Rep Dermatol. 2020 Aug 18;12(2):155-158. doi:10.1159/000509176Cleveland Clinic.Folliculitis.Almodovar-Real A, Molina-Leyva A, Espiñeira-Carmona MJ, et al.Widespread eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in a nonimmunocompromised patient.Med Princ Pract. 2014;23(5):475-477. doi:10.1159/000361049Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis(Auckl). 2016;6:7-32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950Fujiyama T, Tokura Y.Clinical and histopathological differential diagnosis of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.J Dermatol.2013 Jun;40(6):419-23. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.12125.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.
Ise S, Ofuji S.Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: a follicular variant?ArchDermatol.1965 Aug;92(2):169-71. doi:10.1001/archderm.1965.01600140057014
Nomura T, Katoh M, Yamamoto Y, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a proposal of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.J Dermatol.2016 Nov;43(11):1301-1306. doi:10.1111/1346-8138
Monastirli A, Antoniades G, Kapranos N, et al.Classic form of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an immunocompetent girl: rapid and complete resolution after low-dose oral indomethacin treatment.Dermatol Online J. 2017 Nov 15;23(11):13030/qt9604k2jm
Linton CP.Essential morphologic terms and definitions.JDNA; 2011, 3(2), 102–103. doi:10.1097/jdn.0b013e318211c6f0
Monastirli A, Antoniades G, Kapranos N, et al.Classic form of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in an immunocompetent girl: rapid and complete resolution after low-dose oral indomethacin treatment.Dermatol Online J.; 23(11):13030/qt9604k2jm
Kanaki, T., Hadaschik, E., Esser, S. et al.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) in a patient with HIV infection.Infection2021; 49, 799–801 doi:10.1007/s15010-020-01543-z
Saylam Kurtipek G, Zekey E, Tuncez Akyurek F, Demirbas A, Harmankaya İ.Infantile eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a case report.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Apr 20. doi:10.1111/jocd.14161
Kovalszki A, Weller PF.Eosinophilia.Prim Care. 2016;43(4):607-617. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2016.07.010
Alonso-Castro L, Pérez-García B, González-García C, Jaén-Olasolo P.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in infancy: report of a new case.Dermatol Online J. 18(10):6
Motaparthi K, Kapil J, Hsu S.Eosinophilic folliculitis in association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a clinicopathologic series.JAAD Case Rep. 2017;3(3):263-268. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.03.007
Ogawa K, Mitsui Y, Miyamoto S, et al.Facial pustules due to drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms may histopathologically mimic eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a case report.J Cutan Pathol. 2019 May;46(5):363-367. doi:10.1111/cup.13428
Yoshida S, Yatsuzuka K, Chigyo K, Kuroo Y, Takemoto K, Sayama K.A case of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis since birth.Children(Basel). 2021 Jan 7;8(1):30. doi:10.3390/children8010030
National Psoriasis Foundation.Understanding pustular psoriasis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Guttate psoriasis.
Magro C, Cheng E, Kline MA, et al.Follicular psoriasis: a report of 5 cases and review of the literature, likely an under-recognized yet distinctive variant of psoriasis.Dermatol Online J. 2020 Jul 15;26(7):13030/qt5103211m.
Sun KL, Chang JM.Special types of folliculitis which should be differentiated from acne.Dermatoendocrinol. 2017;9(1):e1356519. Published 2017 Sep 27. doi:10.1080/19381980.2017.1356519
Rajendran R, High WA, Maurer T, et al.HIV-associated eosinophilic folliculitis.
Katoh M, Nomura T, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis: a review of the Japanese published works. J Dermatol. 2013 Jan;40(1):15-20. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.12008
Marasca C, Ruggiero A, Fabbrocini G, Megna M.A case of Ofuji disease successfully treated with the combination of low-dose indomethacin and topical tacrolimus.Case Rep Dermatol. 2020 Aug 18;12(2):155-158. doi:10.1159/000509176
Cleveland Clinic.Folliculitis.
Almodovar-Real A, Molina-Leyva A, Espiñeira-Carmona MJ, et al.Widespread eosinophilic pustular folliculitis in a nonimmunocompromised patient.Med Princ Pract. 2014;23(5):475-477. doi:10.1159/000361049
Ayala-Fontánez N, Soler DC, McCormick TS.Current knowledge on psoriasis and autoimmune diseases.Psoriasis(Auckl). 2016;6:7-32. doi:10.2147/PTT.S64950
Fujiyama T, Tokura Y.Clinical and histopathological differential diagnosis of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.J Dermatol.2013 Jun;40(6):419-23. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.12125.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.
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