Furunculosis, Recurrent
- Consider mycobacterial infection.
- If > 6 recurrences/year, some experts recommend suppressive therapy with susceptible oral antibiotic x 3 months, then re-assess. Culture and susceptibility recommended. Benefits of this strategy must be weighed against risks of resistance/adverse effects.
Usual Pathogens
S. aureus
Consider decolonization:
| Empiric Therapy | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mupirocin 2% | bid intranasally | 5 days. Repeat monthly for 1st 5 days/mo x 6-12 mos. |
| +/- | ||
| [Chlorhexidine | full body wash daily | 5 days. Repeat monthly for 1st 5 days/mo x 6-12 mos. |
| or | ||
| Dilute bleach bath] | 15 minutes daily | 5 days. Repeat monthly for 1st 5 days/mo x 6-12 mos. |
Alternative
| Empiric Therapy | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Rifampin | 600mg PO daily | 10 days |
| + | ||
| TMP/SMX | 1 DS tab PO bid |