Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

F–G
facelift
See RHYTIDOPLASTY.
Fitzpatrick skin type A commonly used classification
system for identifying a person’s SKIN characteristics,
particularly the likelihood for SUNBURN
and developing ACTINIC KERATOSIS and SKIN CANCER.
Dermatologists also use Fitzpatrick skin type as a
factor in determining appropriate cosmetic procedures
to treat skin blemishes and WRINKLES.
See also SKIN SELF-EXAMINATION.
folliculitis An infected and inflamed HAIR follicle.
Folliculitis may involve a single follicle or a number
of follicles in proximity, and begins with a reddened
bump at the site of the follicle that soon
progresses to a PUSTULE containing a collection of
fluid and cells (pus). The site often hurts or itches.
Most folliculitis is idiopathic—that is, it develops
without identifiable cause. However, a number of
risk factors can precipitate its occurrence. Among
them are
• OBESITY
• HYPERHIDROSIS
• DIABETES
• DERMATITIS and SKIN irritations
• long-term topical corticosteroid use
• ABRASIONS
• immunosuppressive disorders such as HIV/AIDS
Warm compresses applied to the site several
times a day may resolve isolated folliculitis. Folliculitis
that persists or involves multiple hair follicles
requires treatment with topical and oral
ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS. Most folliculitis improves
within a few days of antibiotic therapy, though it
is important to take the full amount of medication
FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPE CLASSIFICATIONS
Type Skin characteristics Sun exposure
type I very pale or ruddy; numerous freckles always BURNS, never tans; severe SUNBURN (blisters) with
unprotected exposure; high risk for SKIN CANCER
type II pale or light-toned; some freckles mostly on usually burns, lightly tans; moderate sunburn (redness)
face, shoulders, arms, hands
with unprotected exposure; increased risk for skin cancer
type III olive sometimes burns, moderately tans; mild sunburn (pinkness) with
unprotected exposure; moderate risk for skin cancer
type IV light brown seldom burns, easily tans; low risk for skin cancer
type V brown rarely burns, darkly tans; seldom develops skin cancer
type VI dark brown to brownish black never burns; rarely develops skin cancer
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