Bug bites or friction, especially during hot humid weather with excessive sweating predispose as they may reduce the skin’s normal ability to form a barrier against infectious agents, allowing the bacteria to enter the hair follicle. Folliculitis begins as small pimple like lesions that progress to pustules. These lesions are painful on palpation and may rupture with pressure to form a lesion that exudes pus from the center while the edges form crust. The hair may become erect or alopecia may be noted. As the lesion develops the area immediately surrounding the lesion produces excess epidermal tissue to form a raised margin called an epidermal collaret. Furunculosis is considered a progression of folliculitis and is a deep pustule that forms around a hair follicle. It is also known as deep or . Diagnosis of folliculitis and furunculosis can be made through clinical signs, but the etiological agent is confirmed through a culture from the exudate. Generally, folliculitis can be treated topically with antibacterial and antifungal ointments. In severe cases systemic antibiotics may be required. Prognosis is good. Folliculitis may be prevented by good grooming techniques, especially in areas that experience friction from tack or blankets. Keeping tack clean is also of importance as the bacteria can live on cloth or other porous items that hold moisture.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the
and subcutaneous tissues.
The bacteria that causes cellulitis include Staph. spp., Strep. spp., Corynebacterium spp. , and Clostridium spp .
Transmission is environmental.
The bacteria gain entry to the skin through a wound like a puncture or laceration. The bacteria then spread to infect the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissues causing inflammation. Cellulitis generally develops on the lower hind limbs where pre-existing wounds or infections are occurring. Individuals with heavy on the lower limbs are predisposed to developing cellulitis as the feathers hold moisture and mud. Circulatory conditions, infections such as lymphangitis or a mite infestation can create ideal situation for cellulitis as it can dry out the skin making it more susceptible to infection. , with heat, firmness and swelling in the affected area, usually a limb. There is pain on palpation of the affected areas as well as the development of palpable suppurative pustules with drainage tracts. Systemic signs like fever, anorexia and depression is also common. Lymph vessels & nodes may also become swollen or even infected. Clinically cellulitis is seen as severe
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