F–G

facelift See RHYTIDOPLASTY.

Fitzpatrick skin type A commonly used classifi-
cation system for identifying a person’s SKINchar-
acteristics, particularly the likelihood for SUNBURN
and developing ACTINIC KERATOSISand SKIN CANCER.
Dermatologists also use Fitzpatrick skin type as a
factor in determining appropriate cosmetic proce-
dures to treat skin blemishes and WRINKLES.
See alsoSKIN SELF-EXAMINATION.

folliculitis An infected and inflamed HAIRfollicle.
Folliculitis may involve a single follicle or a num-
ber of follicles in proximity, and begins with a red-
dened bump at the site of the follicle that soon
progresses to a PUSTULEcontaining 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
  
  
  • DERMATITISand SKINirritations
  
  
  
  


• 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. Folli-

culitis that persists or involves multiple hair folli-

cles 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

158

FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPE CLASSIFICATIONS

Type Skin characteristics Sun exposure
type I very pale or ruddy; numerous freckles always BURNS, never tans; severeSUNBURN(blisters) with
unprotected exposure; high risk forSKIN 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