Ofuji Disease (Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis)
Ofuji disease, also known as eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF), is a chronic, relapsing skin condition marked by sterile pustules centered on hair follicles. The lesions tend to cluster and spread outward while the center clears, producing characteristic arc-shaped or ring-shaped (annular) patterns.
At Haute-Derma, we see Ofuji disease not only as a skin problem but also as a sign of immune imbalance. Our care focuses on calming the intense itch, which is what troubles patients most, and on setting up a maintenance plan to keep the relapsing cycle under control.
Our Approach to Treating Ofuji Disease
Our specialists recognize Ofuji disease by its distinctive clinical features, which are often mistaken for fungal or bacterial skin infections. Before starting treatment, we use dermoscopy and a skin biopsy to confirm eosinophils within the hair follicles.
We know that people with Ofuji disease often suffer intense itching that disrupts their sleep and work. At Haute-Derma, we combine effective systemic anti-inflammatory medication with light therapy for fast, lasting results.
Our management plan for Ofuji disease includes:
- A skin biopsy to confirm eosinophilic infiltration of the hair follicles.
- Indomethacin, the most specific treatment for this condition.
- Phototherapy to regulate the immune response in the skin.
How We Diagnose Ofuji Disease at Haute-Derma
Haute-Derma follows a careful differential diagnosis process to rule out infectious causes:
- Recognizing the typical lesions: Small follicular pustules (1–2 mm) that gather into ring-shaped or arc-shaped plaques, usually on the face (cheeks, forehead), trunk and sometimes the arms.
- Assessing the itch: Intense itching is a feature that helps distinguish it from ordinary bacterial folliculitis.
- Blood tests: Checking the blood eosinophil count, which is mildly raised in some patients.
- Histopathology: Looking for dense eosinophilic infiltration of the follicular epithelium and sebaceous glands, with formation of sterile pustules.
- Systemic screening: Assessing the patient's immune status to determine the subtype (classic Ofuji type, immunosuppression-associated type or infantile type).
How Ofuji Disease Is Treated at Haute-Derma
Our treatment plan aims to suppress the follicular inflammation as quickly as possible:
- Oral indomethacin: Our first-choice treatment, with response rates above 80%. It relieves the itch and flattens the pustules within a short time.
- Topical or systemic corticosteroids: Used short-term to cut short severe acute flares.
- Phototherapy (narrowband UVB or PUVA): For cases that do not respond to medication or patients who cannot take oral drugs long-term; it helps stabilize immune cells in the skin.
- Antihistamines: Help reduce itching so patients are more comfortable day to day.
- Cosmetic care after inflammation: Restorative treatments at Haute-Derma address any dark marks or mild scarring once the pustules have healed.
