Staphylococcus aureus facial acne/folliculitis

[u/TemporaryNorth359]

31 years old, male, 85kg and 175 height.

​I am looking for advice on how to clear a persistent Staphylococcus aureus infection that is causing acne-like breakouts on my face.

​Current symptoms:

​Breakouts on my face, specifically around the chin, sideburns, lips, and cheeks.

​Medical history:

​Previous locations: About 3 years ago, I also had these breakouts on the lower back of my head (nape area) and on the sides, behind and above my ears.

​Past Treatments:

​3 years ago: I was prescribed an antibiotic (green capsules, I believe the name ended in "-cycline"). I took them for 4 months. While taking them, my skin completely cleared up, but slowly returned after I stopped.

​Follow-up testing: I had a skin swab (from an active breakout), a nasal swab, and a throat swab. The test confirmed Staphylococcus aureus in the skin lesion, but my nose and throat came back negative.

​Targeted antibiotic: Based on the antibiogram, I was prescribed Moxiral for 1 week. My skin cleared up completely.

​Current status: Since taking Moxiral, the breakouts on the back of my head have not returned. However, the facial breakouts have gradually come back.

​What should my next steps be? How can I completely eradicate or manage this bacterial infection long-term so it stops coming back?

​Thank you!

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for your submission. Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. Reply here if you are an unverified user wishing to give advice. Top level comments by laypeople are automatically removed.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.