Treatment Survival and Reasons for Discontinuation in Patients with Recalcitrant Folliculitis Decalvans

November 2025 in “ Acta Dermato Venereologica ”

Lena Farnina, Simone Cazzaniga, Robert E. Hunger, Kristine Heidemeyer, Pierre A. de Viragh, S. Morteza Seyed Jafari

folliculitis decalvans systemic antibiotics tetracyclines rifampicin clindamycin isotretinoin immunomodulatory treatments antibiotics Accutane

Studysummary In this study, researchers reported that while systemic antibiotics are often chosen first for treating severe folliculitis decalvans, they have a high discontinuation rate, suggesting an urgent need for more effective immunomodulatory treatments.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study on recalcitrant folliculitis decalvans (FD) in 18 patients over a median follow-up of 1.5 years revealed high discontinuation rates for systemic antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and a combination of rifampicin and clindamycin, used by 88.9% of participants. Non-biological systemic therapies, particularly isotretinoin, were used by 61.1% of patients. The findings emphasize the necessity for effective immunomodulatory treatments and suggest that a personalized, multifaceted approach, combining local and systemic therapies, is crucial for managing severe FD.

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Research cited in this study

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