Folliculitis Decalvans: A Multicenter Review of 82 Patients

The study analyzed 82 patients with Folliculitis decalvans (FD), finding that severe FD, characterized by alopecic patches of 5 cm or more, was present in 21% of patients and was more likely to occur in those with an onset before age 25 and with the presence of pustules. Oral antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines and a combination of clindamycin and rifampicin, were effective in improving the condition in 90% and 100% of patients, respectively. The treatments provided temporary relief, with a mean duration of response of 4.6 months for tetracyclines and 7.2 months for the combination therapy. The study concluded that early onset and pustules are indicators of severe FD, and that while oral antibiotics are effective, the disease often progresses after treatment ends.