TLDR Early onset and pustules indicate severe hair follicle inflammation, and while antibiotics help, the condition often worsens after treatment stops.
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.
86 citations
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August 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” To diagnose hair loss, use a systematic approach including history, exams, and tests.
27 citations
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July 2013 in “Journal of dermatological treatment” Laser therapy may effectively treat persistent scalp inflammation.
25 citations
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March 2012 in “Photodermatology Photoimmunology & Photomedicine” Photodynamic therapy successfully treated a difficult scalp condition causing hair loss.
25 citations
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April 2010 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Erlotinib can cause hair loss and scalp issues, which improve after stopping the drug.
33 citations
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January 2010 in “International journal of trichology” Antimicrobial therapy can help manage Folliculitis Decalvans.
112 citations
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July 2008 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Folliculitis decalvans is a rare scalp condition causing scarring hair loss, treated with long-term antibiotics and other medications, but it often comes back and is hard to manage.
39 citations
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July 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Identical twins both had a rare hair loss condition, suggesting it might be genetic.
226 citations
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February 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Folliculitis decalvans and tufted folliculitis are related, and a new treatment with rifampicin and clindamycin is effective.
March 2023 in “JAAD case reports” Botulinum toxin A may be an effective alternative treatment for the scalp disorder folliculitis decalvans.
1 citations
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June 2022 in “PubMed” Alopecia causes hair loss and should be treated early, especially scarring types where hair cannot regrow.
January 2011 in “Humana Press eBooks” The document discussed hair loss causes and treatments but didn't give a final summary.
