TLDR Some treatments for folliculitis decalvans work well, with tetracyclines and a mix of rifampicin and clindamycin being most effective.
In a study of 60 patients with folliculitis decalvans (FD), it was determined that an earlier age of onset (younger than 25 years) was linked to a more severe form of the disease. The most effective treatments identified were tetracyclines, with a 91% response rate, and for more severe cases, a combination of rifampicin and clindamycin, which had a 90.5% response rate and provided a longer duration of response (5 months). Photodynamic therapy also showed a 75% favorable response and could serve as a complementary treatment. The study underscored FD's substantial economic burden and its negative impact on patients' quality of life, especially in severe cases. Despite the small sample size, this research provides valuable insights into the treatment of FD over an extended follow-up period.
68 citations,
February 2015 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Early onset and pustules indicate severe hair follicle inflammation, and while antibiotics help, the condition often worsens after treatment stops.
33 citations,
January 2010 in “International journal of trichology” Antimicrobial therapy can help manage Folliculitis Decalvans.
112 citations,
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.
254 citations,
December 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Accurate diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial to prevent permanent hair loss in cicatricial alopecia.
May 2024 in “Journal of Education, Health and Sport” Current treatments for folliculitis decalvans include antibiotics, isotretinoin, and potential new therapies like botulinum toxin A and PRP.
40 citations,
August 2018 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Clindamycin and rifampicin are the most effective treatments for folliculitis decalvans, but more research is needed.
68 citations,
February 2015 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Early onset and pustules indicate severe hair follicle inflammation, and while antibiotics help, the condition often worsens after treatment stops.
65 citations,
November 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The document concludes that early recognition and treatment of primary cicatricial alopecia is crucial to prevent permanent hair loss.
1 citations,
September 2023 in “Dermatology and therapy” More research is needed to find the best treatment for dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.
