Folliculitis Decalvans: Effectiveness of Therapies and Prognostic Factors in a Multicenter Series of 60 Patients with Long-Term Follow-Up
June 2018
in “
Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology
”
Studysummary This study examined the therapeutic response to folliculitis decalvans treatments among 60 patients and found that earlier disease onset was linked to more severe cases, while a combination of rifampicin, clindamycin, tetracyclines, and intralesional steroids was most effective in controlling symptoms.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
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.