Folliculitis Decalvans Associated with Erlotinib

April 2010 in “ Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ”

Rick Hoekzema, Paul Drillenburg

folliculitis decalvans scarring alopecia erlotinib pustules hair loss antibiotics topical steroids hair follicles

TLDR Erlotinib can cause hair loss and scalp issues, which improve after stopping the drug.

The article discussed a case of folliculitis decalvans, a rare form of scarring alopecia, associated with the use of erlotinib, a medication commonly used in cancer treatment. The patient developed pustules and hair loss on the scalp after starting erlotinib. The condition improved after discontinuing the drug and initiating treatment with antibiotics and topical steroids. This case highlighted the potential side effect of erlotinib on hair follicles, emphasizing the need for awareness among clinicians prescribing this medication.

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