Refractory Folliculitis Decalvans Treated With Adalimumab: A Case Series of 23 Patients

This case series involved 23 patients with biopsy-proven refractory folliculitis decalvans (FD) who were treated with adalimumab after conventional treatments failed. The study found that adalimumab, administered through subcutaneous injections, was well tolerated and led to clinical improvement in all patients within the first month, with the treatment duration ranging from 6 to 24 months. Only 2 patients discontinued due to insufficient improvement, both of whom had mixed bacterial cultures. The study suggested that adalimumab could be effective for FD, likely due to its action on tumor necrosis factor, an inflammatory cytokine. However, the authors noted the need for extensive follow-up to monitor potential flare-ups and long-term remission.