TLDR Clindamycin and rifampicin are the most effective treatments for folliculitis decalvans, but more research is needed.
The systematic review on therapeutics for folliculitis decalvans (FD) analyzed 20 studies involving 282 patients and highlighted various treatment options, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, and biologics. Clindamycin and rifampicin showed the longest remission (7.2 months) in a multicenter study, but results varied, and relapses were common. Other treatments like doxycycline, azithromycin, and isotretinoin had mixed efficacy and side effects. Newer therapies like red light photodynamic therapy showed promise but had low evidence levels. The review concluded that more rigorous, large-scale randomized controlled trials were needed to establish the most effective treatments and develop standardized protocols.
41 citations,
June 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Some treatments for folliculitis decalvans work well, with tetracyclines and a mix of rifampicin and clindamycin being most effective.
23 citations,
January 2018 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Oral isotretinoin, especially at higher doses for at least 3 months, is effective for treating folliculitis decalvans.
37 citations,
February 2015 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Oral isotretinoin is the most effective treatment for folliculitis decalvans.
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.
43 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Most patients improved with oral antibiotics, but some needed long-term treatment or had minimal response.
1 citations,
January 2019 in “Springer eBooks” Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic skin condition best treated early with surgery for better outcomes and less recurrence.
February 2024 in “PloS one” Tofacitinib and adalimumab are promising treatments for cicatricial alopecia with few side effects.
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.
