Effective Treatment of Folliculitis Decalvans With a Combination of Oral Isotretinoin and Rifampicin

May 2024 in “ Cureus ”

Sugat Jawade, Sudhir Singh, Sabiha Quazi, Mayur Dudhe, Sabha Neazee, Soham Meghe, Swapna Jawade

folliculitis decalvans scarring alopecia isotretinoin rifampicin Staphylococcus aureus Accutane

Studysummary In this case study, the combination therapy of isotretinoin and rifampicin was reported to effectively improve symptoms in a 58-year-old female patient with folliculitis decalvans, suggesting this approach may warrant further investigation for treating this challenging condition.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a rare inflammatory scalp disorder leading to scarring alopecia, primarily affecting middle-aged males. A case study of a 58-year-old female with FD showed that a combination of oral isotretinoin and rifampicin was effective in treating the condition. Isotretinoin helps inhibit abnormal keratinization and inflammation, while rifampicin targets Staphylococcus aureus. This combination therapy proved successful where previous treatments had failed, suggesting it as a promising approach for managing FD.

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Research cited in this study

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research Successful Management of Folliculitis Decalvans

3 citations , January 2024 in “Cureus”

In this case report, a 20-year-old male with folliculitis decalvans experienced remission of scalp lesions after treatment with doxycycline and topical ozenoxacin.

research Isotretinoin Treatment for Folliculitis Decalvans: A Retrospective Case-Series Study

23 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

In this retrospective study, oral isotretinoin monotherapy effectively achieved remission in 82% of patients with folliculitis decalvans, with those receiving ≥0.4 mg/kg/day for ≥3 months experiencing better outcomes and less frequent relapse.

research Oral Isotretinoin as the Most Effective Treatment in Folliculitis Decalvans: A Retrospective Comparison of Different Treatment Regimens in 28 Patients

37 citations , February 2015 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that among patients with folliculitis decalvans, treatment with isotretinoin achieved the highest rate of stable remission compared to antibiotic regimens like clindamycin and rifampicin.

research Folliculitis Decalvans: A Multicenter Review of 82 Patients

68 citations , February 2015 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that severe folliculitis decalvans was associated with its onset before age 25 and the presence of pustules, while tetracyclines and clindamycin plus rifampicin were effective treatments.

research Retrospective Review of Folliculitis Decalvans in 23 Patients with Course and Treatment Analysis of Long-Standing Cases

43 citations , January 2015 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This study found that most patients with folliculitis decalvans showed improvement and remission with oral antibiotics, although some experienced relapses and required prolonged treatment.

research Long-Term Remission of Folliculitis Decalvans After Treatment with the Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser

27 citations , July 2013 in “Journal of dermatological treatment”

This report describes a case where a recalcitrant folliculitis decalvans was successfully treated with a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser.

research Effective Treatment of Folliculitis Decalvans Using Selected Antimicrobial Agents

33 citations , January 2010 in “International journal of trichology”

This case series reports 13 patients with folliculitis decalvans treated with antimicrobial therapy, highlighting the variability in response outcomes for this challenging condition.

research Folliculitis Decalvans: A Rare Inflammatory Scalp Disorder

112 citations , July 2008 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This review outlines the diagnosis and management of folliculitis decalvans, an inflammatory scalp disorder, and highlights Staphylococcus aureus and immune response deficiencies as key factors in its development.

research Tufted Hair Folliculitis After Scalp Injury

8 citations , March 2001 in “PubMed”

This case study reports a 38-year-old epileptic man with tufted hair folliculitis that persisted despite various antibiotic treatments, showing transient improvement followed by recurrence.

research Simultaneous Occurrence of Folliculitis Decalvans Capillitii in Identical Twins

39 citations , July 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This report on identical female twins with folliculitis decalvans suggests a possible genetic component to the disease, marking the first such case in twins.

research Folliculitis Decalvans Including Tufted Folliculitis: Clinical, Histological, and Therapeutic Findings

226 citations , February 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study reported that a treatment regimen of oral rifampicin and clindamycin for 10 weeks effectively managed folliculitis decalvans, with most patients experiencing no recurrence after one or multiple courses.