Folliculitis Decalvans

Folliculitis decalvans is a rare inflammatory scarring scalp disorder.

It is characterized by follicular pustules, lack of ostia, diffuse perifollicular erythema, follicular tufting and sometimes, hemorrhagic crusts and erosions.

It is believed that this type of scarring alopecia is the end stage of various inflammatory processes resulting in fibrosis and constriction of multiple hair follicles within a common trajectory.

It is also known as cicatricial alopecia or tufted folliculitis.

Treatment is mainly focused on the eradication of S. aureus and the anti-inflammatory agents.

Combination of antibiotic (Oral Rifampicin and Oral Clindamycin) is useful for this rare inflammatory scarring scalp disorder. But patient might need to be on antibiotic for long term.

The scarring, alopecia and tufting persisted but there was no further active inflammation.

Early aggressive treatment should be instituted to prevent scarring.

Please find the poster presentation during Regional Conference of Dermatology 2010 for the details.