Folliculitis decalvans: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Folliculitis decalvans
| image          = [[File:Foliculites_decalven.jpg|left|thumb|Folliculitis decalvans]]
| caption        = Folliculitis decalvans on the scalp
| synonyms        =
| pronounce      =
| specialty      = [[Dermatology]]
| symptoms        = [[Hair loss]], [[scarring]], [[pustules]]
| complications  = [[Permanent hair loss]]
| onset          =
| duration        =
| types          =
| causes          = [[Staphylococcus aureus]] infection
| risks          =
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[skin biopsy]]
| differential    = [[Alopecia areata]], [[tinea capitis]], [[discoid lupus erythematosus]]
| prevention      =
| treatment      = [[Antibiotics]], [[topical steroids]]
| medication      =
| prognosis      =
| frequency      =
| deaths          =
}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Folliculitis Decalvans}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Folliculitis Decalvans}}
[[File:Foliculites_decalven.jpg|thumb|right|Folliculitis decalvans on the scalp]]
'''Folliculitis decalvans''' is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp that leads to scarring hair loss. It is characterized by the destruction of hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss and scarring.
'''Folliculitis decalvans''' is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp that leads to scarring hair loss. It is characterized by the destruction of hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss and scarring.
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
Folliculitis decalvans is believed to be an [[autoimmune disease]] where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles. The exact cause is not well understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and bacterial infection, particularly with ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]''.
Folliculitis decalvans is believed to be an [[autoimmune disease]] where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles. The exact cause is not well understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and bacterial infection, particularly with ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]''.
==Clinical Presentation==
==Clinical Presentation==
Patients with folliculitis decalvans typically present with:
Patients with folliculitis decalvans typically present with:
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* [[Crusting]] and [[scaling]]
* [[Crusting]] and [[scaling]]
* Itching and tenderness
* Itching and tenderness
The condition often begins with small patches of hair loss that gradually expand over time.
The condition often begins with small patches of hair loss that gradually expand over time.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of folliculitis decalvans is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. A [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of scarring alopecia. [[Bacterial culture]]s may be taken to identify any secondary infections.
Diagnosis of folliculitis decalvans is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. A [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of scarring alopecia. [[Bacterial culture]]s may be taken to identify any secondary infections.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment options for folliculitis decalvans include:
Treatment options for folliculitis decalvans include:
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* [[Immunosuppressive drugs]] in severe cases
* [[Immunosuppressive drugs]] in severe cases
* [[Topical treatments]] such as antiseptic shampoos
* [[Topical treatments]] such as antiseptic shampoos
Management focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing further hair loss, as there is no cure for the condition.
Management focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing further hair loss, as there is no cure for the condition.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage. While treatment can help control symptoms and slow progression, the scarring and hair loss are usually permanent.
Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage. While treatment can help control symptoms and slow progression, the scarring and hair loss are usually permanent.
 
==See also==
==Related pages==
* [[Alopecia areata]]
* [[Alopecia areata]]
* [[Lichen planopilaris]]
* [[Lichen planopilaris]]
* [[Discoid lupus erythematosus]]
* [[Discoid lupus erythematosus]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]

Latest revision as of 18:39, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Folliculitis decalvans
Folliculitis decalvans
Synonyms
Pronounce
Specialty Dermatology
Symptoms Hair loss, scarring, pustules
Complications Permanent hair loss
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes Staphylococcus aureus infection
Risks
Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis, skin biopsy
Differential diagnosis Alopecia areata, tinea capitis, discoid lupus erythematosus
Prevention
Treatment Antibiotics, topical steroids
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths


Folliculitis decalvans is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp that leads to scarring hair loss. It is characterized by the destruction of hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss and scarring.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Folliculitis decalvans is believed to be an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles. The exact cause is not well understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and bacterial infection, particularly with Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Patients with folliculitis decalvans typically present with:

The condition often begins with small patches of hair loss that gradually expand over time.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of folliculitis decalvans is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of scarring alopecia. Bacterial cultures may be taken to identify any secondary infections.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment options for folliculitis decalvans include:

Management focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing further hair loss, as there is no cure for the condition.

Prognosis[edit]

Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage. While treatment can help control symptoms and slow progression, the scarring and hair loss are usually permanent.

See also[edit]