Folliculitisdelcavans is a rarechronicailment that often affects the scalp.
It is an inflammatory problem that destroys hair follicles, leaving scars that result inalopecia (hair loss).
This problem usually appears as red, swollen, and scaly patches on your scalp.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Symptoms can range from mild to extreme pain.
There is no cure, but symptoms can be reduced.
Treatment varies by person and often includes oralantibioticsand topical treatments that control symptoms and prevent further hair loss.
It is not possible to restore lost patches of hair.
This article describes folliculitis delcavans symptoms, causes, treatments, and outlook.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Symptoms of Folliculitis Decalvans
Symptoms of folliculitis decalvans can differ by individual.
Some people have this problem without pain.
Symptoms are usually confined to the scalp.
Common symptoms of folliculitis decalvans include the following:
What Causes Folliculitis Decalvans?
The cause of folliculitis decalvans is unknown.
For most people, this doesn’t cause a problem.
The bacterium occurs naturally on your skin.
Folliculitis decalvans may occur due to a hypersensitivity reaction to “superantigens.”
Despite its appearance, folliculitis decalvans is notskin cancer.
Common Triggers for Folliculitis Decalvans
Folliculitis may be triggered when the hair follicle becomes damaged or blocked.
The cause of folliculitis decalvans is not understood.
The goal of treatment is to encourage disease remission (no symptoms).
Most therapies can be administered at home, though some may require outpatient visits to a healthcare provider.
For most people, treatment involves a combination of topical solutions and/or oral antibiotics.
There is no specific treatment approved for folliculitis decalvans, so there is a wide range of approaches.
Though these treatments can be effective, symptoms often relapse after the interruption of therapy.
Antibiotic resistance is also a concern with long-term use.
They are also effective in treating the scar tissue common with folliculitis decalvans.
These treatments work by suppressing your immune system’s reaction to toxins.
Corticosteroids are typically taken for short periods of time to avoid thinning and bruising of the treated area.
Topical treatments come in a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription medications.
They are available in formulas that include gels, ointments, lotions, creams, foams, and sprays.
Studies show this treatment can succeed in stabilizing the condition and decreasing symptoms in some people.
Tolerance of this treatment may be an issue for some.
Shampoos for Folliculitis Decalvans
There is a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription shampoos available.
Consult your healthcare provider to determine the product that might work best for you.
Antiseptic shampoos or those containing tar can help eradicate the bacterium linked with the condition.
These products typically supplement systemic or topical therapy.
Outlook for Folliculitis Decalvans
The outlook for folliculitis decalvans is generally favorable.
This condition often responds well to treatment.
Results can usually deliver a noticeable cosmetic improvement.
However, folliculitis may return or spread to other body areas even if it is resolved at one site.
In some people, the disease may progress slowly over time and continue to flare for months or years.
Though treatments may improve symptoms, dealing with a chronic condition that affects your appearance can be challenging.
Summary
Folliculitis delcavans is a rare ailment that causes red, swollen patches on your scalp.
The patches destroy your hair follicles, causing scars and permanent hair loss at the affected sites.
While there is no known cause, the problem is linked to a bad response toStaphylococcus A. bacteria.
It is believed that the bacteria trigger an extreme immune response that causes symptoms.
Treatments can reduce symptoms and slow the damage to hair follicles.
The nature and chronic course of this problem can also have a negative impact on those who have it.
Enduring long-term treatment only to have the problem recur can be difficult.
This can also have an impact on your self-image and affect your quality of life.
Despite its long course, the outlook is good for most cases.
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