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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Folliculitis Decalvans
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Folliculitis Decalvans
by david, Sep 11, 1999 12:00AM
I am a 30yr old male, suffering from folliculitis decalvans on the back of my head for about 8yrs. I have tried many antibiotics from minocycline, tetracyline, duricef and topical shampoos, lotions. I am currently on rifampin 600mg/d and cipro 1000mg/day. Each time I switch antibiotics I show marked improvement but never total clearing of the blemishes. I have scarring already on portions of my head where the hair won't grow anymore. Is there any treatments you can recommend and what is my prognosis for a cure?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 12, 1999 12:00AM
, Sep 12, 1999 12:00AM
David:
I admit to little experience with folliculitis decalvans. What I do know is that controlling it is extremely difficult. All the medications you mention are recommended for at least a trial. It sounds as though you have consulted physicians of considerable sophistication. Have they done scalp biopsies? Are they certain of th diagnosis? (Scarring conditions of the scalp are notoriously confusing.) If they are aure of the diagnosis, and they may well be, then it sounds as though you are getting rpoper care, and need to to learn by trial and experience along with your doctors what works and what doesn't.
Cure may not be possible, but control should be a reasonable goal.
Best.
Dr. R
I admit to little experience with folliculitis decalvans. What I do know is that controlling it is extremely difficult. All the medications you mention are recommended for at least a trial. It sounds as though you have consulted physicians of considerable sophistication. Have they done scalp biopsies? Are they certain of th diagnosis? (Scarring conditions of the scalp are notoriously confusing.) If they are aure of the diagnosis, and they may well be, then it sounds as though you are getting rpoper care, and need to to learn by trial and experience along with your doctors what works and what doesn't.
Cure may not be possible, but control should be a reasonable goal.
Best.
Dr. R
Member Comments (3)
by mihai, Dec 21, 1999 12:00AM
I have troubles with irritated skin on my neck after shaving,possibly PFB.What do you recommend?(***@****)
by Sharyn, Nov 14, 2000 12:00AM
I have had great success with Nioxin Cleanser and Nioxin Scalp Therapy.
by FolliculitisDecalvans, Jan 30, 2009 06:11AM
A related discussion, Medical updates for treatment of folliculitis decalvans was started.
