Folliculitis decalvans is brought about by widespread inflammation inside the hair follicles. Generally, it might be one of the causes of long-term hair loss that leads to bald patches.
The condition causes the follicles to lose hair and cease to produce new ones. It can also result to other inflammatory signs.
What are the signs?
Generally, the inflammation in the hair follicles later leads to a variety of evident signs. Itchiness is the initial sign of the condition. Furthermore, aside from the bald spots, it can be accompanied by inflammatory symptoms.
Over time, the following signs might be present on the bald patches of skin:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Formation of pustules
- Scarring
Itchiness is the initial sign of the condition. Aside from the bald spots, it can be accompanied by inflammatory symptoms.
The hair loss from this condition often manifests in round or oval patches. The hair loss is evident on the scalp since it is the site with most hair. Nevertheless, hair loss can occur anywhere where there is hair such as the arms, legs, chest, face and pubic area.
Management of folliculitis decalvans
Even today, there is no available cure for folliculitis decalvans. Furthermore, the objective of treatment is to prevent the condition from worsening. Controlling the condition is mainly based on drugs that can manage the spread of the inflammation.
At the present, drugs have been the preferred choice.
The doctor might suggest one or several of the following:
- Antibiotics to control the formation of pustules and infection from open sores
- Isotretinoin which is a prescription form of vitamin A that is given for severe cases of acne
- Oral corticosteroids work by reducing the inflammation and its spread
- Photodynamic therapy which involves a photosensitizing drug along with light exposure
What is the outlook?
Overall, an individual with folliculitis decalvans is at risk for scarring and permanent loss of hair in the affected areas. Oftentimes, this is condensed to patches of skin. In severe cases, generalized baldness and scarring can occur.
Since there is no available cure for the condition, it is vital to seek early treatment to prevent the condition from progressing.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folliculitis_decalvans
https://www.healthline.com/health/folliculitis-decalvans
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/folliculitis-decalvans/