Folliculitis
ICD-10 L73.9 · ICD-11 1B74

Treatment of Folliculitis in Folliculitis Decalvans

Clinical Scenario

Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic form of folliculitis characterised by persistent follicular inflammation that progressively leads to scarring and irreversible alopecia. Because the disease follows a chronic, destructive course, early and appropriate treatment selection is critical.

Treatment Overview

The protocol centres on a specific antibiotic combination approach initiated early in the disease course — using a single agent alone is not recommended. An alternative long-term topical strategy also exists. The complete regimen, including agent selection, sequencing, and maintenance considerations, is available in the full protocol.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.2165/00128071-200405050-00003

Folliculitis decalvans is characterized clinically by chronic folliculitis that leads to progressive scarring and alopecia.

The best treatment seems to be an early course of rifampin combined with clindamycin.

It is not advisable to use rifampin alone, due to the rapid emergence of staphylococcal resistance.

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