Effective treatment of folliculitis decalvans with cyclosporin: A case series.

Abstract

Folliculitis decalvans is a neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia that preferentially affects the scalp vertex and occiput. Therapy aims to arrest inflammation and prevent hair loss. Response to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments is unpredictable, resulting in a sometimes chronic, recalcitrant course. We report three patients with refractory folliculitis decalvans responding to cyclosporin. In the absence of a validated outcome measure for folliculitis decalvans, we considered photographic and symptomatic improvement; maintenance of the same therapeutic dose; and ability to taper therapy in assessing treatment response.