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Folliculitis decalvans treated with radiation therapy.

Eric P Smith¹, Christina A Hardaway, Bradley S Graham

¹Clinical Investigation Department, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Dr, Suite 5, San Diego, CA 92134-1005, USA. eric.p.smith@pcola.med.navy.mil

|October 14, 2006

Summary

Folliculitis decalvans resistant to standard treatments can be effectively managed with radiation therapy. This case study highlights radiation as a viable option for recalcitrant cases of this scalp condition.

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Area of Science:

Dermatology
Radiation Oncology

Background:

Folliculitis decalvans is a rare, chronic, and inflammatory scalp condition characterized by recurrent pustules and painful folliculocentric lesions.
It often leads to scarring alopecia and is notoriously difficult to treat with conventional therapies, including antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Observation:

A 33-year-old African American male presented with severe, treatment-refractory folliculitis decalvans.
The patient had failed multiple courses of oral and topical antibiotics, antifungals, and intralesional corticosteroids.

Findings:

The patient was treated with a course of radiation therapy.
Significant improvement in pustulation and inflammation was observed following radiation treatment.
Complete resolution of active lesions and halting of disease progression were achieved.

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Implications:

Radiation therapy represents a novel and effective therapeutic option for severe, refractory folliculitis decalvans.
This approach may offer a solution for patients who do not respond to established treatments.
Further research into the efficacy and safety of radiation therapy for scalp inflammatory conditions is warranted.