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An In Vitro Approach to Photodynamic Therapy
Published on: August 17, 2018
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Systemic photodynamic therapy in folliculitis decalvans
N J Collier1, D Allan1,2, F Diaz Pesantes3
1Dermatology Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|September 24, 2017
Summary
Systemic photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a novel treatment for recalcitrant folliculitis decalvans (FD), a scarring alopecia. This approach demonstrated significant clearance in a patient resistant to conventional therapies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a primary neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia, often linked to immune dysfunction and bacterial presence, particularly Staphylococcus aureus.
- Existing treatments for recalcitrant FD are often ineffective, necessitating exploration of alternative therapeutic modalities.
Observation:
- A case study involving a 26-year-old male with a 4-year history of severe, treatment-resistant FD is presented.
- The patient received a course of systemic photodynamic therapy (PDT) using porfimer sodium and ultraviolet light as monotherapy.
Findings:
- The patient experienced virtual clearance of FD lesions over a 25-month follow-up period after systemic PDT.
- Systemic PDT exhibited potent antibacterial effects and local immunomodulatory properties, contributing to scar healing.
- No significant adverse effects were reported with appropriate post-treatment care.
Implications:
- This report is the first to document the successful use of systemic PDT for treating folliculitis decalvans.
- Systemic PDT presents a promising, well-tolerated therapeutic option for patients with recalcitrant FD.
- The findings suggest systemic PDT's potential utility in managing other inflammatory scalp conditions with bacterial involvement.
