Folliculitis Decalvans

Folliculitis decalvans is a form of cicatricial alopecia that predominantly affects the vertex and occipital area of the scalp. Typical for this condition is the presence of several hairs (“tufts”) emerging from one follicular opening ( 5 to 20 or more hairs). This look is similar to doll’s hair. The bald patch gradually gets bigger. The cause is still unknown but it may be abnormal reaction to a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus so the affected area becomes red, swollen, and tender, and pus filled spots may develop. Eventually the hairs are shed as the follicle is completely destroyed and leaves behind a scar. Tufted folliculitis is probably a variant of folliculitis decalvans where only one or more smaller area are affected and the prognosis is slightly better.