There are many known causes of hair loss in men and women. They include chronic medical conditions like thyroid problems, lupus, and autoimmune diseases. But there’s another condition that can cause hair loss that we know little about. Its name is folliculitis decalvans (FD).
What Are the Symptoms of Folliculitis Decalvans?
The main symptom of FD is hair loss. Because it usually occurs in round patches, doctors can tell it apart from other possible causes. Also, these round bald patches are often accompanied by yellow pimples. Known as pustules, they contain watery pus and resemble blisters in many ways.
Now, as its name suggests, this condition usually starts as folliculitis. This is a medical term that denotes inflammation of the hair follicles. In most cases, folliculitis doesn’t cause hair loss. But when it takes on this particular form, it does. That’s why experts describe FD as a combination of folliculitis and alopecia.
What Are the Causes of Folliculitis Decalvans?
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of this condition. On its own, folliculitis is most often the result of a fungal or bacterial infection of the scalp. As such, experts believe that the golden staph bacterium might play a role in the onset of FD.
This condition can affect anyone, regardless of their overall health. Although rare, it can affect both men and women equally. What’s more, it can occur at any age. And because there are no known risk factors, it is impossible to predict it.
What Can You Do?
There is no treatment option that could help combat hair loss in people with FD. The goal of current treatments is to reduce the symptoms of folliculitis first. Afterward, your doctor will prescribe some medication that might help reduce hair loss.
If you notice one or more symptoms of FD, you should visit your doctor immediately. As it progresses, this condition may cause permanent scarring accompanied by hair loss. So, the earlier you start treatment, the better your chances of avoiding these serious complications.
