Scalp Folliculitis or Decanting Folliculitis. What does this pathology consist of and how does it affect hair? Although the term refers to infection of the pilosebaceous follicle, it is not exactly an infection. Rather, it is a very aggressive inflammation that usually affects young adults, both men and women.

How is it diagnosed?

In general, decavant folliculitis is a type of scarring alopecia that usually causes the appearance of pustules (small pockets of pus) that spread from one hair to another along the scalp. These outbreaks usually end up destroying the hair follicles that have been attacked, so the patient sees how the alopecia begins to become visible. In addition, this entire process of destruction of the hair follicle leads to the appearance of scars on the scalp (let’s not forget that it is a scarring alopecia), and these scars are completely irreversible.

When there are several contiguous follicles that are affected, and several hairless plates begin to form (with hairs like a bunch inside) the pathology is called tuft folliculitis.

To confirm and diagnose this type of alopecia, the specialist or trichologist performs a detailed analysis of the hair, also taking a biopsy sample from the affected area of the patient’s scalp.

What are your symptoms?

In general, in addition to the appearance of pustules, the patient usually notices some itching, stinging and even pain in the area, caused by inflammation.

Why does it appear? What causes this scalp alteration in some young people?

The reason is not exactly known. Experts point to a bacterium (known as Staphylococcus aureus ) and its production of superantigens in genetically predisposed patients as a possible cause . There are studies that also indicate the possibility that a special condition is necessary on the part of the host, such as, for example, a defect in the system and autoimmune response of its organism.

Can it be treated? And, in this case, what hair treatments would be the most appropriate and effective to end this alopecia problem?

When we talk about folliculitis of the scalp or decant, we are referring to a chronic hair condition. A patient with this type of alopecia does not usually find a treatment that ends the problem forever. It will be an alopecia that will require continued care and treatment over time. The patient will experience better and worse times, with the appearance of new outbreaks. But it must be clarified that, in certain cases, after a certain time, these outbreaks end up remitting.

Experts recommend the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and immunity modulators (such as glucocorticoids). In some cases, derivatives of vitamin A are also recommended (such as isotretinoin).

As for hair solutions and treatments that help the patient with decant folliculitis to regain their hair, not all of them are worth it. It should be remembered that we are talking about a type of alopecia related to an immune problem and sometimes genetic. The solution or treatment will always depend on each case and it will be necessary to seek the advice of a hair specialist to perform an in-depth hair examination that will lead to a clear diagnosis. Only then can we opt for a hair treatment or solution that allows us to recover our image and our lost hair.

What treatments and hair solutions would be recommended in this type of scarring alopecia?

A good alternative, if you want a quick and effective result, is to opt for a Capillary Integration System . It is an option without surgery, for which a breathable and hypoallergenic base is made, which integrates natural hair with the same characteristics as the patient’s hair (color, thickness, etc.). This base is fixed to the patient’s head (with a new and effective system) integrating with their own hair. The result is perfect. It is not noticeable, it does not move and the patient recovers his hair and image in just two sessions. It is the perfect solution when the outbreak of decavant folliculitis is active, and also in those cases in which the patient is undergoing other hair treatments but does not want to wait for them to work, he wants to look good immediately.

And what happens with the Micrograft or capillary graft? Is it recommended in this case?

It would only be advisable if, after a while, the pathology had completely stabilized and there were no more outbreaks on the patient’s scalp. This is the only way to try to repopulate the entire damaged area using a micrograft. If, on the contrary, the disease has not stabilized and is still active, it is not recommended to carry out hair surgery.