Hair transplantation as a solution for hair loss caused by folliculitis decalvans
Alopecia areata, or hereditary hair loss, is the most common form of hair loss worldwide. Statistically, it affects approximately one in two men and around 40% of women. Another well-known form of hair loss is alopecia areata, or circular hair loss. Depending on the severity of the condition, hair loss is entirely reversible. If bald patches remain, they can sometimes be filled in with a hair transplant. However, there are also relatively rare conditions that lead to irreversible hair loss. One of these is folliculitis decalvans, which is a type of scarring alopecia. But what exactly helps
those affected by hair loss ? What options are available?
What is Folliculitis Decalvans?
Simply explained, this rare disease is an overreaction of the hair follicles to staphylococci. Initial symptoms are nodules and thickening of the skin that form on the scalp and the affected areas of skin. Folliculitis decalvans can occur on any hairy part of the body, but the scalp is most commonly affected. As the disease progresses, the affected areas of skin, the underlying hair follicles, begin to become inflamed. The result: hair loss. Irregular bald patches remain, with scarring along the edges. As if this condition weren't bad enough, it's quite possible that so-called tufts or brush hairs may form along the edges of these scarred areas. This means that several hairs grow from a single opening in the skin, usually around five to ten. These, in turn, can provide a portal of entry for staphylococci, which can further worsen the infection. For this reason, all tufts of hair should be surgically removed from the scalp. The pustules that develop during folliculitis decalvans can be intensely itchy or even painful—but not for everyone. However, most people find the crusts that form on the pustules, which then fall off over time, very unpleasant. Men are more commonly affected by the disease than women. Nevertheless, women also suffer from the hair loss that this condition brings. Unfortunately, women are still defined more by their hair than men. Generally speaking, the disease occurs relatively frequently in early adulthood.
Causes of the disease
What exactly causes folliculitis decalvans is still not fully understood. However, it is certain that Staphylococcus aureus—a bacterium—plays a central role in this disease.
Is there a treatment option?
Yes and no. But that's also because the causes are still unclear. Treatment is primarily limited to addressing the symptoms. Two therapies are often combined. Germ-reducing shampoos are used on the scalp. These should be applied daily to reduce the inflammatory response on the scalp. Additionally, antibiotic therapy is initiated, for example, with clindamycin and rifampicin, to get the staphylococci under control again. Other medications or zinc-containing supplements may also be administered to reduce inflammation. The treatment of scarring alopecia is in most cases very lengthy because the disease is recurrent, meaning it can break out again and again.
Is a hair transplant even an option for folliculitis decalvans?
In principle, a hair transplant is possible for folliculitis decalvans. Many sufferers, whether men or women, suffer greatly from the bald patches left on their scalp. Beautiful, full, and healthy hair still symbolizes youthfulness and vitality. However, it is extremely important that the condition of the scalp remains stable over a longer period of time and that the disease has completely healed. Folliculitis decalvans usually occurs in phases. This means that even if you are now symptom-free and planning a hair transplant, it's best to wait a few more weeks, or even better, a few months. Otherwise, there's a real risk that the transplanted grafts, the follicles, will be attacked by staphylococci again and subsequently fall out. The hair transplant would then have been completely in vain. Another factor for a successful hair transplant in this form of hair loss is that sufficient hair must still be present in the donor area. Unlike, for example, alopecia areata, folliculitis decalvans can also occur in the coronary area, and other hairy areas can also be affected. Incidentally, the FUE method is the technique of choice for this condition. Unlike the FUT method, the donor area is not limited to the crown area. Hair can also be transplanted from other areas of the body to help you regain beautiful hair. However, the basic requirement is that these areas are not also affected by the condition. Be sure to inform the transplant clinic that you suffer from scarring alopecia if they are considering a hair transplant. A reputable provider will first assess the condition of your scalp (this can be done very effectively with photos, by the way) and, of course, also ask you how long you have been symptom-free. It's still at the doctor's discretion whether to recommend a hair transplant. As already mentioned, folliculitis decalvans occurs in phases. This means that months can pass before the disease flares up again. An alternative you might consider is
micropigmentation . This is purely a cosmetic procedure—a type of permanent makeup for your hair. During micropigmentation, the pigmenter inserts tiny dots of color into the scalp. Taken together, these dots resemble a short hairstyle. This can at least visually correct the bald patches left behind by scarring alopecia. First, seek professional advice, and then request a personalized quote that's perfectly tailored to your treatment needs.
