Rifampicin and dapsone in superficial pustular folliculitis

Fifty male patients diagnosed to have superficial pustular folliculitis (SPF) were included in an open trial to study the effects of rifampicin vs dapsone. Rifampicin, in a dose of 10mg/kg body weight for a period of 8 weeks was given for 25 patients in phase I and the drug cleared the lesions in 72%. Dapsone in a dose of 100 mg/day produced moderate response in 20% only. 17 patients who did not clear with dapsone were started on rifampicin (phase II) and 7/17 showed marked improvement. Remissions with rifampicin ranged from 3-9 months or longer. In patients who relapsed, a second course of the drug was effective.     

Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans and acne keloidalis nuchae

A 27-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of scarring alopecia on the vertex of the scalp associated with follicular crusting and pustule formation, and a papular eruption on the posterior neck. Additionally, there was keratosis pilaris on the cheeks, eyebrows and thighs. Histology from the vertex showed scarring with a mixed perifollicular inflammatory infiltrate and foci of acute suppurative folliculitis. With clinical correlation, the diagnosis of keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans and concurrent acne keloidalis nuchae was made. The association of keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans with acne keloidalis nuchae has not previously been described. The patient responded to treatment with oral isotretinoin 20 mg (0.25 mg/kg) daily for 12 months.     

Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of folliculitis decalvans

Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic form of deep folliculitis that occurs on the scalp as patches of scarring alopecia at the expanding margins of which are follicular pustules. Treatment of folliculitis decalvans is extremely difficult with a resultant poor prognosis. Photodynamic therapy has been reported to be effective in disorders as acne or folliculitis. We report one patient with folliculitis decalvans who was successfully treated with photodynamic therapy.     

Folliculitis decalvans-like pustular plaques on the limbs sparing the scalp

Folliculitis decalvans is a neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia characterised by progressive pustular folliculitis. Folliculitis decalvans is seen as a condition usually limited exclusively to the scalp and rarely affects the limbs. We present a case of a 63-year-old man with a 3-year history of progressive pustular folliculitis with inflammatory patches and central scarring alopecia on both forearms and a circumscribed patch on his right lower leg. His presentation, clinical course and isolation of Staphylococcus aureus together with the histopathological findings all supported a folliculitis decalvans-like pustular folliculitis limited to the limbs. Biopsies revealed follicular pustules, gross interfollicular fibrosis with plasma cells and concentric perifollicular fibrosis with lymphocytes, all features seen with folliculitis decalvans. The positive response to antibiotics combined with topical corticosteroids mirrored the response seen with scalp folliculitis decalvans. In contrast to the previously reported cases, the patient had no evidence of folliculitis decalvans on the scalp.     

Pseudopelade of Brocq

41 cases with scarring alopecia seen from 1979 to 1983 were analyzed and differentiated. After exclusion of 7 cases with lichen planopilaris, of 5 cases with discoid lupus erythematosus, of 2 cases with scleroderma, and of 1 case with folliculitis decalvans, there remained 26 cases. The clinical histological and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings in these patients suggest that pseudopelade of Brocq might be a distinct disease unrelated to other known types of scarring alopecia. The histopathology is characteristic, and shows the following features: little or only moderate lymphocytic infiltrate, absence of significant follicular plugging, and absence or decrease of sebaceous glands. DIF is negative, occasionally only IgM can be found at the basement membrane. The course of the disease is slowly progressive (in spite of little or no visible erythema), becoming eventually stationary after several years and resulting in a more or less severe permanent hair loss.     

Cicatricial alopecia as a manifestation of different dermatoses

There are numerous dermatoses which may cause cicatricial alopecia when localized on the scalp, such as chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), lichen planus, graft-versus-host disease, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, cicatricial pemphigoid, porphyria cutanea tarda, follicular mucinosis, perifolliculitis capitis abscedens, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, necrobiosis lipoidica, sarcoidosis, etc. Histologically, cicatricial alopecia is characterized by dermal scarring, along with absent or reduced hair follicles and reduced number of erector pili muscles. According to working classification of cicatricial alopecia by the North American Hair Society, primary cicatricial alopecia may be divided into the following categories: lymphocytic group (e.g., DLE, lichen planopilaris, classic pseudopelade (Brocq), central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia); neutrophilic group (e.g., folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis); and mixed group (e.g., folliculitis keloidalis). Over a 5-year period, 36 patients with cicatricial alopecia were hospitalized at our Department: DLE (n = 27), pseudopelade Brocq (n = 3), mucinosis follicularis (n = 2), and lichen planopilaris, folliculitis decalvans, folliculitis abscedens and folliculitis keloidalis (one patient each). Clinical evaluation was compared with histopathologic analysis of follicular architecture, as well as with the type, localization and extent of inflammatory infiltrate. Scalp biopsy was considered mandatory in all cases. Our experience indicates the need of more complex research to extend the knowledge about the etiopathogenesis and treatment options for cicatricial alopecia. We hope that this type of alopecia may attract more attention and research in the future.     

Tufted folliculitis of the scalp: a distinctive clinicohistological variant of folliculitis decalvans

Tufted folliculitis is an uncommon folliculitis of the scalp that resolves with patches of scarring alopecia within which multiple hair tufts emerge from dilated follicular orifices. The clinicohistological data from a group of 15 patients with tufted folliculitis were reviewed and compared with those of seven patients with folliculitis decalvans, five with acne keloidalis nuchae, four with dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, three with kerion celsi and 20 with follicular lichen planus. It was found that tufted folliculitis could be differentiated from folliculitis decalvans only by finding several hair tufts scattered within patches of scarring alopecia. Histologically, a single tuft consisted of peculiar clustering of adjacent follicular units opening at the bottom of an epidermal depression. Conversely, the presence of keloidal plaques in acne keloidalis nuchae, coalescing nodules discharging purulent material in dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, erythematous plaques covered by pustules replete with fungal elements in kerion celsi, and the absence of follicular pustules in follicular lichen planus distinguished these diseases from tufted folliculitis. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that tufted folliculitis should be considered as a distinctive clinicohistological variant of folliculitis decalvans. Tufting of hair is caused by clustering of adjacent follicular units due to a fibrosing process and to retention of telogen hairs within the involved follicular units.     

Folliculitis decalvans of the scalp: response to triple therapy with isotretinoin, clindamycin, and prednisolone

Folliculitis decalvans of the scalp is a recurrent, purulent follicular inflammation leading to scarring alopecia. We report on a 27-year-old man with folliculitis decalvans successfully treated with a combination of isotretinoin, corticosteroids, and clindamycin.     

A case of folliculitis decalvans involving the beard, face and nape

Folliculitis decalvans is a rare and chronic progressive hair disorder leading to scarring alopecia and atrophy. Its etiology is still unclear. It starts with areas of perifollicular erythema, and follicular papules and pustules spread peripherally, leaving central scarred patches of alopecia. We report a 27-year-old man who presented with folliculitis decalvans involving the scalp, face, nape, and beard. There were pustules, crusts, and scarring alopecia on the scalp and beard.     

Folliculitis decalvans

Two cases of folliculitis decalvans presenting with cicatricial alopecia over the scalp are reported for its rarity and clinical interest.     

Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans Associated with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae and Tufted Hair Folliculitis

Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans is a rare, X-linked disorder characterized by scarring alopecia of the scalp and eyebrows in the setting of widespread keratosis pilaris. Less frequent associations are ocular abnormalities and palmoplantar keratoderma. Acne keloidalis nuchae has previously been described in one patient with keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans. We report another case of keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans with acne keloidalis nuchae and tufted hair folliculitis, thus further establishing this association.     

Folliculitis decalvans: the use of dermatoscopy as an auxiliary tool in clinical diagnosis

Folliculitis decalvans is an inflammatory presentation of cicatrizing alopecia characterized by inflammatory perifollicular papules and pustules. It generally occurs in adult males, predominantly involving the vertex and occipital areas of the scalp. The use of dermatoscopy in hair and scalp diseases improves diagnostic accuracy. Some trichoscopic findings, such as follicular tufts, perifollicular erythema, crusts and pustules, can be observed in folliculitis decalvans. More research on the pathogenesis and treatment options of this disfiguring disease is required for improving patient management.     

Cimetidine improves the therapeutic/toxic ratio of dapsone in patients on chronic dapsone therapy

We have previously shown that cimetidine, given concurrently for 2 weeks to patients on chronic dapsone therapy, reduced methaemoglobinaemia by inhibiting the formation of the toxic hydro-xylamine metabolite of dapsone. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of this combination on the benefit/toxic ratio of dapsone over a longer period. Eight patients (six dermatitis herpetiformis, one linear IgA disease, one folliculitis decalvans) on long-term dapsone 50-100 mg daily, took cimetidine 1·6g daily concurrently for 3 months. At 3-weekly intervals, a clinical assessment was made, plasma dapsone and methaemoglobin were measured, and parameters of oxidative haemolysis were monitored. The dapsone level rose from 2298±849 ng/ml (mean+SD) at baseline to 3006±1131 ng/ml at week 3 of cimetidine (P<0·01). This rise in plasma dapsone was sustained during cimetidine administration, falling to 2446±954 ng/ml when cimetidine was stopped (P<0·02). The methaemoglobin fell from 5·5·2·2% (mean±SD) at baseline to 3·9±1·1% at week 3 (P<0·01). and remained low until week 12, when there was a return to baseline values (P<0·01). The haemoglobin did not change from the baseline of 12·7·0·3 g/dl (mean±SD), and other parameters of haemolysis were unaltered. There was a fall in the visual analogue score for headache (P<0·05), but this was not associated with any deterioration in control of the skin disorders. Hence, long-term concurrent cimetidine results in increased plasma dapsone levels without increased haemolysis, and is accompanied by reduced methaemoglobinaemia for more than 2 months. Cimetidine thus improves the therapeutic/toxic ratio of dapsone. Such a therapeutic strategy may be appropriate for patients who require high-dose dapsone, or those who are particularly susceptible to dapsone-induced haemotoxicity.     

Successful treatment of perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens with combined isotretinoin and dapsone

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS) is a rare scalp disease of unknown etiology which is hard to treat.It is often accompanied by scarring alopecia, acne conglobata, and recurrent fluctuant abscesses. PCAS belongs to the family of acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa). A 19-year-old man presented with PCAS for 2 years; multiple systemic antibiotic therapies and surgical approaches had shown no effect. Monotherapy with isotretinoin 80 mg daily for 4 weeks had not been successful. Combination therapy with dapsone 100 mg and isotretinoin 80 mg daily produced significant improvement. During 4 weeks of treatment significant clearing was achieved.Dapsone was reduced to 50 mg daily after 6 months, while isotretinoin was discontinued gradu-ally.Now the patient is on dapsone 50 mg every other day and has remained free of recurrences for 6 months.     

Successful etanercept therapy in therapy refractory acrodermatitis continua suppurativa Hallopeau

A 50-year-old patient presented with erythema, vesicles and pustules as well as interphalangeal joint pain. Acrodermatitis continua suppurativa Hallopeau was diagnosed. She was treated topically with glucocorticos-teroids, calcitriol, calcipotriol, tacrolimus and bath-PUVA therapy without any clear benefit. Systemic acitretin 0.75 mg/kg daily led to improvement but complete resolution could never be achieved.Because of acitretin-induced mucosal side effects and hair loss, the dose was reduced to 20 mg/d alternating with 10 mg/d. The disease flared again. Additional therapy with etanercept 2 x 25 mg subcutaneously weekly was started. Within four weeks all symptoms resolved. The joint pain disappeared and the nail growth improved. After six months, etanercept therapy was discontinued. Two weeks later the first rebound of pustules occurred. Etanercept was restarted and the patient cleared rapidly. Etanercept therapy can be a useful therapeutic approach in refractory acrodermatitis continua suppurativa Hallopeau.     

Evaluation of five treatment regimens, using either dapsone monotherapy or several doses of rifampicin in the treatment of paucibacillary leprosy

The objective of the present study was to define short-course treatment regimens for PB leprosy and to compare them with the 'classical' dapsone treatment and the WHO-PB regimen. Five treatment regimens were studied and evaluated by the histologic evolution. The regimens were: (1) dapsone 100 mg daily, non-supervised for 3 years; (2) RMP 900 mg supervised, once weekly, 8 doses; (3) idem 12 doses; (4) RMP 600 mg, once monthly, supervised, 6 doses and during this treatment dapsone 100 mg daily unsupervised; (5) RMP 600 mg together with dapsone 100 mg daily, supervised for 6 days. For each of these regimens there were between 114 and 195 person-years of follow-up. Results are comparable for the 5 treatment regimens, and reach 65-75% cure rates at 36 months and 80-90% at 48 months after the start of therapy. The relapse rate for all groups is about 0.5% per year. The difficulty for the diagnosis of relapse in PB leprosy is discussed. It is concluded that treatment of PB leprosy can be relatively simple but that a relatively long time is needed to evaluate its effect.     

Comparative efficacy of ketoconazole and fluconazole in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor: a one year follow-up study.

Pityriasis versicolor can be treated by a single or multiple dosage regime of ketoconazole as well as by fluconazole. The therapeutic efficacy of these two drugs has not been compared. One hundred and eighty patients with moderate to extensive pityriasis versicolor confirmed by KOH and Wood's lamp examination were randomly assigned to one of the four oral antifungal regimes: Ketoconazole 400 mg single dose (Category I), Ketoconazole 200 mg daily for 10 days (Category II), Fluconazole 400 mg single dose (Category III) or Fluconazole 150 mg per week for 4 weeks (Category IV). Follow up was done at 2 and 4 weeks and then at 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment in each group. KOH and Wood's lamp examinations were repeated each time. After four weeks of treatment, clinical cure was observed in 66.6% (Category I), 73.3% (Category II), 80% (Category III) and 59.9% (Category IV) of patients. Mycological cure after four weeks of treatment was observed in 53.3% (Category I), 73.3% (Category II), 82.2% (Category III) and 64.4% (Category IV) of patients. After twelve months of follow-up, maximum relapses were observed with Category I. No relapse was seen in Category III patients. The time period of relapse varied from three to ten months. In conclusion, single dose 400 mg oral fluconazole provided the best clinical as well as mycological cure rate with no relapse during twelve months of follow-up.     

Dapsone as a glucocorticoid-sparing agent in maintenance-phase pemphigus vulgaris

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dapsone on glucocorticoid-dependent patients with active or maintenance-phase pemphigus vulgaris. DESIGN: Retrospective study of consecutive patients treated with dapsone. SETTING: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (a tertiary referral hospital).Patients We observed 9 consecutive adult patients with pemphigus vulgaris being treated with immunosuppressants who were unable to taper prednisone use without abrupt worsening of their disease.Interventions Dapsone treatment added to prednisone and other immunosuppressive therapy.Main Outcome Measure Steroid dosage. RESULTS: All patients were unable to taper their steroid dose during the 3 months prior to the initiation of dapsone therapy or had active disease that was not well controlled by prednisone prior to dapsone treatment. With the exception of 1 patient with uncontrolled disease, all 9 patients were able to taper their steroid dose below the adrenal replacement level during dapsone treatment. Maintenance-phase patients taking 15 mg/d or more of prednisone (n = 5) experienced a mean +/- SEM drop of 67% +/- 7.1% in prednisone dose by 4 months of maximal dapsone treatment and an 84% +/- 3.5% drop in prednisone dose after 8 months of dapsone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These retrospective study findings suggest that dapsone reduces steroid dependence in patients with pemphigus vulgaris, provided they are in the maintenance phase of their disease. These data support the need for a prospective, randomized trial to confirm these findings.