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Scalp Follicultis?

Posted By Christopher (Boston, Massachusetts) on 05/05/2008

As I type this post I have approximately 10 bumps on my scalp ranging from 1 to 3 cm in diameter. They don't itch that much, they are more painful/tender. My Story I'm nearly 30. When I was 17, I underwent a treatment of Accutance for mild acne on my face. In the months following the completion of the treatment I began getting small red bumps on my scalp. In the 2 years following the treatment, the bumps continued and the acne took root on my face once again. At age 20 I underwent a second treatment of Accutane. Again, the facial acne cleared. The small red bumps as well cleared. In the months after the treatment, however, the red bumps returned and were a bit larger. In the 2 years after the treatment I was placed on a litany of medications: Minocycline, Tetracycline, Bactrim etc. At age 23, after years of failed remedies, I was placed on a long-term low dosage treatment of Accutane (10mg every 3 days). Finally, I had my cure for the red bumps on my scalp. As well, the occasional pimple was nonexistent. Around age 28, after years of low dosage treatment of Accutane, and many pimple and folliculitus free days, I began to grow concerned about the potential adverse affects this medication would cause my liver, in addition to any other area of my body. I eventually ended the long term Accutane treatment. In the months following the cessation of the treatment I began using Proactive. For whatever reason (i.e., the previous medications, age, Proactive) the occasional pimple did not return (knock on wood, twice). The red bumps on my scalp, however, returned. Not only did they return, they returned with a vengeance. On average, I have 5-8 large bumps on my scalp. They persist on the back and sides of my scalp. Occasionally, they pop up on the crown. Rarely, they appear on my frontal hairline.

My Questions The first and obvious question: how can I rid myself of this annoying situation? I've been to several dermatologists. They tend to give prescriptions like a Vegas casino dealer dealing cards. I'm reluctant to embark on another journey through the various medications. My second question: Through my reading I've become slightly paranoid (not my nature) that I might be losing hair in the affected areas. I don't see any evidence of this. In my research, however, I've seen a trend. Thus, my question, is there any reason to believe that a mild to moderate outbreak will completely terminate a hair follicle? Thank you in advance for your time spent reading my message.

Replied by Sarah (Felixstowe, Suffolk, England, UK) on 08/26/2008

In reply to Christopher's mail 5/5/08... My husband is also went on Roacutane approx 12 years ago for facial acne. However in the last 8 years or so has been sufferrering from Follicitus Decalvans which you describe spot on in your comments. Follicitus is barbers rash where as Decalvans specifically affects the scalp. Ive looked up soo many links on the web you wouldnt believe. My husband has seen GP's and Dermatolists that have prescribed the same antibiotics you name. Unfortunately all they do is control the problem and do not give any cure. We have since been totally ripped off to by a London Trichologist so be warned if you are considering this route. Many Trichologists will not even entertain Follicitus Declvans and will refer you straight back to a Dermatologist. From what you descibe if you search on the internet you will soon get pictures up of the same. My husband also only really suffers on the crown on his head, its never really spread forward and although the lumps are in some sort of remission at present they always come back. He is just left with what I would call plugging, ie it looks like implants but is in fact where the folicles have scarred and forced too many hairs out of the same whole. Im sorry this does not given any real answers but Im trying to contact the British Association of Dermatoligists and also St John's Clinic based in St Thomas's Hospital in London on the quest to find somebody that knows more about this disease. I will certainly let you know if I find anything out. Cheers, Sarah

Replied by Yara (Boston, Ma) on 07/17/2011

Hi,

I have been having these red spots on my arm for quite some time now. I searched the internet it gave me Folicultis. But the thing is it says that it is supposed to be ichy and it is not, I think it was at first. Is ths follicultis? and wil the vinger remedy work on arms? thank u

Replied by Maria (Gippsland, Auatralia) on 07/18/2011

Hi Yara, It can be a sign of vit-c deficiency. I have seen this (on the upper arms) gradually disappear after it has been there for several years, even two decades, with increased vit-c intake, 3-8g in divided doses daily. All the best, Maria

Replied by Honeysuckle Flowers (San Jose, Jose) on 05/29/2012

Hi, I had the same problem on my scalp for years... more than 10 years now. I've been to specialists.. And on antibiotics... they didn't help.

Finally, I went to a Chinese Herbalist and he gave me honeysuckle flowers to bring home, boil it and drink it . My scalp has been clear since. Please find one in your area and try it.

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