What is folliculitis decalvans?

Folliculitis decalvans (Quinquaud’s disease) is a rare, scarring alopecia of unknown etiology. Clinically, it presents as follicular-based pustules that may assume annular or circinate configurations. The pustules rapidly form crusts; in many patients, the crusts may predominate. The hairs are permanently lost, leaving patches of atrophic hairless skin. Treatment is generally unsatisfactory; topical corticosteroids and oral antibiotics are typically used. Anecdotal reports have described isolated success with oral rifampin or oral zinc sulfate.