A Practical Algorithm for the Management of Superficial Folliculitis of the Scalp: 10 Years of Clinical and Dermoscopy Experience.

INTRODUCTION

Superficial folliculitis of the scalp (SFS) is a common complaint in clinical practice, and initial presentation may be difficult to differentiate as they may appear very similar to each other.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this thesis is to describe the pathologies that occur clinically as folliculitis of the scalp, identify their causes and characteristics and create a standardized classification.

METHODS

This is a retrospective clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological study over 10 years of dermatologic consultations. Only individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of SFS (updated diagnostic criteria or biopsy) were included.

RESULTS

In this review, we describe the various clinical features of different causes of SFS in ninety-nine cases and divided into infectious due to fungus, bacteria, or virus and inflammatory conditions such as rosacea, acneiform eruption and Ofuji syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinician must differentiate SFS from other underlying scarring disorders to prevent poorer outcomes. We created an algorithm to help the clinician reach a proper diagnosis.