Does steroid injection into the skin treat folliculitis decalvans?

Folliculitis decalvans is an inflammatory scalp condition affecting hair follicles. It can cause tender bumps, pustules, crusting, and areas where hairs appear in small tufts. Ongoing inflammation can damage follicles and lead to scarring hair loss.

An intralesional steroid delivers anti-inflammatory medicine into selected active areas. The aim is to calm inflammation and symptoms, not to restore a follicle that has already been replaced by scar tissue. A dermatologist may combine local treatment with other measures chosen after examining the scalp.

Arrange review with a dermatologist experienced in inflammatory scalp disorders, particularly if pustules, crusting, or spreading hair loss are present. Avoid picking crusts and use only scalp products recommended for you, since irritation can make symptoms harder to assess.

Before treatment, discuss the areas to be treated, the expected purpose, and alternatives. Tell the clinician about scalp infections, allergies, medicines, and previous injections. Keep scheduled follow-up appointments so activity can be checked and the plan adjusted.

Seek prompt assessment for rapidly expanding redness, increasing pain, heavy drainage, fever, or feeling unwell. Contact your dermatologist when hair loss is progressing, new pustules are appearing, or the scalp becomes markedly tender. Early review helps distinguish active inflammation from irritation or infection.

Is the scalp showing active folliculitis decalvans or mainly established scarring? Which areas would an injection target? What other treatment is needed to control the condition? How will we monitor hair loss, tenderness, and possible injection-site changes?