How long does a steroid injection take to work for folliculitis decalvans?

Folliculitis decalvans causes inflammation around scalp hair follicles and can lead to pustules, crusting, tenderness, and scarring hair loss. An intralesional injection targets selected active areas; reduced soreness, drainage, or redness can be an early sign of response. Existing scarred areas may not regrow hair simply because inflammation has improved. The timing depends on how active and extensive the scalp disease is, and one treated area does not necessarily reflect the whole scalp.

Attend follow-up as scheduled so active follicles and any new symptoms can be assessed. Use only the shampoos, topical medicines, or antibiotics recommended for your scalp. Do not pick crusts or squeeze pustules, and avoid hairstyles or products that increase friction on tender areas. Take occasional photographs in similar lighting if your dermatologist finds this useful for tracking change.

Contact your dermatologist if pain, pus, crusting, or redness is increasing, if tender areas are spreading, or if you notice faster hair loss. Fever or rapidly worsening swelling needs prompt medical assessment. Report a marked indentation, light or dark patch, or persistent soreness at an injection site.

How will we judge whether scalp inflammation is responding? Which areas need injection, and what other treatment is needed? How should I protect follicles that already show scarring?