title: Simultaneous occurrence of folliculitis decalvans capillitii in identical twins.
abstract: Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic purulent folliculitis resulting in permanent hair loss and follicular atrophy. We report 32-year-old identical female twins presenting with relapsing pruritic outbreaks on the scalp resulting in areas of permanent baldness. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in the lesions of both women. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of folliculitis decalvans. Immunological testing showed no alteration of the immune system. To our knowledge, this is the first report on folliculitis decalvans occurring in identical twins, suggesting a possible genetic component in this disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg, D-93042 Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Douwes
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Landthaler
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Szeimies
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001252:Astringents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005499:Folliculitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013207:Staphylococcal Skin Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D019287:Zinc Sulfate / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001252:Astringents; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D019287:Zinc Sulfate; D015474:Isotretinoin; D008775:Methylprednisolone