Background
Tufted hair folliculitis is a rare, progressive pattern of scarring alopecia that affects the scalp. Its characteristic feature is the presence of groups of 10-15 hairs emerging from a single follicular opening. The cause of this disorder is unknown. Tufts of hair associated with scars have been described in association with several other forms of alopecia. It is probable that tufted hair folliculitis represents an advanced stage of follicular injury seen in several types of scarring alopecia.
Pathophysiology
Tufted hair folliculitis affects hair follicles of the scalp. Biopsy specimens demonstrate convergence of follicular infundibula, with multiple hairs emerging from a single follicular opening, while the lower portions of the hair follicle are separate and unaffected by the scarring process. Staphylococcal organisms frequently are cultured from lesions of tufted hair folliculitis, but their role in pathogenesis is unclear.[1]
Epidemiology
Frequency
United States
Rare
International
Rare
Mortality/Morbidity
Mortality from tufted hair folliculitis has not been reported. Morbidity is limited to localized discomfort and cosmetic disfigurement from loss of hair.
Race
No racial predilection is recognized for tufted hair folliculitis.
Sex
No sex predilection is recognized for tufted hair folliculitis.
Age
Tufted hair folliculitis has been reported only in adults. It has been reported primarily in individuals in the fourth and fifth decades of life.
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