Fusion Follicles: Compound Follicles = More than 6 Hairs

Compound Follicles = More than 6 Hairs

Compound Hair Follicles are hair follicles with more than the normal number of hairs emerging from a single hair follicle opening. In this photo, we see some of the earliest signs of a condition known as folliculitis decalvans. The scalp is red and scaly and there is a clear tendency for hair follicles to fuse together. The arrow points to 9 hair follicles all grouped together and emerging from the single opening. This so called compound follicle is commonly seen in many patients with folliculitis decalvans as well as some other scarring alopecias as well.

Treatment with topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, retinoids, topical and/or intralesional corticosteroids are the best primary options in managing the disease.