Re: Just got diagnosed with folliculitis decalvans...now what?

Hi pillbug,

I was diagnosed with FD about 5 1/2 years ago. I have been on minocycline, cephalexin and some other antibiotics along with antibiotic cream or steroid creams. They have all significantly improved the condition while taking them but as I'm sure you already know, it comes back when the drugs stop. The longest period of "remission" for me was 2 months. Last fall after a bad flare up in summer, I was on antiobiotics for 3 months til December then was relatively clear. There was still itching & scaling but no pustules til summer. Then it flared again. I did a partial shave around the area but couldn't get all the hair removed because of the crusting. Having the area clearer helped but without total removal, it definitely wasn't a total fix. (by the way, I am a woman.) Now, I am trying something totally different. I had my first appointment with a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor. He did acupunture and gave me herbal cream to put on the inflamed infected area. It feels somewhat better with the cream on it, but there's a long way to go before I'll be able to know if it's helping. The Dr. recommends 10 treatments, 2 per week for chronic conditions, then go from there. He was truthful and said skin conditions are tough. He's had huge success with pain problems, infertility and cancer but we'll see with this.
If you go the dermatologist route, I totally agree with the above post, see a specialist at a local university hospital. They have much more experience. And keep researching now while you're newly diagnosed. I never ever thought I'd go to an acupuncturist, but there I was yesterday with needles sticking out of my neck, hands and scalp!
Good luck to you!
Dipper

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