Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus: epidemiology and clinical relevance

Simultaneous occurrence of folliculitis decalvans capillitii in identical twins

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.