Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp
September 2021
in “
CRC Press eBooks
”
dissecting cellulitis of the scalp neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia inflammatory cystic nodules plaques sinuses permanent scarring hair loss follicular occlusion hidradenitis suppurativa acne conglobata pilonidal cysts pustules nodules sterile abscesses genetic factors hormonal factors environmental factors neutrophil activity microbiota trichoscopic features double-bordered 3D yellow dots linear scars DCS scarring alopecia cystic nodules scalp plaques scalp sinuses scalp scarring hair regrowth scalp pustules scalp nodules scalp abscesses genetic causes hormonal causes environmental causes neutrophil involvement scalp microbiota scalp trichoscopy yellow dots scalp scars
Studysummary This review discusses dissecting cellulitis of the scalp and reports no new clinical findings.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a severe form of neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia predominantly affecting African-American men, characterized by inflammatory cystic nodules, plaques, and sinuses that lead to permanent scarring and hair loss if untreated. The condition begins with follicular occlusion, similar to hidradenitis suppurativa, acne conglobata, and pilonidal cysts, and progresses through stages of pustules, nodules, and sterile abscesses. Genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, along with neutrophil activity and microbiota, are implicated in its pathogenesis. Early treatment can result in partial hair regrowth, while advanced stages show distinctive trichoscopic features such as double-bordered 3D yellow dots and linear scars.