Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp Mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Can Dermoscopy Be Helpful?

The study investigates the diagnostic challenges of Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp (EPDS), which often mimics Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Conducted in two Italian dermatological centers from 2017 to 2023, the retrospective cohort study included 43 patients initially diagnosed with SCC, later confirmed as EPDS through histology. The study found that EPDS is frequently misdiagnosed as SCC due to similar clinical and dermoscopic features, such as targetoid structures and polymorphic vessels. The findings emphasize the importance of biopsy for accurate diagnosis to prevent unnecessary treatments, as clinical and dermoscopic criteria alone may not be specific enough to distinguish between EPDS and SCC.