Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare condition marked by pustular, erosive, and crusted lesions leading to scarring alopecia, with unknown etiology but potential triggers like trauma and UV exposure. A 45-year-old man with a 1-year history of such lesions showed negative results in various laboratory tests and non-diagnostic histopathology. Despite partial or no response to antibiotics, steroids, and nimesulide, complete resolution was achieved with isotretinoin (0.75 mg/kg/day) within a few months, with no relapse after 1 year. EPDS often relapses and responds poorly to common treatments, but systemic retinoids may offer a promising solution.