TLDR A rare scalp condition mainly in older women can be treated with various alternatives to steroids, which may have fewer side effects.
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare condition that affects mainly older women and can be triggered by trauma, medications, and other conditions. Traditional treatment with high-potency topical corticosteroids often leads to recurrence and skin atrophy. Alternative treatments, including topical tacrolimus, photodynamic therapy, topical and oral dapsone, silicone gels, calcipotriol, acitretin, isotretinoin, and zinc sulfate, have shown effectiveness with fewer side effects. Cyclosporine is also effective but may have limiting adverse effects. The document highlights the importance of dermatologists recognizing the potential causes of EPDS and considering a range of treatments to reduce misdiagnosis, recurrence, and adverse effects.
9 citations
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March 2017 in “JAAD Case Reports” A woman's scalp condition improved with specific ointment after a hair piece caused skin issues.
53 citations
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February 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The conclusion is that high-potency steroids or tacrolimus are effective treatments for erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp.
21 citations
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January 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Latanoprost may cause scalp inflammation and delayed healing.
16 citations
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October 2013 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” Scalp condition healed with prednisone and tacrolimus.
22 citations
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August 2011 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Topical tacrolimus can effectively treat erosive pustular dermatosis and related hair loss.
52 citations
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February 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” A 93-year-old woman developed a rare scalp condition after therapy, which improved with steroids, not antibiotics.
23 citations
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November 2007 in “Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery” Topical tacrolimus effectively treated scalp lesions, reversed skin atrophy, and promoted hair growth.
38 citations
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November 2006 in “Pediatric dermatology” Infants with scalp injuries developed a skin condition that improved with steroid creams.
187 citations
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May 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Topical steroids can manage chronic scalp pustules in elderly women.
22 citations
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October 2007 in “JDDG Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” Combining isotretinoin and dapsone effectively treated a challenging scalp condition.
