Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: A Neutrophilic Folliculitis Within the Spectrum of Neutrophilic Dermatoses
August 2019
in “
Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology
”
erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp neutrophilic folliculitis androgenetic alopecia squamous cell carcinoma mechanical trauma surgical procedures spongiotic infundibulo-folliculitis suppurative infundibulo-folliculitis high-potency steroids neutrophilic dermatoses EPDS androgenic alopecia high-strength steroids
TLDR Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is a type of skin inflammation often confused with other conditions, requiring continuous treatment.
In a retrospective study of 30 elderly patients, researchers found that erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a neutrophilic folliculitis that can be mistaken for other conditions like squamous cell carcinoma. The study, which analyzed cases from 2011 to 2016, included 22 men and 8 women, with 19 patients having androgenetic alopecia. EPDS was triggered by factors such as mechanical trauma and surgical procedures, and symptoms ranged from tiny erosive lesions to crusted hemorrhagic plaques. Histopathologic examination showed spongiotic and suppurative infundibulo-folliculitis in 8 cases. Treatment with high-potency steroids was effective but relapses occurred after withdrawal. The study suggests that EPDS is within the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses and highlights the need for ongoing management and further research to understand its pathogenesis.
