Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: A Clinicopathologic Study of Fifty Cases
September 2021
in “
Dermatopathology
”
Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp scarring alopecia androgenetic alopecia erythematous erosions crusts biopsies ultrapotent topical steroids systemic treatment autoinflammatory dermatoses EPDS scarring hair loss male pattern baldness red erosions strong topical steroids inflammatory skin conditions
TLDR The conclusion is that Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp is a rare condition best treated with strong topical steroids and sometimes systemic treatment.
The study analyzed 50 patients diagnosed with Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp (EPDS), a rare disorder that leads to scarring alopecia. The disease presentation varied significantly, with the most common manifestation being slightly erythematous erosions and crusts. The study found that androgenetic alopecia was present in 32 patients and triggering factors were present in 21 patients. Biopsies showed nonspecific pathologic changes in 39 out of 50 cases, while in 11 patients with a hair-bearing scalp, histopathologic examination showed specific changes. The study concluded that EPDS is a diagnosis of exclusion and should be considered as part of the spectrum of autoinflammatory dermatoses. The most effective treatment was ultrapotent topical steroids, with some patients requiring systemic treatment.
