Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp Following Hair Transplantation: A Rare Complication
February 2025
in “
Cureus
”
TLDR Hair transplants can rarely cause scalp inflammation leading to hair loss, needing early detection and treatment.
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare inflammatory condition that can lead to scarring alopecia, typically affecting the elderly. This report presents a rare case of a 31-year-old male developing EPDS after undergoing follicular unit extraction (FUE) for androgenetic alopecia. Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological examination. Although initial treatment with topical steroids provided temporary relief, the condition relapsed, requiring high-potency topical corticosteroids for effective management. The case highlights the need for early recognition of EPDS and suggests that surgical trauma may trigger the condition in younger individuals. With the rising popularity of hair transplantation, awareness of rare complications like EPDS is crucial for timely diagnosis and prevention of irreversible alopecia.