Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp Following Hair Transplantation: A Rare Complication

February 2025 in “ Cureus ”

Guillermo Antonio Guerrero-González, Mayra A. Reyes‐Soto, D Quintero, Jorge A. González-Chapa

erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp scarring alopecia follicular unit extraction androgenetic alopecia topical steroids high-potency topical corticosteroids clinical examination dermoscopic examination histopathological examination EPDS FUE

Studysummary In this case report, a 31-year-old man developed erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp after hair transplant surgery, highlighting potential surgical trauma as a trigger for this condition in younger patients.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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.

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Research cited in this study

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research Erosive Pustular Dermatosis: Delving Into Etiopathogenesis and Management

1 citations , December 2022 in “Life”

This review systematically analyzed evidence on treatment options for erosive pustular dermatosis, finding that while potent topical steroids like clobetasol propionate can be effective, recurrence is common, and more robust studies are necessary for stronger recommendations.

research Inflammatory Complications After Hair Transplantation: Report of 10 Cases

1 citations , July 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study reports that inflammatory complications, like lichen planopilaris, can occur after hair transplantation for androgenetic alopecia, despite being rare.

research Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: A Clinicopathologic Study of Fifty Cases

4 citations , September 2021 in “Dermatopathology”

This study suggests that erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp may be part of the spectrum of autoinflammatory dermatoses, rather than a unique skin disorder.

research Therapeutic Options for Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: A Systematic Review

34 citations , March 2020 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study suggests that topical corticosteroids, potentially combined with oral zinc and followed by topical calcineurin inhibitors, may be effective for managing erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp.

research Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: A Neutrophilic Folliculitis Within the Spectrum of Neutrophilic Dermatoses

25 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study concluded that erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp may be a type of spongiotic, pustular superficial folliculitis, sharing similarities with other neutrophilic dermatoses.

research Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: Clinical, Trichoscopic, and Histopathologic Features of 20 Cases

53 citations , February 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study of 20 patients with erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp, using trichoscopy improved diagnosis, and treatments with high-potency steroids or topical tacrolimus effectively reduced inflammatory signs, suggesting these as first-line treatments.

research Erosive Pustulosis of the Scalp: 3 Cases

9 citations , May 2005 in “Annales de dermatologie et de vénéréologie”

In this study, three patients with erosive pustulosis of the scalp showed significant improvement when treated with oral zinc gluconate and topical steroids.

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

49 citations , January 2005 in “Dermatology”

This case study found that isotretinoin treatment achieved complete resolution of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp in a patient, suggesting systemic retinoids as a potential treatment option.

research Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp

187 citations , May 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this report, six elderly women with a novel pustular dermatosis of the scalp experienced chronic lesions unresponsive to antibiotics but were effectively managed with potent topical steroids.