TLDR Oral zinc and topical steroids can effectively treat chronic scalp pustules and hair loss in elderly patients.
Erosive pustulosis of the scalp, a rare condition primarily affecting the elderly, often follows local trauma and leads to chronic pustules and scarring alopecia. In three cases (ages 66, 87, and one unspecified), the condition developed after surgical procedures on the scalp. Treatment with oral zinc gluconate and topical steroids resulted in significant improvement, suggesting this combination as a potential therapeutic option for this chronic and often disabling condition.
187 citations,
May 1979 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Topical steroids can manage chronic scalp pustules in elderly women.
January 2005 in “Digest of the World Core Medical Journals” Oral zinc gluconate and topical steroids significantly improved a rare scalp condition in three elderly patients.
98 citations,
May 2008 in “British Journal of Dermatology” There are many treatments for permanent hair loss disorders, but their effectiveness varies and there's no clear best option.
13 citations,
June 2020 in “International Journal of Dermatology” A rare scalp condition mainly in older women can be treated with various alternatives to steroids, which may have fewer side effects.
18 citations,
October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are key for managing rare scalp disorders that cause permanent hair loss.
February 2024 in “PloS one” Tofacitinib and adalimumab are promising treatments for cicatricial alopecia with few side effects.
