Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Gefitinib-Induced Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: A Report with a Brief Review of the Literature

Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor used for treating non-small cell lung carcinoma, can lead to rare adverse effects such as erosive pustular dermatosis (EPD) of the scalp, resulting in scarring alopecia. This case report discusses a 65-year-old female patient who developed papulo-pustular lesions on the scalp after four months of gefitinib therapy, leading to hair loss. Trichoscopic and histopathological examinations confirmed scarring alopecia due to gefitinib-induced EPD. Despite treatment with antibiotics and steroids, the lesions persisted until gefitinib was discontinued, after which the pustules resolved but hair did not regrow. This highlights the potential for EGFR inhibitors to cause significant dermatological side effects, including permanent hair loss, which should be considered when prescribing these medications.