A Male with Erythema, Pustules, and Crusts on the Scalp

January 2022 in “ Clinical Cases in Dermatology ”

Peiyu Liao, Lin Dang

erythema pustules crusts scalp erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp EPDS scarring alopecia topical tacrolimus oral isotretinoin skin grafting sun exposure tacrolimus isotretinoin

TLDR A rare scalp condition was successfully treated with specific medications after 9 months.

A 22-year-old Asian man with an 8-year history of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) presented with pustules, erosions, and crusts, leading to scarring alopecia. Biopsy showed acanthosis, absence of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and a slight inflammatory infiltrate. Treatment with topical tacrolimus and oral isotretinoin resolved the lesions after 9 months. EPDS is rare, with no established standard of care, though various treatments like oral isotretinoin and topical tacrolimus have been reported.

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Research cited in this study

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