Treatments for Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp: A Systematic Review and Treatment Algorithm

September 2023 in “ Dermatology and therapy ”

Rahul Masson, Charlotte Y. Jeong, Elaine Ma, Ashley Crew, Natalie M. Fragoso, Vivian Y. Shi, Jennifer L. Hsiao

dissecting cellulitis of the scalp DCS scarring alopecia systemic antibiotics oral retinoids biologics procedural treatments combination agents topical treatments photodynamic therapy scalp cellulitis antibiotics retinoids biologic drugs PDT

TLDR More research is needed to find the best treatment for dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to abscesses, nodules, fistulas, and scarring alopecia, making it difficult to manage. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCS treatments by analyzing 110 relevant articles involving 417 patients. Most studies were case reports or series, with treatment options including systemic antibiotics, oral retinoids, biologics, procedural treatments, combination agents, and topical treatments. Oral retinoids and photodynamic therapy were the most studied interventions. The review highlights the need for randomized controlled trials to establish a robust, evidence-based treatment approach for DCS.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Report of a Patient with Acne Conglobata and Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens

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A patient with a rare scalp condition showed improvement with isotretinoin and other medications.

research North American Clinical Management Guidelines for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Publication from the United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations

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research Dissecting Folliculitis (Dissecting Cellulitis) of the Scalp: A 66-Patient Case Series and Proposal of Classification

17 citations , August 2018 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Researchers found that dissecting folliculitis of the scalp is linked to obesity, severity increases with duration and number of nodules, and early treatment is important to prevent scarring.

research Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp with Excellent Response to Isotretinoin

16 citations , April 2017 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

Oral isotretinoin effectively treated the man's painful scalp condition and hair loss.

Dissecting Cellulitis (Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens): A Comprehensive Review Focusing on New Treatments and Findings of the Last Decade with Commentary Comparing the Therapies and Causes of Dissecting Cellulitis to Hidradenitis Suppurativa

research Dissecting Cellulitis (Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens): A Comprehensive Review Focusing on New Treatments and Findings of the Last Decade with Commentary Comparing the Therapies and Causes of Dissecting Cellulitis to Hidradenitis Suppurativa

48 citations , January 2014 in “Dermatology Online Journal”

New treatments for Dissecting cellulitis show promise, but more research is needed to understand the disease and establish a standard treatment plan.

research Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review

165 citations , January 2014 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

Zinc is effective for treating various skin conditions, including warts and acne.

research Successful Treatment of Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens With Combined Isotretinoin and Dapsone

22 citations , October 2007 in “JDDG Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Combining isotretinoin and dapsone effectively treated a challenging scalp condition.

research Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens in an 18-Year-Old Aboriginal Canadian Patient: Case Report and Literature Review

6 citations , January 2007 in “Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery”

The article concludes that careful examination is crucial for the timely diagnosis and treatment of a rare scalp condition in an Aboriginal Canadian teenager.

research Modern External Beam Radiation Therapy for Refractory Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp

36 citations , April 2005 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for severe scalp cellulitis with mild side effects and no long-term complications.

research Use of an 800-nm Pulsed-Diode Laser in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp

51 citations , October 2002 in “Archives of dermatology”

The document does not conclude the effectiveness of the 800-nm pulsed-diode laser for treating scalp cellulitis.

research Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens

31 citations , October 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology”

The man's scalp condition did not improve with tetracycline treatment.

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Research cited in this study

research Report of a Patient with Acne Conglobata and Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens

research North American Clinical Management Guidelines for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Publication from the United States and Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundations

research Dissecting Folliculitis (Dissecting Cellulitis) of the Scalp: A 66-Patient Case Series and Proposal of Classification

research Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp with Excellent Response to Isotretinoin

research Dissecting Cellulitis (Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens): A Comprehensive Review Focusing on New Treatments and Findings of the Last Decade with Commentary Comparing the Therapies and Causes of Dissecting Cellulitis to Hidradenitis Suppurativa

research Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review

research Successful Treatment of Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens With Combined Isotretinoin and Dapsone

research Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens in an 18-Year-Old Aboriginal Canadian Patient: Case Report and Literature Review

research Modern External Beam Radiation Therapy for Refractory Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp

research Use of an 800-nm Pulsed-Diode Laser in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp

research Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens

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