Refractory Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp Treated With Risankizumab

Abstract

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens or dissecting cellulitis (DC) is a rare and chronic disease with a predilection for the occipital, vertex, and parietal scalp. DC is characterized by multinodular lesions with purulent drainage and sinus tract formation. It is classically seen in middle-aged males of African descent. The etiology of the disease is unknown; however, leading theories suggest that stasis associated with follicular occlusion begets bacterial infection and follicular destruction with a subsequent granulomatous and neutrophilic response.1 This is supported by the suppurative nature of the disease and its association with acne conglobota, pilonidal cysts, and hidradenitis suppurativa. These conditions are thought to have a shared etiology and are also widely accepted as being due to follicular occlusion.1 The approach to treatment of DC is varied as there is no current consensus on management. We present the case of risankizumab, an IL-23 inhibitor, used to successfully treat DC. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(3): doi:10.36849/JDD.6699.