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Case Reports
. 2022 Sep-Oct;14(5):178-180.
doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_105_21. Epub 2022 Oct 7.

Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: Report of Three Cases

Affiliations
Case Reports

Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp: Report of Three Cases

Sowmya S Aithal et al. Int J Trichology. 2022 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is a chronic cutaneous condition presenting with areas of erosions and pustules, healing with scarring and alopecia. We report three such cases presenting with pus-filled lesions of the scalp with nonspecific pathological changes. This condition is often misdiagnosed and shows a poor response to antibiotics. Clinical suspicion is of primary importance for early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Keywords: Cicatricial alopecia; erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp; pustular disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Clinical picture of the scalp of the first case showing areas of alopecia with crusting and depigmented patches
Figure 2
Figure 2
Histopathological examination showed intraepidermal neutrophil aggregates with marked spongiosis and ulceration. Dermis showed dense lymphocytic infiltrate
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Second case showing atrophic areas of alopecia, erosions, and a few crusted lesions (b) Mild improvement with the healing of erosions seen after topical steroid application
Figure 4
Figure 4
Third case showing areas of depigmentation, diffuse alopecia, and crusted lesions over the scalp

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