A Large Erosion of the Scalp

Authors: Neuville C*, Aubin F and Nardin C

DOI: 10.23880/cdoaj-16000269

Volume 7, Issue 2

Abstract

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare inflammatory disease affecting elderly people with photodamaged scalps. The typical signs include pustules, erosions, and crusts mainly occurring after a well-identified or unsuspected local trauma. The diagnosis may be difficult because it resembles and is often associated with most common diseases affecting the scalp and has no specific histologic patterns. The current article presents a case about an initially misdiagnosed EPDS. Our patient presented an atypical form, without any pustules, associated with an actinic keratosis (AK) histology compatible with the clinical picture. He was treated with topical corticosteroids with a complete remission in one month. The case underlines the importance of considering EPDS as a differential diagnosis of common diseases, such as AK and skin cancer, to avoid treatments that would worsen it (cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, surgery…) and lead to scarring.

Keywords: Pustular dermatosis; Actinic keratosis; Scalp

View PDF