Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp or perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens is a rare, chronic, progressive, suppurative disease of the scalp of unknown etiology. It is characterized by painful nodules, purulent drainage, burrowing interconnecting abscesses, and cicatricial alopecia. The...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPlastic and reconstructive surgery (1963) Vol. 77; no. 3; p. 378
Main Authors Williams, C N, Cohen, M, Ronan, S G, Lewandowski, C A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.03.1986
Subjects
Adult
Cellulitis - etiology
Cellulitis - pathology
Cellulitis - surgery
Humans
Male
Methods
Middle Aged
Scalp Dermatoses - etiology
Scalp Dermatoses - pathology
Scalp Dermatoses - surgery
Skin Transplantation
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Summary:Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp or perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens is a rare, chronic, progressive, suppurative disease of the scalp of unknown etiology. It is characterized by painful nodules, purulent drainage, burrowing interconnecting abscesses, and cicatricial alopecia. The pathogenesis is unknown, although it is probably related to follicular occlusion, secondary infection, and deep inflammation. Black men in their second to fourth decade are predominantly affected. Treatment varies from systemic antibiotics to incision and drainage, x-ray epilation of the affected areas, systemic steroid administration, and surgical excision. Our experience with four patients with extensive scalp disease is presented. Wide excision of the affected areas and splitthickness skin graft are favored as our treatment of choice.
ISSN:0032-1052
DOI:10.1097/00006534-198603000-00005