Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp

Authors

  • Cinthya Vanessa González Laguna San Isidro Central Hospital, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Miranda D’Angella Esparza San Isidro Central Hospital, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
  • María Gabriela Montecchiesi San Isidro Central Hospital, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
  • Juliana Cabrera Cisneros San Isidro Central Hospital, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
  • Andrea Vanesa Giuliani Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse San Isidro Central Hospital, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47196/da.v31i2.2876

Keywords:

dissecting cellulitis, dissecting folliculitis, scarring alopecia, isotretinoin

Abstract

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp is an alopecia of the neutrophilic type that belongs to the group of primary scarring alopecias. It is considered an inflammatory dermatosis of chronic, recurrent course that mainly affects black men; it is characterized by the formation of painful and suppurative nodules on the scalp, which may progress to scar formation and permanent alopecia. This case report describes the successful management of a patient with dissecting cellulitis of the scalp using isotretinoin and intralesional corticosteroids. The importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent complications and improve quality of life is emphasized.

Author Biographies

Cinthya Vanessa González Laguna, San Isidro Central Hospital, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fourth-year student, Dermatology Service

Miranda D’Angella Esparza, San Isidro Central Hospital, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Third-year student, Dermatology Service

María Gabriela Montecchiesi, San Isidro Central Hospital, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Chief Resident and Fellow, Dermatology Department

Juliana Cabrera Cisneros, San Isidro Central Hospital, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Dermatologist, Dermatology Department

Andrea Vanesa Giuliani, Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse San Isidro Central Hospital, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Head of the Dermatology Service

References

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III. Melo DF, Trüeb RM, Dutra H, Modesto M, Andrade-Lima D, et ál. Low-dose isotretinoin as a therapeutic option for dissecting cellulitis. Dermatologic Therapy. 2020;e14273.

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VI. Bernárdez C, Molina-Ruiz AM, Requena L. Histopatología de las alopecias. Parte II: alopecias cicatriciales. Actas Dermo-sifiliográficas. 2015;106:260-270.

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VIII. Guo W, Zhu C, Stevens G, Silverstein D. Analyzing the efficacy of isotretinoin in treating dissecting cellulitis: A literature review and meta-Analysis. Drugs R D. 2021;21: 29-37.

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Published

2025-08-01

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2025): May-August

Section

Clinical Cases

License

Copyright (c) 2025 on behalf of the authors. Reproduction rights: Argentine Society of Dermatology

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