Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp treated by tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: a case series

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS), also known as Hoffmann disease or perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens, is a rare disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the scalp. Treatment is difficult and often disappointing.

To report our experience of TNF inhibitors in a series of patients with DCS.

We conducted a monocentric retrospective study of nine patients with DCS treated with TNF blocker after failure of other conventional treatments.

After a mean duration of treatment by TNF inhibitors of 17 ± 16 months, four patients (44% versus 0%) had a Physician's Global Assessment score of 0 or 1. We observed a 67% reduction in the number of inflammatory nodules, an 88% reduction in purulent drainage and a 45% improvement in Dermatology Life Quality Index. The mean treatment satisfaction index was 6.6 ± 1.6 out of 10.

Our study suggests that TNF inhibitors are effective against disease activity and may improve quality of life in the management of DCS refractory to conventional treatments.