Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pathology

Background:

• Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens) is a rare, chronic, suppurative scalp condition.
• Its etiology is unknown, but likely involves follicular occlusion, infection, and inflammation, presenting with nodules, drainage, and scarring alopecia.
• The condition predominantly affects Black men aged 20-40.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the authors' experience with treating four patients who had extensive scalp dissecting cellulitis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical excision and split-thickness skin grafting for this condition.

Main Methods:

• Review of four cases of extensive dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.
• Surgical treatment involving wide excision of affected scalp areas.
• Reconstruction using split-thickness skin grafts.

Main Results:

• Successful treatment outcomes were achieved in the four presented cases.
• Wide excision and skin grafting were effective in managing extensive disease and achieving cicatrization.

Conclusions:

• Surgical excision combined with split-thickness skin grafting is a favored and effective treatment for extensive dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.
• This approach addresses the complex pathology and leads to favorable cosmetic and functional results.