DISSECTING CELLULITIS
Other names: perfolliculitis capitis abscedens and suffodiens
What is dissecting cellulitis?
- Dissecting cellulitis is an uncommon type of scarring hair loss condition that predominantly affects black and hispanic men aged 20-40.
- Affected individuals notice pustules and soft boggy nodules of the scalp that drain pus and sometimes blood.
- Hair loss develops in the area.
- Some patients also develop boil-like lesions in the armpit area or the groin (called hidradenitis) and some patients develop very bad acne-like lesions.
How is dissecting cellulitis diagnosed?
- Often dissecting cellulitis can be diagnosed by visual examination by an experienced dermatologist.
- A scalp biopsy is not usually needed but may be done in more challenging diagnoses
What is the treatment for dissecting cellulitis?
- Treatment for dissecting cellulitis is challenging but include:
- a range of antibiotics (cephalexin for example)
- isotretinoin
- TNF inhibitory medications.