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.