Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

Information for Patients

View all Images (38)

Dissecting cellulitis of scalp - Hair and Scalp
See also in: Cellulitis DDx
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Dissecting cellulitis of scalp - Hair and Scalp

See also in: Cellulitis DDx
Contributors: Vivian Wong MD, PhD, Mary Gail Mercurio MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, also known as perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS), is a neutrophilic scarring alopecia with an abnormal inflammatory response to staphylococcal antigens. This association is linked to a propensity for follicular occlusion and dramatic secondary inflammatory changes to proinflammatory stimuli, such as bacterial infection. The follicle occludes, dilates, and ruptures, and the keratin promotes an inflammatory response in conjunction with a secondary staphylococcal infection attracting neutrophils.

The condition typically affects black men between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can occur in other ethnicities, in women, and in children. Dissecting cellulitis usually affects the vertex (although the entire scalp can be involved), producing boggy or fluctuant pustules and nodules. Patients complain of pain and of a disfiguring appearance. If a nodule is pressed, pus or serosanguineous fluid may extrude from one or more of the orifices.

The disease may wax and wane over several years, later producing dermal fibrosis, sinus tracts, and hypertrophic scarring with alopecia. There is an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma in patients with long-standing disease.

Dissecting cellulitis may be isolated or may occur as part of a follicular occlusion triad that includes acne conglobata and hidradenitis suppurativa or a tetrad that additionally includes pilonidal cysts.

It has been rarely associated with skull osteomyelitis, arthritis with keratitis, pyoderma vegetans, pityriasis rubra pilaris, keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome, Crohn disease, and pyoderma gangrenosum.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L66.3 – Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens

SNOMEDCT:
77333008 – Dissecting cellulitis of scalp

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:02/06/2020
Last Updated:03/22/2020
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Patient Information for Dissecting cellulitis of scalp - Hair and Scalp
Print E-Mail Images (38)
Contributors: Toni Jenkins, Yolanda Holmes MD

Overview

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, also known as Hoffman disease and perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens, is an inflammatory condition resulting in patchy hair loss on the scalp that may be scarring.

The cause is unknown but is thought to involve a blockage of the hair follicle that causes rupture of the follicle and a chronic inflammatory response.

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp is classified as a chronic inflammatory scarring alopecia. It has a variable presentation and has a similar presentation to other conditions, causing this condition to be underreported. It may be painful and may cause individuals with the condition to suffer from psychologic distress or social isolation because of their feelings relating to symptoms of the disease, including hair loss.

Although there is currently no cure for this condition, it can be treated with steroids, antibiotics, other medications, and sometimes surgery.

Who’s At Risk

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp typically affects Black men aged 20-40 years but is not limited to this demographic.

Signs & Symptoms

The clinical presentation of this condition can vary. There may be nodules, pustules, abscesses, and scarring alopecia.

There may be no symptoms or there may be pain.

Self-Care Guidelines

  • It is important to avoid physical manipulation of the lesions on the scalp, as this can lead to increased scarring and inflammation.
  • Avoid hair products with oil as the main ingredient, as this may add to the follicular blockage.
  • Pain associated with the condition can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Some patients opt to wear wigs or other hair pieces for the hair loss caused by this condition.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you notice lumps, bumps, or lesions that sometimes ooze pus or you have patchy hair loss on the scalp, it is important to see a doctor. A fever can also indicate an infection associated with dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.

Treatments

This condition is usually diagnosed with clinical examination of the scalp. If the diagnosis is inconclusive, a biopsy can be performed.

Treatments your physician may prescribe:
  • There is no cure, so treatment of this condition involves management of symptoms. Antibiotics such as minocycline, clindamycin and rifampin, or ciprofloxacin, and intralesional corticosteroid injections can help to diminish inflammation. Isotretinoin and dapsone are sometimes used.
  • Sometimes laser treatments are used to control skin lesions and scarring.
  • In severe cases, excisional surgery is performed with reconstructive skin grafting.
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Dissecting cellulitis of scalp - Hair and Scalp
See also in: Cellulitis DDx
A medical illustration showing key findings of Dissecting cellulitis of scalp : Scalp, Scarring alopecia
Clinical image of Dissecting cellulitis of scalp - imageId=60416. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Confluent shiny nodules with associated scarring alopecia on the scalp.'
Confluent shiny nodules with associated scarring alopecia on the scalp.
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.