Atypical pediatric presentation of alopecic and aseptic nodules of the scalp with features of dissecting cellulitis

Pediatr Dermatol. 2023 Nov-Dec;40(6):1155-1156. doi: 10.1111/pde.15369. Epub 2023 May 30.

Abstract

Alopecic and aseptic nodules of the scalp (AANS) and dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) are rare, closely related conditions of young men that exclusively affect the hair-bearing scalp. We describe a 9-year-old boy who presented with a 6-year history of chronically relapsing, sterile, partially scarring nodules of the scalp and facial skin. Histopathology revealed mixed inflammatory infiltrates consisting of neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells in the deep dermis, consistent with the morphological pattern of suppurative, partly granulomatous dermatitis. The present atypical case is characterized by prepubertal onset and facial involvement which, to our knowledge, has not yet been described before, may be included in the spectrum of "typical" AANS and "typical" DCS.

Keywords: alopecia; dissecting cellulitis of the scalp; perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens; pseudocyst of the scalp; scarring alopecia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia
  • Cellulitis* / diagnosis
  • Cellulitis* / pathology
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Scalp / pathology
  • Scalp Dermatoses* / diagnosis
  • Scalp Dermatoses* / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Genetic*

Supplementary concepts

  • Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens Et Suffodiens, Familial