Branching Dilated Vessels: A Possible Trichoscopic Clue for Diagnosis of Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp in Children

Diego Abbenante; Michela V R Starace; Miriam Leuzzi; Marco Adriano Chessa; Bianca Maria Piraccini; Iria Neri

doi:10.1159/000524650

Branching Dilated Vessels: A Possible Trichoscopic Clue for Diagnosis of Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp in Children

Skin Appendage Disord. 2022 Nov;8(6):482-485. doi: 10.1159/000524650. Epub 2022 May 12.

Authors

Diego Abbenante¹, Michela V R Starace^{1

2}, Miriam Leuzzi^{1

2}, Marco Adriano Chessa^{1

2}, Bianca Maria Piraccini^{1

2}, Iria Neri¹

Affiliations

¹ Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
² Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES) Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Abstract

Introduction: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is an inflammatory scalp condition that usually affects the elderly, while only few cases have been reported in childhood. In children, it may mimic fungal or bacterial infections, especially kerion.

Case presentation: We describe the usefulness of trichoscopy as a supportive diagnostic tool in 2 cases of pediatric EPDS.

Discussion: Clinical distinction between EPDS and different types of alopecia in children is difficult, with a significant likelihood of diagnostic errors and delay in therapy. Trichoscopy may provide a noninvasive option that can help avoid invasive diagnostic procedures in children.

Keywords: Alopecia; Children; Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp; Scalp; Trichoscopy.

Publication types

Case Reports

Grants and funding

The authors did not receive any funding.