CHRONIC RECALCITRANT DERMATOSIS: EROSIVE PUSTULAR DERMATOSIS OF THE SCALP TREATED WITH ACITRETIN AND TOPICAL TACROLIMUS

摘要

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is an uncommon disorder of the scalp, which causes chronic sterile pustules and non-healing erosions, leading to cicatricial alopecia and skin cancer. The disease usually affects older individuals. The exact pathogenesis of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is unknown but microscopic examination reveals inflammation with neutrophils. As a result of limited efficacy of various medical and surgical modalities, erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp patients present a therapeutic challenge. In this report, we describe the case of a 78-year-old male patient having chronic recalcitrant ulceration on the scalp for 4 years, which was misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated with various topical agents. The use of oral acitretin 50 mg/day and tacrolimus ointment led to a complete and permanent remission.