Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp
Overview
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is a condition in which tiny pustules form on the scalp, forehead or temples of the elderly. A similar condition may arise on the legs. Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp affects severely sun damaged skin usually in areas of scarring such as after injury, skin cancer surgery or shingles.
Symptoms
* Red scalp * Scabs on scalp * Blistering of scalp * Peeling scalp * Loss of hair
Causes
Loss of hair
Treatment
The crusting should be removed by gentle soaking, perhaps using potassium permanganate (Condy's crystals) or acetic acid solution (dilute vinegar) as antiseptic astringent. Secondary infection should be treated with oral anti-Staphylococcal antibiotics such as flucloxacillin or erythromycin. Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp improves with potent or ultrapotent topical steroids applied once or twice daily to the affected areas for a couple of weeks, then repeated as necessary if and when the skin disorder recurs. Other helpful treatments include: * Anti-inflammatory antibiotics for six weeks or more (e.g. minocycline) * Calcipotriol cream * Cryotherapy. Patients with erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp should see their medical practitioner or dermatologist regularly. New solar keratoses and skin cancers may arise in the affected areas and should be treated promptly. They may be difficult to distinguish from erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp so biopsies may be necessary. * Skin Health Specialists (Dermatology): o Dermatology (Skin Health Specialists) o Dermatopathology o Pediatric Dermatology (Child Skin Health) o Dermatological Immunology / Diagnostic Laboratory