Erosive pustular dermatitis of the scalp

Erosive Pustular Dermatitis of the Scalp

Erosive Pustular Dermatitis of the Scalp (pronunciation: e-RO-sive PUS-tu-lar der-ma-TI-tis of the SCALP), often abbreviated as EPDS, is a rare, chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects the scalp.

Etymology

The term 'Erosive Pustular Dermatitis of the Scalp' is derived from the following components: 'Erosive' (from Latin 'erosus', meaning 'gnawed away'), 'Pustular' (from Latin 'pustula', meaning 'blister'), 'Dermatitis' (from Greek 'derma', meaning 'skin', and '-itis', a suffix used in medicine to denote inflammation), and 'Scalp' (from Old Norse 'skalpr', meaning 'sheath').

Definition

EPDS is characterized by sterile pustules, erosions, and crusting on the scalp, leading to atrophy and scarring alopecia. It typically affects elderly individuals with a history of local trauma or inflammatory conditions.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of EPDS include pustules, erosions, crusting, atrophy, and scarring alopecia. Patients may also experience pain and itching.

Causes

The exact cause of EPDS is unknown, but it is often associated with a history of local trauma, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or inflammatory conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus or actinic keratosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of EPDS is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. Biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment of EPDS typically involves topical corticosteroids, antibiotics, and tacrolimus. In refractory cases, oral isotretinoin or dapsone may be used.

Related Terms

• Dermatitis
• Pustule
• Scalp
• Alopecia
• Atrophy
• Erosion
• Crusting
• Biopsy
• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics
• Tacrolimus
• Isotretinoin
• Dapsone

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Erosive pustular dermatitis of the scalp
• Wikipedia's article - Erosive pustular dermatitis of the scalp

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