title: Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens successfully controlled with topical isotretinoin.
abstract: Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (or dissecting folliculitis of the scalp or dissecting cellulitis of the scalp or dissecting perifolliculitis of the scalp) is a rare entity and constitutes the equivalent over the scalp, of hidradenitis suppurativa and acne conglobata. Etiologic factors are unknown. Diagnosis is proven histologically. Management is very difficult and consists in systemic administration or intralesional injection of several drugs or in surgical manipulations. An 18 year-old white patient with cystic infiltrations, alopecia plaques, pustules and other inflammatory elements (clinicohistological features consistent with dissecting folliculitis of the scalp), is presented. Isotretinoin topical application assured successful control of the disease and averted the evolution of the clinical aspect to scarring alopecia and nodule formation. Topical isotretinoin exercises a curative, inhibitory and antiproliferative action, in perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Democritus' University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 92 Karaoli and Dimitriou street, Greece. karpouzis@bitservices.gr
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karpouzis
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giatromanolaki
authors.forename: Efthymios
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sivridis
authors.forename: Constantin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kouskoukis
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005499:Folliculitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin