[Erosive pustulosis of the scalp: 3 cases].
BACKGROUND
Erosive pustulosis of the scalp is a rare entity of unknown etiology mainly affecting elderly people. It is often triggered by local trauma and features chronic pustules of the scalp evolving toward scarring alopecia. Its treatment is not yet codified.


METHODS
Two patients (66 and 87 years old) presented with crusted and erosive pustules of the scalp following surgical removal of actinic keratosis and total skin graft. In a third patient, similar lesions appeared after hair grafting. Clinical features were consistent with the clinical pattern of erosive pustulosis of the scalp. In all three patients, oral zinc gluconate in combination with topical steroids associated resulted in significant improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
An association of topical steroids and oral zinc gluconate might be an interesting therapeutic option in this chronic, often disabling affection.
Service de Dermatologie, CHRU Montpellier, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, 80, avenue Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5.
N
N
El Kabbaj
O
O
Dereure
B
B
Guillot
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000505:Alopecia / Q000209:etiology; D005942:Gluconates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology*; D012872:Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / Q000209:etiology*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015032:Zinc / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005942:Gluconates; D013256:Steroids; D015032:Zinc