National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp


Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp is a rare and severe form of scalp folliculitis. It is sometimes associated with acne conglobata, hidradenitis suppurativa and spinal arthritis. Signs and symptoms of this condition include lardge nodules and cysts as well as smaller follicular papules. Hair loss occurs over the affected region and permanent scarring and bald patches appear. Treatment options for dissecting cellulitis of the scalp includes steroids and antibiotics but the condition does not typically improve even after treatment.[1]
Last updated: 3/21/2013

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The North American Hair Research Society (NAHRS) has developed an informative page on cicatricial alopecia. Click on the link to learn more.
  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.

News

Other Conferences

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  1. DermNet NZ. Scalp Folliculitis. Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens . http://www.dermnetnz.org/acne/scalp-folliculitis.html. Accessed 3/21/2013.