[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.

OBSERVATIONS: 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.

CONCLUSION

An association of topical steroids and oral zinc gluconate might be an interesting therapeutic option in this chronic, often disabling affection.