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Perifoliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens.

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Title: Perifoliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens.
Alternate Title: Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens.
Authors: De Alzúa Calderón, Juan Carlos1, Piñeyro Cantú, Alfredo1, Cortés Peralta, Ely Cristina2 dracristinacortes@tec.mx
Source: Dermatología Revista Mexicana. nov/dic2025, Vol. 69 Issue 6, p831-837. 7p.
Subjects: SCALP, FOLLICULITIS, KERATINIZATION, CELLULITIS, MINOCYCLINE, THERAPEUTICS, BALDNESS, CORTICOSTEROIDS
Abstract (English): BACKGROUND: Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens, also known as dissecting cellulitis of the scalp or Hoffman’s disease, is a rare cause of severe scarring alopecia. Its pathogenesis is unknown, although it is believed that the cause of the disease could be attributed to an abnormal keratinization process. This disease is characterized by perifollicular pustules that evolve into nodules, abscesses and communicating sinuses that ultimately cause irreversible alopecia. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease are challenging and require innovative therapeutic strategies due to the great variability in the evolution of the disease in each patient. CLINICAL CASE: A previously healthy 15-year-old male patient, with a 2-month history of extensive alopecia plaques and abscesses in the occipital region. After two therapeutic attempts for perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens, one of which included isotretinoin, symptoms worsened. A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history and clinical evolution allowed stablish the diagnosis of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. A tailored systemic treatment plan based on minocycline, corticosteroids and minoxidil, resulted in symptom relief and clinical improvement. The patient remained asymptomatic after a yearlong follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the therapeutic difficulties of perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens and the importance of individualized treatment to achieve better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Spanish): ANTECEDENTES: La perifoliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens, también conocida como celulitis disecante de la piel cabelluda o enfermedad de Hoffman, es una causa rara de alopecia cicatricial severa. Su patogénesis se desconoce, aunque se cree que la enfermedad podría atribuirse a un proceso de queratinización anormal. Esta enfermedad se caracteriza por pústulas perifoliculares que evolucionan a nódulos, abscesos y senos comunicantes que, finalmente, provocan alopecia irreversible. El diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta afección son desafiantes y requieren estrategias terapéuticas innovadoras porque existe gran variabilidad en la evolución de la enfermedad en cada individuo. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente masculino de 15 años, sin antecedentes médicos de relevancia, quien acudió a consulta con extensas placas alopécicas y abscesos en la región occipital de dos meses de evolución. Tras probar dos esquemas terapéuticos contra la perifoliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens, uno de los cuales incluía isotretinoína, los síntomas se exacerbaron. La evaluación de la historia clínica completa y la evolución del paciente eran sugerentes de celulitis disecante de la piel cabelluda. Se indicó tratamiento sistémico con minociclina, corticosteroides y minoxidil, con lo que se obtuvieron resultados satisfactorios. El paciente se ha mantenido asintomático tras un año de seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Este caso ilustra las dificultades terapéuticas de la perifoliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens y la importancia del tratamiento individualizado para lograr mejores resultados. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: MedicLatina
Description
Abstract:BACKGROUND: Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens, also known as dissecting cellulitis of the scalp or Hoffman’s disease, is a rare cause of severe scarring alopecia. Its pathogenesis is unknown, although it is believed that the cause of the disease could be attributed to an abnormal keratinization process. This disease is characterized by perifollicular pustules that evolve into nodules, abscesses and communicating sinuses that ultimately cause irreversible alopecia. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease are challenging and require innovative therapeutic strategies due to the great variability in the evolution of the disease in each patient. CLINICAL CASE: A previously healthy 15-year-old male patient, with a 2-month history of extensive alopecia plaques and abscesses in the occipital region. After two therapeutic attempts for perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens, one of which included isotretinoin, symptoms worsened. A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history and clinical evolution allowed stablish the diagnosis of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp. A tailored systemic treatment plan based on minocycline, corticosteroids and minoxidil, resulted in symptom relief and clinical improvement. The patient remained asymptomatic after a yearlong follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the therapeutic difficulties of perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens and the importance of individualized treatment to achieve better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:01854038
DOI:10.24245/dermatolrevmex.v69i6.10840