Successful treatment of recalcitrant dissecting cellulitis of the scalp with ALA-PDT: case report and literature review

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2013 Dec;10(4):410-3. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2013.03.008. Epub 2013 Jul 8.

Abstract

A case of refractory dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) in a forty-one-year-old Chinese female patient was treated with a total of 6 sessions of topical ALA-PDT at one week intervals. The patient tolerated and responded well to this new approach without any adverse events. This suggested that topical ALA-PDT could be an effective and safe alternative for DCS patients who were refractory to other conventional therapies. We also reviewed etiology, pathophysiology, natural history and treatment options for DCS.

Keywords: ALA-PDT; DCS; Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Aminolevulinic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Cellulitis / drug therapy*
  • Cellulitis / pathology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Scalp Dermatoses / drug therapy*
  • Scalp Dermatoses / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases, Genetic / drug therapy*
  • Skin Diseases, Genetic / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Aminolevulinic Acid

Supplementary concepts

  • Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens Et Suffodiens, Familial