
What Is The Cause And Treatment For Dissecting Cellulitis Of The Scalp?

Dissecting cellulitis and its management
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that your son is probably suffering from Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp from the past 3 years.
Dissecting cellulitis is a chronic disease which could cause significant distress, both physically and emotionally and I understand your concern about its course and treatment.
Among the various options available for its management, oral antibiotics and Isotretinoin have shown to give good results. Antiiotics also play a minimal role only to treat the secondary infection and not the primary disease per se.
Isotretinoin ( Accutane ), so far has been shown to give the best results.
You do not have to worry about the side effects of the drug. It is a very useful drug if given under supervision and monitoring. We give it routinely for patients with severe acne ( most common indication). Liver function test and lipid profile have to be monitored monthly while on this drug.
The most common side effects seen are dryness of the skin and lips, which can be easily managed with topical emollients like petroleum jelly. It could cause transient rise in the liver enzymes, which is not very common and is reversible on stopping the drug. Other side effects mentioned are not routinely seen in practice.
Considering the obvious distress that your son is going through, it would definitely be worth giving this a try.
Hope this helps you.
If you have any more queries, I would be glad to assist.
Wishing you and your son good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko


Dissecting cellulitis and its management
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Topical steroids are not of much use as they cannot be used for prolonged periods.
Intralesional steroids are useful if there are a limited number of lesions and the disease is not very active. They are also associated with side effects and cannot be given too many times. It is sometimes reserved for treating those nodules which crop up once the disease has come into control with drugs like Isotretinoin.
Hope this answers your query.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

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