# Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, a rare and painful skin condition that mainly affects Black males and can lead to scarring and hair loss.

## Contribution

The paper provides a detailed case report and highlights racial disparities in the diagnosis and management of dissecting cellulitis.

## Key findings

- Dissecting cellulitis disproportionately affects Black males and can cause significant scarring and alopecia.
- Early diagnosis and interdisciplinary management are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with this condition.

## Abstract

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp, also commonly referred to as dissecting folliculitis, is a rare, chronic, relapsing, suppurative disease characterized by painful nodules, purulent drainage, burrowing, and interconnecting abscesses. Dissecting cellulitis disproportionately affects Black males in early and mid-adulthood and may result in cicatricial alopecia, scarring disfigurement, and impaired quality of life. This narrative introduces a representative case of dissecting cellulitis in an adult Black male, summarizes the epidemiology, etiology, pathology, and evaluation of the condition, reviews evidence-based best practices for management and interdisciplinary consultation, and highlights racial disparities associated with the disorder. By shedding light on dissecting cellulitis, this case report aims to facilitate early diagnosis, optimal management, and favorable outcomes for this progressive and debilitating condition.