Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp Mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Can Dermoscopy Be Helpful?

The study investigates the diagnostic challenges of Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp (EPDS), which often mimics Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Conducted in two Italian dermatological centers from 2017 to 2023, the retrospective cohort study included 43 patients initially diagnosed with SCC, later confirmed as EPDS through histology. The study found that EPDS frequently presents SCC-like features under dermoscopy, with 46% of cases showing targetoid structures and 49% displaying polymorphic vessels. The findings highlight the importance of biopsy in distinguishing EPDS from SCC to prevent unnecessary treatments, as clinical and dermoscopic criteria alone may not be specific enough.