Dissecting Cellulitis and Alopecic and Aseptic Nodules of the Scalp in Pediatric Patients: An Atypical Age of Presentation Observed in Two Cases

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a rare inflammatory condition that progresses from papules and pustules to nodules and abscesses, ultimately leading to cicatricial alopecia. It primarily affects African men between the ages of 15 and 62, with exceptionally low prevalence in children. A milder form, described as "alopecic and aseptic nodules of the scalp" (AANS), presents as aseptic nodules associated with non-scarring alopecia and has a good prognosis. We report two atypical cases of DCS in Hispanic pediatric patients: an 18-month-old female infant and an 11-year-old male child who had a rapid and favorable clinical resolution consistent with AANS.