Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40322509›Full record

ArticleClinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology2025

Scalp Pustule as a Manifestation of Erlotinib-Induced Skin Toxicity: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review.

Yangxia Chen, Sai Yang, Yinghui Liu, Hongfang Liu, Ying Luo

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Erosive pustular dermatosis of the lower legs (EPDL): A rarely diagnosed neutrophilic dermatosis of the elderly.Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG · 2026
    Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Yangxia ChenDepartment of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Sai YangDepartment of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Yinghui LiuDepartment of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Hongfang LiuDepartment of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Ying LuoDepartment of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.ORCID 0000-0002-9775-7346

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by sterile pustules, erosions, crusting, and scarring alopecia, which has been occasionally reported in association with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs). Methods: We report two cases of EPDS induced by erlotinib therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Case 1 involved a 73-year-old female with four years of erlotinib use presenting with scalp pustules, alopecia, and scarring. Case 2 was a 37-year-old male who developed papulopustular lesions on the scalp and trunk after six months of erlotinib therapy. Histopathological examination was performed on biopsy samples from both EPDS patients and compared with samples from two healthy controls. Results: Comparative analysis revealed neutrophilic infiltration, irregular epidermal hyperplasia, and elevated EGFR expression in hair follicles and epidermal keratinocytes in EPDS patients versus controls. These findings demonstrate how EGFR inhibition disrupts keratinocyte function and triggers inflammatory responses leading to severe follicular damage. Conclusion: These cases highlight the importance of dermatological monitoring in patients undergoing EGFRI therapy. Early recognition and management with antibiotics and topical steroids may help mitigate adverse effects. Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies for EPDS.

Indexed as

alopeciacutaneous adverse reactionsEGFRIsEPDSepidermal growth factor receptor inhibitorserlotiniberosive pustular dermatosis of the scalpneutrophilic inflammation

Identifiers

PMID40322509
PMCPMC12049118

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.