La foliculitis pustulosa eosinofílica (FPE) es una anomalía inflamatoria de origen desconocido que se caracteriza en la infancia, por presentar brotes recurrentes de pústulas estériles que afectan principalmente o casi de forma exclusiva el cuero cabelludo, de forma ocasional cara, tronco extremidades. Existen pocas referencias de la FPE en la infancia.

Nuestro propósito es describir las características clínico-evolutivas de 4 niños comentar los principales diagnósticos diferenciales.

Se examinaron las biopsias, se cultivaron las pústulas se analizaron los datos de laboratorio.

Cuatro pacientes (3 varones 1 mujer) con edades comprendidas entre 3 11 meses, consultaron por lesiones papulopustulosas pruriginosas en el cuero cabelludo de curso recurrente autolimitado. En uno de ellos se localizaban principalmente en extremidades. Los cultivos para bacterias, hongos virus fueron negativos. No se encontró ninguna enfermedad sistémica asociada. El tratamiento con corticoides tópicos fue efectivo en 3 casos, aunque recurrían después de suspenderlo. No se instauró tratamiento sistémico, excepto la citericina e hidroxicina en 2 pacientes resistentes a los corticoides, con poca respuesta. Se detectó eosinofilia periférica en 3 pacientes.

La FEP de la infancia parece ser una enfermedad bien diferenciada característica. A pesar de los pocos casos descritos en niños, es indudable que se trata de una dermatosis mucho más frecuente que lo que refleja la bibliografía. Pensamos que es muy importante su conocimiento por los pediatras.

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is an inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. In infants this disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of sterile pustules primarily or exclusively involving the scalp with occasional involvement of the face, trunk and extremities. There are few reports of EPF in children.

To describe the clinical features and evolution of four pediatric patients and to discuss the main differential diagnoses

Biopsy specimens were examined, pustules were cultured and laboratory tests were analyzed.

Four patients (3 males and 1 female) aged 7-18 months presented with self limiting recurrent pruritic papules and pustules on the scalp. In one patient, the lesions were mainly localized on the extremities. Cultures for bacteria, fungi and viruses were negative. No systemic disease was found. Topical steroids were effective in three patients but pustules recurred after treatment was stopped. Cetirizine and Hydroxacen were administered in two corticoid- resistant patients with fair response. No other systemic therapy was administered. Peripheral eosinophilia was detected in three patients.

EPF in infants seems to be a clearly defined entity. Although few cases have been described in children, this dermatosis is undoubtedly more frequent than suggested by the literature. Consequently, pediatricians should be aware of its existence.