Successful Use of Adalimumab for Dissecting Cellulitis in a Pediatric Patient With Keratitis–Ichthyosis–Deafness ( KID ) Syndrome

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by painful, draining nodules and progressive, scarring alopecia. It is often refractory to treatment, and there are currently no FDA-approved therapies. We present a case of a 15-year-old boy with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome and DCS who experienced significant clinical response to treatment with adalimumab after failing multiple courses of oral antimicrobials, surgical interventions, intralesional corticosteroids, and topical therapies. Treatment with adalimumab led to reduction in drainage and pain and visible hair regrowth, highlighting its therapeutic potential in refractory, pediatric DCS including in the setting of syndromic skin disease.