Case report reveals subpericranial and epidural abscesses after microneedling for alopecia in a male patient, highlighting severe cranial infection risks.
Background: Subpericranial hematoma (SPH) is unusual in adults and is usually seen in neonates as cephalohematoma. Closed scalp hematoma is usually not associated with infection and abscess formation. Case Description: A 28-year-old male presented with complaints of swelling on the left forehead. The patient at that time was on self-treatment for alopecia following a routine of application of minoxidil hair spray followed by microneedling with his derma roller. Radiological evaluation revealed a mass in the left frontal scalp region and communicating through frontal bone defect with mass in the extradural space. The patient was planned for surgical evacuation of the abscess under general anesthesia. Conclusion: Subpericranial abscess is an unreported complication of SPH in an adult. SPH can get infected with procedures like microneedling without an open wound.
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Jain et al. (2026) studied this question.
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