Dissecting folliculitis of the scalp with marginal keratitis

We describe a young man with dissecting folliculitis of the scalp, who subs equently developed marginal keratitis. We are unaware of any previous repor ts of this association. The aetiology of dissecting folliculitis is thought to relate to abnormal follicular occlusion with subsequent suppuration, al though an infective process has never been established. Marginal keratitis is postulated, but not proven, to be caused by an enhanced immune response to Staphylococcus aureus antigens. We suggest that a similar abnormal respo nse to infection may be important in these two conditions. This case also h ighlights ocular complications which may occur in patients with dissecting folliculitis.