Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreatment for InflammationManagementTreatment for Scalp ChangesCausesSymptomsWhen No Improvement
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treatment for Inflammation
Management
Treatment for Scalp Changes
Causes
Symptoms
When No Improvement
Scalpfolliculitisis a skin condition that affects the hair follicles on the scalp. It causes inflammation within the follicle creating abumpthat can be found anywhere on the scalp or hairline. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause.
This article will discuss the causes and symptoms of scalpfolliculitis. It will also cover treatments for each specific cause.
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Treatment for Inflamed Scalp Folliculitis
A healthcare provider should examine any form of scalp folliculitis to determine the underlying cause. Because treatments are based on the underlying cause, getting the correct diagnosis is imperative to proper treatment. Below are scalp folliculitis causes and treatments for each cause.
Bacteria
Fungal
If the underlying cause of scalp folliculitis ispityrosporum, then an oral antifungal is the best treatment. Occasionally, a topical antifungal can be used. However, the topical cream does not penetrate deep into the hair follicles and may not completely clear the infection.
Using adandruff shampoothat has an antifungal like ketoconazole or ciclopirox can also help manage symptoms.
Viral
Treatment for viral causes of folliculitis will vary based on the virus type. People with aherpes infectionwill be treated with antivirals likeacyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. Those with molluscum infections can be treated with cryotherapy.
Mites
Though it sounds unpleasant, 80% to 90% of people have mites on their skin. When mites cause folliculitis the first treatment is typically a topicalpermethrincream. Other treatments include oral ivermectin and oral metronidazole, used alone or together.
Managing Recurring Scalp Folliculitis After Remission
Contact adermatologist, a type of healthcare provider who specializes in skin conditions. They will be best prepared to develop a treatment plan suited for someone with recurrentscalpfolliculitis.
Treatment and Other Options for Permanent Scalp Changes
If you have severe scalp folliculitis that’s resistant to treatment, you may experience hair loss and scalp changes.
Treatment for severe folliculitis can include oral isotretinoin, antibiotics, or steroids.
It’s normal for someone to be concerned about their appearance if there are changes to the skin on their scalp or if there is hair loss. A head cover like a hat, scarf, or wig can cover the scalp while the hair grows back.
Causes: Why Does Scalp Folliculitis Break Out?
Other Conditions Similar to Scalp FolliculitisSeveral conditions cause symptoms similar to scalp folliculitis. Other conditions that may be confused for scalp folliculitis include:AcneRosaceaKeratosis pilaris
Other Conditions Similar to Scalp Folliculitis
Several conditions cause symptoms similar to scalp folliculitis. Other conditions that may be confused for scalp folliculitis include:AcneRosaceaKeratosis pilaris
Several conditions cause symptoms similar to scalp folliculitis. Other conditions that may be confused for scalp folliculitis include:
How to Tell If You Have Scalp Folliculitis Symptoms
Scalp folliculitis may appear as small, red bumps along the hairline or on the scalp. These bumps can be papules (inflamed bump that does not appear to be filled with pus) or apustule(inflamed bump that does appear to be filled with pus).
The affected area may be itchy and painful, leading to scratching and soreness. Other symptoms that can indicate someone has scalp folliculitis include:
Scalp Symptoms Not Getting Better
Scalp folliculitis symptoms can usually be treated at home. However, if symptoms are not getting better or worsening, then it is time to contact a healthcare provider. The provider will be able to definitively diagnose thefolliculitiscause and determine the best course of treatment.
Prescription medications like antibiotics may be needed and might be the only way to improve symptoms.
Summary
Scalp folliculitis is a skin condition that affects the skin on the head. It causes bumps that can be red, pus-filled, and sore. Only a few bumps can be found on the head or several covering the scalp. Scalp folliculitis has many causes, including viruses and bacteria. Treatment aims to manage the underlying condition and care for the skin while it heals.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Laureano AC, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ.Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis.Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32(6):711-714. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.009Hald M, Arendrup M, Svejgaard E, Lindskov R, Foged E, Saunte D.Evidence-based danish guidelines for the treatment of malassezia-related skin diseases.Acta Derm Venerol. 2015;95(1):12-19. doi:10.2340/00015555-1825DermNet.Scalp folliculitis.Winters RD, Mitchell M.Folliculitis.StatPearls.Salem DAB, El-shazly A, Nabih N, El-Bayoumy Y, Saleh S.Evaluation of the efficacy of oral ivermectin in comparison with ivermectin–metronidazole combined therapy in the treatment of ocular and skin lesions of Demodex folliculorum.International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2013;17(5):e343-e347. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2012.11.022Canpolat F.Infections, infestations and neoplasms of the scalp. In: Kutlubay Z, Serdaroglu S, eds.Hair and Scalp Disorders. InTech; 2017. doi:10.5772/67278Children’s Wisconsin.Scalp folliculitis.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Laureano AC, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ.Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis.Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32(6):711-714. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.009Hald M, Arendrup M, Svejgaard E, Lindskov R, Foged E, Saunte D.Evidence-based danish guidelines for the treatment of malassezia-related skin diseases.Acta Derm Venerol. 2015;95(1):12-19. doi:10.2340/00015555-1825DermNet.Scalp folliculitis.Winters RD, Mitchell M.Folliculitis.StatPearls.Salem DAB, El-shazly A, Nabih N, El-Bayoumy Y, Saleh S.Evaluation of the efficacy of oral ivermectin in comparison with ivermectin–metronidazole combined therapy in the treatment of ocular and skin lesions of Demodex folliculorum.International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2013;17(5):e343-e347. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2012.11.022Canpolat F.Infections, infestations and neoplasms of the scalp. In: Kutlubay Z, Serdaroglu S, eds.Hair and Scalp Disorders. InTech; 2017. doi:10.5772/67278Children’s Wisconsin.Scalp folliculitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Laureano AC, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ.Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis.Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32(6):711-714. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.009Hald M, Arendrup M, Svejgaard E, Lindskov R, Foged E, Saunte D.Evidence-based danish guidelines for the treatment of malassezia-related skin diseases.Acta Derm Venerol. 2015;95(1):12-19. doi:10.2340/00015555-1825DermNet.Scalp folliculitis.Winters RD, Mitchell M.Folliculitis.StatPearls.Salem DAB, El-shazly A, Nabih N, El-Bayoumy Y, Saleh S.Evaluation of the efficacy of oral ivermectin in comparison with ivermectin–metronidazole combined therapy in the treatment of ocular and skin lesions of Demodex folliculorum.International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2013;17(5):e343-e347. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2012.11.022Canpolat F.Infections, infestations and neoplasms of the scalp. In: Kutlubay Z, Serdaroglu S, eds.Hair and Scalp Disorders. InTech; 2017. doi:10.5772/67278Children’s Wisconsin.Scalp folliculitis.
Laureano AC, Schwartz RA, Cohen PJ.Facial bacterial infections: Folliculitis.Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32(6):711-714. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2014.02.009
Hald M, Arendrup M, Svejgaard E, Lindskov R, Foged E, Saunte D.Evidence-based danish guidelines for the treatment of malassezia-related skin diseases.Acta Derm Venerol. 2015;95(1):12-19. doi:10.2340/00015555-1825
DermNet.Scalp folliculitis.
Winters RD, Mitchell M.Folliculitis.StatPearls.
Salem DAB, El-shazly A, Nabih N, El-Bayoumy Y, Saleh S.Evaluation of the efficacy of oral ivermectin in comparison with ivermectin–metronidazole combined therapy in the treatment of ocular and skin lesions of Demodex folliculorum.International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2013;17(5):e343-e347. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2012.11.022
Canpolat F.Infections, infestations and neoplasms of the scalp. In: Kutlubay Z, Serdaroglu S, eds.Hair and Scalp Disorders. InTech; 2017. doi:10.5772/67278
Children’s Wisconsin.Scalp folliculitis.
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