Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFolliculitisFungal InfectionsImpetigoRingworm (Tinea Capitis)Seborrheic Dermatitis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Folliculitis
Fungal Infections
Impetigo
Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Treatment for scalp infections will vary depending on the cause.
This article discusses types of scalp infections, their symptoms, and how to treat them.
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Scalp folliculitis causes small, very itchy pustules to form on the scalp, often most troublesome on the frontal hairline.There may be many or only a small number oflesions(abnormalities in the skin). They are often itchy andbecome sore, tender, and crusted.
Folliculitis, Furuncles, and Carbuncles Skin Infections
Treatment
In cases of mild folliculitis, treatment may not be necessary and the condition will clear up on its own. Treatment options may include:
When to See a DoctorSome cases of folliculitis can cause scarring. Seeing a dermatologist early can help clear up the condition quickly and prevent that from happening.
When to See a Doctor
Some cases of folliculitis can cause scarring. Seeing a dermatologist early can help clear up the condition quickly and prevent that from happening.
Cloves for Hair Growth: Alternative Remedy or Just a Spice?
In some cases, fungus can lead to a scalp infection. Yeast, a type of fungus, that can lead to a scalp infection includeCandidaandMalassezia.
Malasseziacan cause scalp infections such as folliculitis,seborrheic dermatitis, andpityriasis versicolor.
Causes of Red Spots on Your Scalp and How to Treat Them
Treatment options for a fungal infection affecting the scalp include:
The bacteria enter the scalp through open cuts or sores, insect bites, or other rashes. Symptoms of impetigo include:
Staph Skin Infections and MRSA
Since impetigo is a bacterial infection, the only way to treat it is through the use of antibiotics.Topical antibioticsare typically preferred, but in some cases, oral antibiotics may be needed if the infection is severe or spreading. Oral antibiotics that are often used include doxycycline, amoxicillin, and clindamycin.
Since impetigo is contagious, the wounds on the scalp should be covered as best you can to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Although severe complications of this skin infection are rare, kidney problems may occur following an impetigo infection in some cases. That is why it’s important to seek treatment promptly.
Ringwormis a fungal infection that can affect the skin on any part of the body. It causes a circular rash that appears as a ring.
Whenringworm affects the scalp (tinea capitis), it can lead to symptoms such as:
Treatment for ringworm on the scalp requires oral antifungal medications. The antifungals used most to treat ringworm can include:
It could take up to three months for the antifungal medication to clear up the infection completely.
Ringworm is very contagious. It can spread through skin-to-skin contact. It can also be spread through indirect contact. For example, if a person has a ringworm infection and you touch their clothing or another object that has come into contact with their infected skin, you could contract ringworm.
Seborrheic dermatitiscauses scaly patches and red skin on the scalp. The exact cause of this condition is not clear, but many factors can lead to its development, such as aMalasseziafungal infection, inflammatory reactions in the body, and a family history of the condition.
Common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis affecting the scalp include:
Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and managing flare-ups, and may include:
Summary
Scalp infections are a result of bacteria or fungi that entered the hair follicles or skin of the scalp. There are many different types, including folliculitis, impetigo, lichen planus, and ringworm. Depending on the cause, each can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications as well as over-the-counter steroid creams to reduce uncomfortable symptoms like itching.
If you suspect you or a loved one has a scalp infection, talk to your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
15 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.Durdu M, Ilkit M.First step in the differential diagnosis of folliculitis: cytology.Crit Rev Microbiol.2013 Feb;39(1):9-25. doi:10.3109/1040841X.2012.682051DermNet NZ.Scalp folliculitis.Lin, H.Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles).The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.2018 August 15;8:CD013099.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013099Cleveland Clinic.Folliculitis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Candidiasis.Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-Associated Skin Diseases, the Use of Diagnostics and Treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol.2020 Mar 20;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112Spampinato C, Leonardi D.Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents.BioMed Research International.2013;2013:1-13. doi:10.1155/2013/204237MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Ortonne JP, Nikkels AF, Reich K, et al.Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2%: a randomized, controlled study.Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(1):171–176. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10269.xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Impetigo.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of ringworm.Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J.2016 Mar-Apr;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099Kids Health.Ringworm (for parents).Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.Jaboori K.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015 Feb 1;91(3):185-190.
15 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.Durdu M, Ilkit M.First step in the differential diagnosis of folliculitis: cytology.Crit Rev Microbiol.2013 Feb;39(1):9-25. doi:10.3109/1040841X.2012.682051DermNet NZ.Scalp folliculitis.Lin, H.Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles).The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.2018 August 15;8:CD013099.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013099Cleveland Clinic.Folliculitis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Candidiasis.Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-Associated Skin Diseases, the Use of Diagnostics and Treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol.2020 Mar 20;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112Spampinato C, Leonardi D.Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents.BioMed Research International.2013;2013:1-13. doi:10.1155/2013/204237MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Ortonne JP, Nikkels AF, Reich K, et al.Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2%: a randomized, controlled study.Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(1):171–176. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10269.xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Impetigo.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of ringworm.Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J.2016 Mar-Apr;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099Kids Health.Ringworm (for parents).Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.Jaboori K.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015 Feb 1;91(3):185-190.
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.
Durdu M, Ilkit M.First step in the differential diagnosis of folliculitis: cytology.Crit Rev Microbiol.2013 Feb;39(1):9-25. doi:10.3109/1040841X.2012.682051DermNet NZ.Scalp folliculitis.Lin, H.Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles).The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.2018 August 15;8:CD013099.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013099Cleveland Clinic.Folliculitis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Candidiasis.Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-Associated Skin Diseases, the Use of Diagnostics and Treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol.2020 Mar 20;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112Spampinato C, Leonardi D.Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents.BioMed Research International.2013;2013:1-13. doi:10.1155/2013/204237MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Ortonne JP, Nikkels AF, Reich K, et al.Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2%: a randomized, controlled study.Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(1):171–176. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10269.xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Impetigo.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of ringworm.Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J.2016 Mar-Apr;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099Kids Health.Ringworm (for parents).Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.Jaboori K.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015 Feb 1;91(3):185-190.
Durdu M, Ilkit M.First step in the differential diagnosis of folliculitis: cytology.Crit Rev Microbiol.2013 Feb;39(1):9-25. doi:10.3109/1040841X.2012.682051
DermNet NZ.Scalp folliculitis.
Lin, H.Interventions for bacterial folliculitis and boils (furuncles and carbuncles).The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.2018 August 15;8:CD013099.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013099
Cleveland Clinic.Folliculitis.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Candidiasis.
Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-Associated Skin Diseases, the Use of Diagnostics and Treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol.2020 Mar 20;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112
Spampinato C, Leonardi D.Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents.BioMed Research International.2013;2013:1-13. doi:10.1155/2013/204237
MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.
Ortonne JP, Nikkels AF, Reich K, et al.Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2%: a randomized, controlled study.Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(1):171–176. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10269.x
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Impetigo.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of ringworm.
Sahoo AK, Mahajan R.Management of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis: A comprehensive review.Indian Dermatol Online J.2016 Mar-Apr;7(2):77-86. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.178099
Kids Health.Ringworm (for parents).
Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.
Jaboori K.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015 Feb 1;91(3):185-190.
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