Scalp Folliculitis

Scalp Folliculitis: What You Need to Know

Scalp folliculitis is an infection or irritation of the hair follicle on the scalp. Folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body where hair follicles are present, usually anywhere except the palms and soles. Common places where folliculitis develops are the scalp, underarms, and legs.

Folliculitis is a very common skin infection and usually does not lead to a more serious condition. The infection is usually caused when Staphylococcus bacteria enters the skin surrounding the hair follicle when the follicle is irritated. Fungus can also cause the infection.

People more susceptible to scalp folliculitis are those with poor hygiene, diabetes mellitus, decreased immune systems, and chronic skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. Wearing tight fitting caps, shirt collars that rub, and heat and humidity can also increase the likelihood of developing scalp folliculitis.

Folliculitis, whether on the scalp or in other areas, in its mildest form appears as redness of the skin and inflammation. As the condition worsens, small pustules will develop. The pustules may be hard and painful or they may look like acne with a white or red head. The folliculitis can be superficial or deep and sometimes boils can even be present. In very severe cases, multiple boils and carbuncles develop which can lead to permanent scarring.

Because this is really an infection, a fever may also be present. If a fever develops or the area involved becomes painful, hot, and red, it can be an indication that the infection has become systemic, which is very serious and requires medical attention.

Folliculitis is generally diagnosed by a physician by visual inspection. If there is any doubt as to the proper diagnosis, a wound culture and a complete blood count may be ordered. A wound culture is done by draining a small amount of fluid from the infected pustule. This is especially helpful if the folliculitis is widespread and severe as it will allow the physician to prescribe the correct treatment. The infection could also be discovered to be fungal and antibiotics would not work.

Home treatment of mild folliculitis usually involves keeping the area clean and dry. Clean the area with antibiotic soap and water. Topical antibiotics or disinfectants, such as iodine, can also be useful in helping the infection to clear up. The lesions may need to drain, but do not lance them. Use moist heat compresses, which will encourage the lesions to drain on their own. If the infection does not respond to conservative home treatment within a week, seek out a doctor to ensure that it is not something more serious.

Folliculitis is an infection and it is contagious. Take precautions to be sure to prevent the spread of the infection to other areas of your body and to other people. For this reason, you need to avoid using hot tubs, sharing towels or washcloths, and sharing razors with other people until the infection goes away.

Scalp folliculitis is not fully preventable, but there are some steps you can take to make developing the infection less likely. Again, do not share towels or wash cloths with other people. Razors may also harbor the bacteria or fungus and shouldn’t be shared either. Thoroughly shampooing your hair regularly will help prevent bacterial or fungal infection. If you wear a hat, be sure that it is clean, and in hot and humid weather, consider not wearing a hat or any other clothing that will cause irritation along the neckline.

If you use a hot tub, avoid ones made of wood, as they contain far more bacteria than fiberglass hot tubs. Also make sure that your hot tub is properly cleaned and maintained. Public hot tubs are especially notorious for harboring bacteria.