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What Is Folliculitis?

Scalp Folliculitis refers to an infection of scalp hair follicle. The inflamed hair follicle presents as a small red bump around the hair root.

Once the red bump turns into hard crust it can lead to severe discomfort and embarrassment. People also complain of pain and itching at the site of inflammation.

There are two types of Folliculitis, Superficial Scalp Folliculitis, which affects only the upper part whereas Deep Scalp Folliculitis causes inflammation to go deeper in the hair follicles.

Severe cases of Scalp Folliculitis can lead to hair loss and scarring of the hair follicles.

Folliculitis is typical an internal issue, so use that approach for reversal.

Symptoms of Folliculitis

Scalp Folliculitis commonly occurs as a superficial infection where the upper portion of hair follicles gets inflamed and infected. However, in more serious forms of Scalp Folliculitis the infection goes to the deeper portion of the hair follicle and will lead to hair loss. Typical symptoms of Scalp Folliculitis include:

Numerous red bumps that look like pimples near the hair roots
Pus-filled blisters around hair follicles
Itchiness and constant scratching on the scalp skin
Loss of hair in severe form of Scalp Folliculitis
Formation of crusts on the red pustules
Clusters of small red bumps on the scalp that get painful
Receding hairline especially when the pustules are formed along the hairline
Rupture of pustules casing abscess in severe deep Scalp Folliculitis

What causes Folliculitis?

The exact etiology and causes of Scalp Folliculitis is not known. However, experts believe that Scalp Folliculitis is caused due to inflammation of hair follicles mainly following a microbial infection. The infection causing microorganisms include:

Bacteria
Yeast or Fungi
Mites
Viruses

Although infection is the main cause of Scalp Folliculitis, other factors that irritate the scalp skin and increase the likelihood of hair follicle infection are also considered as contributing factors to development of Scalp Folliculitis .

The other external factors that could increase the risk of Scalp Folliculitis include:

Excessive use of hair cosmetics such as hair oils, styling products, shampoos, etc. that could irritate the skin of scalp and cause inflammation.
Using public swimming pools or sharing other hygiene items that are not clean
Having an injury such as cuts or bruises on scalp which could get infected and further spread to hair follicles
Illnesses that lower immune power of the body. E.g. Cancer or HIV infection

What can you do about Folliculitis?

A scalp scope is done to check follicular status and underlying scalp health.
Since Scalp Folliculitis is a result of bacterial infection, the most effective course of action is to treat the inflamed hair follicles using anti-bacterial healing agents.
Application of a customized formula of anti-bacterial herbs and oil extracts to settle inflammation.
Apply heat via compress and steam therapy to reduce pain, discomfort and itching.
In the most severe of cases where the infection has spread deep under the hair cuticle, you may be referred to a partner dermatologist for prescription oral medication.