Scalpfolliculitisis a skin condition that affects the hair follicles on the scalp.
The affected area may be itchy and painful, leading to scratching and soreness.
Mites or an ingrown hair can also cause this form of inflammation.
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If you develop a bacterial infection, signs and symptoms may appear within 12 to 48 hours.
In some cases, the infection may be mistaken for acne.
Virus
Viral folliculitis can be because of the herpes virus.
Referred to as herpetic folliculitis, the condition is fairly rare.
This form of folliculitis causes papules and maculopapules to form.
Papules are small raised bumps on the skin that are less than a centimeter in diameter.
They can look like a pimple.
Maculopapules are also less than one centimeter in diameter, but are flat instead of raised bumps.
Viral folliculitis can cause pain or itching, but usually resolves within about 10 days with antiviral treatment.
How do I know if my folliculitis is fungal or bacterial?
Fungal folliculitis is commonly misdiagnosed as bacterial, leading to a delay in treatment.
Treatment
A healthcare provider should examine any form of scalpfolliculitisto 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 treatments for each cause.
Whenscalpfolliculitis is sparked by staph or another pop in of bacteria it may resolve without treatment.
However, some people may needantibiotictreatment to resolve symptoms.
It can be a topical antibiotic applied to the affected area or an oral antibiotic.
However, a combination of medications may be more helpful.
Treatment for viral causes of folliculitis will vary based on the virus throw in.
People with aherpes infectionwill be treated with antivirals likeacyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir.
Those withmolluscuminfections can be treated with cryotherapy (freezing abnormal tissue).
Occasionally, a topical antifungal can be used.
Using adandruff shampoothat has an antifungal like ketoconazole or ciclopirox can also help manage symptoms.
When mites cause folliculitis, the first treatment is typically a topicalpermethrincream.
Other treatments include oral ivermectin and oral metronidazole, used alone or together.
Treatment for severe folliculitis can include oral isotretinoin, antibiotics, or steroids.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Scalp folliculitis symptoms can usually be treated at home.
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.
Recurring scalp folliculitis will also need to be treated by a healthcare provider.
Contact adermatologist, a throw in of healthcare provider who specializes in skin conditions.
They will be best prepared to develop a treatment plan suited for someone with recurrentscalpfolliculitis.
Summary
Scalp folliculitis is a skin condition that affects the skin on the head.
It causes bumps that can be inflammed and itchy.
The condition may present with only a few bumps 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.
But the key to getting proper treatment is getting an accurate diagnosis.
Reach out to your healthcare provider if your condition does not resolve on its own.
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