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.
What Is Scalp Folliculitis?
Scalp Folliculitis is a hair condition where the scalp’s hair follicles are infected. From the naked eye, it could appear like whitehead pimples or small red bumps around each hair root. Under a microscope the infection appears like sore, irritation with an infected base. Once the red bump turns into a hard crust, it can cause you severe discomfort due to pain and itchiness. There are two types of Scalp Folliculitis;
The Superficial Scalp Folliculitis affects only the upper part of hair follicles
The Deep Scalp Folliculitis causes the inflammation to go deeper into the hair follicles
Severe cases of Scalp Folliculitis end up causing hair loss and scarring of the hair follicles. Typically, Folliculitis is an internal issue, so for its reversal, an internal approach is the way to go. What Causes Scalp Folliculitis? While the exact causes of Scalp Folliculitis haven’t been discovered yet, experts believe it's triggered due to microbial infection. This infection is usually caused by:
Bacteria
Yeast or Fungi
Mites
Viruses
But other factors cause scalp skin irritation and increase the possibilities of hair follicle infection. These external factors that could increase the risk of Scalp Folliculitis are:
Excessive use of hair cosmetics like hair oils, styling products, shampoos, etc. can irritate the scalp and cause inflammation.
Using public swimming pools or sharing other unclean personal items
Open injuries like cuts or bruises on the scalp that could get infected and spread to hair follicles
Illnesses that weaken the body’s immune system (e.g. Cancer or HIV infection)
Symptoms?
In mild cases, Scalp Folliculitis acts as a superficial infection that only infects and inflames the upper portion of hair follicles.
But in severe cases, the infection goes way deeper into the hair follicle and causes hair loss. Common symptoms of Scalp Folliculitis include:
An outbreak of red bumps [that look like pimples] near the hair roots
Pus-filled blisters around hair follicles
Constant itchiness of the scalp skin
Hair loss [when it gets severe]
Crust formation on the red pustules
Painful clusters of small red bumps on the scalp
Receding hairline [especially when the pustules form along the hairline]
Abscesses from rupturing pustules [when it gets severe]
So, What You Can Do About Scalp Folliculitis?
At Mane Affair Studio, we treat scalp folliculitis by the following:
Our scalp scoping process checks your follicular status and scalp health.
Scalp Folliculitis is a bacterial infection, therefore the most effective treatment is using anti-bacterial healing agents in treating the inflamed hair follicles.
To soothe the discomforts of inflammation, we will concoct a soothing mask personalized with herbs & minerals to decrease the symptoms.
Warming devises like hooded dryers, or compression steamers are also helpful depending on the case.
In very severe cases where the infection has spread deep under the hair cuticle, you’ll need to see a partner dermatologist for medical prescriptions.
Hope this helps you understand what scalp folliculitis is and how you can better manage it while getting back to loving your mane.