Many people post some questions on quora about ” Scalp Folliculitis Treatment“
This is the most comprehensive guide that helps you to “Get rid faster of scalp folliculitis?“
The best part?
I am going to show you in detail about Scalp folliculitis- type, symptoms, causes, Scalp Folliculitis Treatment, shampoo, and diet, that helpful for you (in 2020).
In short: If you want to treat your scalp folliculitis, you’ll love this guide.
Let’s get started.
What is Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a common swelling skin condition, This skin swelling or skin inflammatory disorder can affect your hair follicles. It usually occurs on any part of the body or your hair scalp when there is a fungal or bacterial infection.
When your hair follicles get damaged due to any reason then there is a fungal infection or bacterial infection on your hair follicles due to which you have this problem.
This fungal infection can spread in your hair and scalp and turn into nonhealing, crusty sores.
When you have folliculitis on your hair or scalp, You might be feeling itchy, sore, and embarrassed. Do not panic when this happens on your hair or scalp, because it is not fatal.
What Does Scalp Folliculitis Look Like?
When you have folliculitis in your hair scalp, Initially it looks like small red bumps. If it is not treated at the right time, It can spread to other hair follicles, And Also you might be faced with blisters that break open, ooze pus, and turn crusty.
Symptoms Of Scalp Folliculitis
Many small tiny, red bumps or white-headed pimples can come out on the hair follicles or around the hair follicles.
- There is a sensation of burning or stinging on the hair scalp
- There is pain on the hair scalp or a sensation of tenderness
- There is more itchiness on the hair scalp
- Wounds that drain pus occur on the hair scalp.
- There are pus-filled blisters on the hair scalp.
- sores with yellowish-brown scabs
- inflamed skin
- mild fever
Types Of Scalp Folliculitis
There are two types of Folliculitis – superficial and deep. Superficial folliculitis is mild and part of the follicle.
Deep folliculitis involves the entire follicle.
- 1. Superficial Folliculities
A. Bacterial Folliculitis
It is a common bacterial infection. These usually occur in your hair follicles. It contains itchy, white, pus-filled bumps.
It is caused by a bacterial infection on your hair follicles. The Bacteria stays on your hair scalp and Bacteria enter the hair follicles via a cut or sores.
B. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB)
It is known as a razor bump. Skin irritation occurs in Ingrown hairs. It affects people who have short hair or they have short curly hair.
C. Pseudomonas Folliculitis
It is known as hot tub folliculitis. It is mostly found in unclean pools or hot tubs.
Due to the use of unclean pools or hot tubs, This Pseudomonas Folliculitis occurs in your hair follicles. You can notice symptoms within 72 hours of exposure.
D. Pityrosporum Folliculitis (pit-ih-ROS-puh-rum)
It is usually caused by a yeast infection. This can cause redness and itchiness in your body. It can be mostly on your face or above your body.
- 2. Deep Folliculitis
A. Boils
Boils (furuncles) and carbuncles. This happens when the hair follicles are deeply affected by staph bacteria.
A boil looks like a painful pink or red bump. This type of boil grows in size due to pus accumulation until it breakage and drains.
B. Sycosis Barbae
It is the same as a razor bump, But it is Deeper.
C. Eosinophilic Folliculitis (e-o-sin-o-FILL-ik)
It is mostly founded in their body whose immunity is weakened or they have HIV/AIDS disease. It has intense itching and recurring patches of bumps and pimples.
This often leads to dark patches of skin.
D. Gram-Negative Folliculitis
If someone takes antibiotics for a long duration due to some disease then they are likely to get Gram-Negative Folliculitis. If someone takes antibiotics for a long period then those antibiotics affect their body’s normal bacterial balance.
How Is Scalp Folliculitis Diagnosed?
If you have a disease of scalp folliculitis diagnosed, Then make an appointment with your doctor, your doctor can diagnose your disease by examining your skin properly.
The doctor may ask you some questions about your medical history. Most of the time folliculitis does not require any medical leftist to cure the disease.
Still, If your doctor wants to know about its root cause, then your doctor might take a swab of the affected area.
What causes scalp folliculitis? | Scalp folliculitis causes
These are the main reasons for scalp folliculitis, such:
- Repeatedly scratching the forehead or Repeatedly rubbing the forehead
- twisting your hair repeatedly
- wearing a hairstyle that pulls hair too much
- Often due to wearing a heat
- Getting your head shaved again and again
- Most of the time in the day wearing a sports helmet on your head
- It can also be caused by using an excessive amount of hair products in your hair.
- It can also occur due to pimples or dermatitis
- It also increases its effect due to having (being a male) curly hair or coarse.
- If your immune system is weakened then it is more likely to occur.
- If you take medicines for acne(steroid creams or antibiotic therapy) then it is likely to happen.
- Blockages from skin products
- A fungus, bacterial infections, or yeast infections
- Using waxing, and plucking
- Ingrown hairs
- Taking antibiotics for a long time
How Do You Treat Scalp Folliculitis? | 12 effective treatments for folliculitis | scalp folliculitis treatment
- 1. Topical Antibiotics(5): You can use an antibacterial cleanser(fusidic acid gel, clindamycin, and erythromycin) to treat the folliculitis of your hair scalp. Using this will helps you to reduce the spread of folliculitis on your hair scalp.
It also helps you to reduce the itching of your hair and scalp.
- 2. Steroid Lotions, Creams, Soaps: If you have a mild infection, Your doctor may advise or prescribe you to use steroid lotions, creams, and soaps.
You can try to take an anti-dandruff formula shampoo (tea tree oil, ketoconazole, or ciclopirox) for your hair, It can be very helpful to reduce the folliculitis of your hair scalp.
You can also use some creams(like Cortisone cream or Neosporin ointment) so that you get some relief.
- 3. Oral Medications(4): You can also use Oral antibiotics to treat the folliculitis of your hair or scalp. If you notice that the folliculitis infection occurs frequently on your hair or scalp then you can use Oral antibiotics.
But before using it please get an appointment with the doctor.
- 4. Home Remedies: If you want to treat the folliculitis of your hair scalp, first of all, find the main reason why you are getting it. Observe your habits, and try to change them. If you shave your hair frequently in the month, then try to reduce it.
- 5. A prescription-strength topical steroid helps you to get relief from folliculitis.
- 6. Try to use a new, clean razor when shaving the head.
- 7. Try to use a topical antifungal ointment that helps you to get relief from it.
- 8. light therapy to kill bacteria and fungus(3) on the scalp.
- 9. surgically draining large pus-filled lesions.
- 10. laser hair removal(2) to destroy infected hair follicles.
- 11. Try to wash your scalp regularly to avoid a buildup of hair products and oils.
- 12. Try to apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, to the affected area to help target bacteria.
8 Home Remedies to Treat and Prevent Mild Folliculitis
- 1. Warm Compress
Now you can do this soak a cloth in warm water and holding it in the affected area of your hair or scalp for a while. You can do this two or three times a day, This will give you some relief, and Your itching will be reduced.
- 2. Herbs
You can use oatmeal on your hair or scalp, It helps you to reduce inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties and It also helps you to get relief on various skin conditions.
- 3. Oils
You can use antibacterial and antifungal oils(lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, and chamomile oil). Its daily uses might helps you to get relief from folliculitis.
Take a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil or moisturizer and apply them to your hair and scalp which helps you to soothe itchiness.
- 4. Do a soap wash
You can try to use warm water to clean the affected area and try soap twice a day, Next Dry off with a clean towel.
- 5. Try aloe vera
You can try to use aloe vera gel which may help the skin heal faster. If you try it then you get some relief from soothing itching, redness, and swelling. Please try to use pure aloe vera.
- 6. Do a hydrogen peroxide wash
You can try hydrogen peroxide it may help you to get relief from bacteria and fungi that cause folliculitis. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide(1) with clean water or use it directly.
You can apply it onto your skin with a cotton swab, and use a small spray bottle for larger areas.
- 7. Apply antibiotic creams
Try to use creams, gels, and ointments that can might helps you to clear up a small patch of folliculitis. Try to apply the cream with a new, clean cotton swab.
Please avoid using too much antibiotic cream and Please use it only where needed.
- 8. Use anti-itching lotion
Try to use anti-itching lotions and creams that might help you to bring down itching, swelling, and redness. Try to apply the steroid cream or lotion thinly over the skin area. Wash your hands after using them. Use it only as directed.
How Long Does Scalp Folliculitis Last?
Folliculitis takes 7-10 days to recover, Usually, folliculitis is cured without treatments. But in some terrible cases, this permanent hair loss also causes it.
Folliculitis might be treated easily by time to time interference by your doctor.
Is folliculitis curable? | folliculitis cured
Yes, Some cases of folliculitis are completely curable. Some Folliculities cases are very uncommon, long-standing that may not be curable.
This type of folliculitis case was more resistant that may be controlled via Doctor prescribed treatment or medication. In some Folliculitis cases, you see that folliculitis sometimes clears completely by itself without any treatment.
Most people may expect a short course with easy clearing.
Complications
People can even treat mild cases at home. However, if a person does not treat scalp folliculitis, it can lead to:
- large, pus-filled furuncles or boils under the skin
- dark patches of skin
- scars
- permanent hair loss
- chronic or recurring follicle infections
- cellulitis or a bacterial skin infection
Who’s At Risk Of Scalp Folliculitis?
Certain pre-existing medical conditions may add to the risk factor:-
- Some disease like AIDS and diabetes reduces your immunity or makes your immunity weakened
- Acne
- Pre-existing dermatitis
- If a Man with curly hair or who shave their hair frequently
- If you Wearing tight clothes or waxing that can damage your hair follicles
- People Using public hot tubs and pools
- People who Taking long-term antibiotics
Prevention Tips For Scalp Folliculitis
now you can prevent your scalp folliculitis with these simple steps:
- Try to Bathe every day of the week, especially after workouts
- Try to Use a mild soap that also helps you
- Listen carefully, Don’t scratch the bumps
- You need to avoid shaving too frequently
- You need to avoid tying your hair too tight
- You need to avoid using too much oil as this can clog the follicles and trap bacteria
- Try to Maintain personal hygiene.
- Dry out your rubber gloves between uses
- Considering hair-removing products (depilatories) or other methods of hair removal.
- Try to Use only clean hot tubs and heated pools
- Wash your hands often.
- Talk with your doctor
Must-Visit:
How Can You Tell If Folliculitis Is Bacterial Or Fungal?
This can be revealed only after examining your skin, Your doctor will take a few samples of your affected areas, Then after examining it, They can tell you whether your folliculitis is bacterial or fungal.
Your folliculitis is caused by bacteria or due to fungal infection, Only your doctor can tell it.
What Happens If Folliculitis Goes Untreated?
If your case is minor then it will be cured within 7-10 days or automatically. In this case, the Hot tub folliculitis may settle down within ten days. if it is not treated.
In this case, Folliculitis barbae, when it is not treated, can gradually progress and spread, causing a deep-seated infection known as sycosis barbae.
Is folliculitis contagious?
Thankfully, these Folliculities cannot be directly passed on from one person to another, So relax.
However, sometimes the bacterial or fungal infection causes swelling or inflammation that can be contagious, Which can be directly passed on from one person to another, So be careful.
For example, a bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus may be passed on through direct contact with broken skin or can be contagious.
Because of this reason, Please carefully listen and don’t share your items Or your used items such as razors, towels, or through Jacuzzis or hot tubs if you have folliculitis.
Folliculitis Decalvans: What You Should Know
Folliculitis Decalvans (FD) is a rare neutrophilic inflammation of the scalp. Folliculitis decalvans is a form of alopecia, It is a terrible form of hair loss, that includes scarring.
There are problems with redness and swelling and pustules. Folliculitis occurs all around your hair follicle. This keeps your follicle going towards destruction and you might have to face permanent hair loss.
Folliculitis decalvans is the main reason for cicatricial alopecia (pattern baldness with scarring). It is known as tufted folliculitis. Folliculitis decalvans can affect both men and women. It might start during adolescence or at any time in adult life.
One interesting thing is the exact cause is unknown.
Chronic folliculitis?
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. It can occur anywhere in your body. It can also be on your skin and your scalp follicles.
Chronic or recurring folliculitis is less likely to clear with just antibiotics. It can occur in any area of shaving, waxing, or hair plucking.
Best cream for folliculitis?
Home therapy for mild cases of bacterial folliculitis includes benzoyl peroxide (Clearasil, Proactiv), chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), or Phisoderm twice a day.
You might be getting the best results with combination therapy using topical products and antibacterial washes.
Folliculitis vitamin deficiency
If you have vitamin A and C deficiency in your body that might be a cause of your folliculitis. If you have vitamin A deficiency in your body then your skin shows follicular hyperkeratosis, dryness, and generalized wrinkling.
It might be required about 2 months of vitamin C deprivation to produce mucocutaneous signs, including perifollicular petechiae and follicular hyperkeratosis.
Folliculitis: Your Diet Plays a Role
Diet tips that may help treat folliculitis:
- 1. Try to eat green, yellow, and orange vegetables can give you strong natural immunity.
- 2. Try to drink 10 glasses of water a day that can help you to flush disease-causing organisms from the body.
- 3. Try to eat wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, fortified eggs, freshly ground flax seeds, or walnuts in your diet.
- 4. Garlic (Allium sativum), cleavers (galium aparine), goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), echinacea (echinacea spp.), thyme (Thymus Vulgaris), lavender (Lavandula officinalis), or bergamot (citrus bergamot) oils can also help you to overcome folliculitis.
- 5. Try to drink an adequate quantity of water and try to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of vitamins B and C.
Conclusion
In this article, I discussed in detail folliculitis- types, symptoms, causes, treatment, shampoo, and diet.
I hope It’s helpful for you.
If you like this article please share it and comment below if you have any queries related to this.
How do you get a ride from scalp folliculitis?
I was earlier mention in this article about this. You can try it for better results.
Can folliculitis spread by scratching?
Yes, Folliculitis can spread to nearby follicles. Scratching on them and then touching another part of the body, that can transfer folliculitis to your other body part.
Does folliculitis ever go away
usually, Folliculitis is minor and It goes away on its own without treatment.
Does apple cider vinegar help folliculitis?
Yes.
Does hydrogen peroxide kill folliculitis?
Yes, It helps you to get a ride of it.
Does diet affect folliculitis?
Yes.
What kills fungus on the scalp?
Antifungal shampoo.