Sexually Transmitted Diseases
How To Treat Scalp Folliculitis, A Common Skin Condition That Causes Acne-like Sores On Your Scalp
You have over one million hair follicles on your head. These thin tube-like structures help your hair grow.
But if your hair follicles become inflamed or infected, you can develop an uncomfortable, itchy rash known as scalp folliculitis.
Folliculitis is common and can happen anywhere hair grows on your body, not just on your scalp. Shaving often causes folliculitis on your face or legs, for instance. And if you've ever had itchy bumps on your skin after using a hot tub, you likely contracted "hot tub folliculitis."
Many cases of scalp folliculitis are mild and will clear up with a little at-home care. However, moderate to severe folliculitis that goes untreated may lead to scarring or permanent hair loss.
Read on to learn the causes and symptoms of scalp folliculitis and when to consult a doctor, along with some tips for treating and preventing this condition.
SymptomsIf you have scalp folliculitis, you'll typically notice small, itchy sores on your scalp, most often on your frontal hairline. You could have a small cluster of sores or — in more severe cases — many sores over a large area of your scalp.
The sores resemble acne, but they also tend to cause:
In mild folliculitis cases, you'll have slight discomfort, itching, and just a few sores. Moderate to severe folliculitis causes more painful sores that can spread over your scalp. With proper treatment, though, most cases of folliculitis will resolve within a few days to a few weeks, says Dr. Alpana Mohta, dermatologist and medical advisor for Better Goods.
However, your symptoms can persist for several months or longer if you don't treat the underlying cause, Mohta says.
Note: Folliculitis decalvans — a rare type of folliculitis — causes ongoing inflammation in your scalp that leads to permanent hair loss and scarring. It mostly affects men between the ages of 40-60. There's no cure for this condition, though treatment can reduce scarring and hair loss.
CausesBacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus, cause most cases of scalp folliculitis. Less common causes include:
Mohta says the following factors can increase your risk of developing scalp folliculitis:
DiagnosisAccording to Dr. Alain Michon, medical director at Ottawa Skin Clinic, you should make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible if:
It's also a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional if you have mild symptoms of folliculitis that don't improve after a week or two.
"Most of the time, scalp folliculitis can be identified simply through visible signs and symptoms," Michon says.
Note: A primary care doctor can usually diagnose and treat scalp folliculitis, but they may refer you to a dermatologist if you have more severe or persistent symptoms.
In some cases, your doctor or clinician may recommend tests to identify the cause of infection or rule out other possibilities. For example, they may:
Mild folliculitis will often go away on its own or heal in a few days with home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
For mild folliculitis, Michon recommends:
If you have moderate to severe folliculitis, Michon recommends getting treatment as soon as possible to prevent scarring and hair loss.
Treatment for scalp folliculitis tends to depend on the underlying cause, but your doctor may recommend one or a combination of these treatments:
Your skin discoloration may take a while to fully disappear, but in most cases, treatment will eventually resolve all your symptoms, Michon says.
There's a chance your scalp folliculitis could return, but you can take a few steps to help lower the risk of a recurrence, including:
Scalp folliculitis is a common condition. Most cases are minor and treatable at home by cleaning your hair and scalp and applying OTC medications.
Severe cases of scalp folliculitis, however, usually need medical treatment, so it's best to connect with a doctor if you have painful sores with pus, develop a fever, or have symptoms that last more than a week.
Your doctor can help identify the cause of your scalp folliculitis and recommend an effective treatment to ease uncomfortable symptoms and prevent scarring or hair loss.
Cuban Mother Seeks Help For Son Suffering From Rare Skin Condition
A Cuban mother is urgently appealing for assistance for her 17-year-old son, who is battling a rare skin condition that leads to progressive hair loss and scarring on his scalp. Roberto Carlos Cabrera RodrÃguez has been diagnosed with folliculitis decalvans, a chronic inflammatory disease that has severely affected him both physically and mentally over the past five years.
Living in Jesús Menéndez, Las Tunas, Roberto Carlos has been told by local doctors that nothing can be done for his condition. "The doctors say there's no cure, that it's chronic; I can no longer bear to see my son suffer," his mother, Yurixandra Aurora RodrÃguez, expressed to the independent portal CubaNet. She described how the illness causes inflammation, severe pain, burning, and itching on her son's scalp, often filled with pus, making it difficult for him to sleep or eat.
Struggle for Treatment in a Challenging SystemRoberto Carlos, who is in the 12th grade, has managed to attend school only twice this year, missing about six months of classes last year. Despite being seen by dermatologists and immunologists in various hospitals in Las Tunas, none of the treatments have been effective. He was last sent home without medication because "the disease has no cure."
However, a veteran dermatologist, speaking anonymously, emphasized that there are treatments for folliculitis decalvans, and patients can significantly improve. The specialist pointed out that the issue lies in Cuba's lack of necessary facilities and medications. "The causes can be bacteria or fungi, so the treatment should target both and is long-term, taking several months," the expert explained.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst DespairThe dermatologist recommended that Roberto Carlos be hospitalized for thorough investigation and treatment under medical supervision. Diagnostic tests, including mycological and bacteriological cultures, are needed for an accurate diagnosis. Currently, he requires doxycycline, an antibiotic, followed by antifungal medications. Regular washing of the scalp with boiled water and ketoconazole shampoo is also essential.
"Recovery is lengthy but possible if treated properly with the necessary medications," the specialist emphasized. Despite the challenges, there remains a possibility for Roberto Carlos to regain his health if given the right care and resources.
These 5 Balding And Hair Loss Treatments Could Help Ensure A Healthy Scalp, Experts Say
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Having trouble? Click here.Hair loss can be a frustrating byproduct of aging.
About 70% of men will lose hair as they age, while half will experience hair loss by age 50, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Approximately 80% of cases of male pattern baldness are due to genetic factors, studies have shown.
Among women, up to 40% will have noticeable hair loss by age 50, UCLA Health reported.
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Hair loss can be a factor in mental health struggles, research has shown.
A 2022 study found that adults with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss) were up to 38% more likely to experience clinical depression, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
Jimmy Sung, MD, told Fox News Digital "finding a specialist who focuses on evidence-based hair restoration and regeneration is essential." (iStock)
For those looking to minimize and prevent balding, the following five treatments could be helpful, experts say.
1. MinoxidilManhattan-based dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, recommends starting with the over-the-counter topical minoxidil, which does not require a prescription.
"It is thought to help keep hair in the growing phase, also known as anagen," he told Fox News Digital.
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It is important to prevent the topical form of minoxidil from dripping onto the face, Camp warned, as it can promote hair growth in unwanted areas.
Oral minoxidil was also recommended as an off-label treatment for hair loss. This version of the medication does require a prescription.
"In men with male pattern hair loss, it is important to use a DHT blocker combined with something like minoxidil to improve blood flow to the scalp," a doctor said. (iStock)
The medicine is normally prescribed to treat high blood pressure, according to Camp, but one of its side effects is hair growth.
HAIR LOSS AND PROSTATE MEDICATION COULD ALSO REDUCE HEART DISEASE RISK, STUDY FINDS
"Minoxidil is prescribed at low doses to treat hair loss to take advantage of this side effect and promote hair growth," Camp said.
2. Oral finasterideOral finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for male androgenetic alopecia, which is also known as male pattern baldness, Camp said.
Finasteride works by limiting the formation of a hormone called DHT, which is responsible for hair shrinkage and hair loss, the doctor said.
Minoxidil and finasteride are both effective and have an "established track record in treating hair loss," a doctor said. (iStock)
Las Vegas dermatologist Dr. Candace Spann, MD, the creator of ReTress, a hair care formula for women experiencing hair loss, echoed the importance of targeting DHT with a blocker to "improve blood flow to the scalp" and boost hair growth in men.
Jimmy C. Sung, MD, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and medical director of Tribeca Aesthetics in New York City, agreed with Spann and Camp that minoxidil and finasteride are both effective and have an "established track record in treating hair loss."
3. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment administered in a medical provider's office, where a patient's blood is drawn and spun to separate the plasma from the red blood cells, according to Camp.
MAXIMIZE HAIR GROWTH WITH THESE OILS THAT CAN EASILY BE ADDED TO YOUR DAILY SELF-CARE ROUTINE
The plasma, which is rich in platelets and "growth factors," is then injected into the scalp to "improve hair density and caliber," he said.
PRP has also been used for wound healing in trauma and joint injuries, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, but has been gaining popularity in addressing male pattern baldness and stimulating the growth of hair transplants.
PRP is a treatment administered in-office, where a patient's blood is drawn and spun to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Results are most noticeable six months after the scalp injections. The procedure is not permanent, and additional injections may be needed, experts say.
Sung called hair transplants an "excellent solution for hair restoration for patients who are good candidates and looking for long-term solutions."
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"Platelet-rich plasma injections enhance hair transplant results and benefit some non-transplant patients," he told Fox News Digital.
4. Saw palmettoAn alternative treatment for hair loss, saw palmetto is a plant-based, over-the-counter supplement.
"Saw palmetto is thought to reduce the amount of DHT hormone that contributes to hair loss," Camp said.
Saw palmetto, a palm native to the southeastern U.S., is commonly used in supplements to "improve prostate health, balance hormone levels and prevent hair loss in men," according to Healthline. (DeAgostini/Getty Images)
"The evidence behind the use of saw palmetto as an effective treatment for hair loss is limited, and OTC supplements are not FDA-regulated," he noted.
A 2020 study published by the National Institutes of Health noted a 60% improvement in overall hair quality among patients experiencing hair loss who used various oral and topical saw palmetto products.
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The study also found that 27% of participants saw improved total hair count, 83% reported increased hair density and 52% said the hair loss stopped progressing.
5. Scalp treatments and vitamin therapyTreating hair loss in both men and women is a "multifaceted approach," Spann said, involving the treatment of other issues like low vitamin D or scalp inflammation.
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"Treating female pattern hair loss is more complicated, because it requires addressing all underlying causes," she told Fox News Digital.
Treating women's hair loss is "more complicated," a dermatologist said. (iStock)
"It is crucial to improve blood flow to the scalp, calm scalp inflammation and correct underlying vitamin deficiencies."
Those experiencing scalp inflammation, or scalp folliculitis, should see a board-certified dermatologist to identify the cause of the condition and determine the proper treatment.
Some cases of scalp inflammation can be remedied at home with a warm compress, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, or an antifungal or anti-dandruff shampoo. (iStock)
Some cases can be remedied at home with a warm compress, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, or an antifungal or anti-dandruff shampoo, according to the Valley Skin Institute website.
In some cases, however, the condition may require prescription-strength medication.
A 2020 study published by the National Institutes of Health noted a 60% improvement in overall hair quality among patients experiencing hair loss who used various oral and topical saw palmetto products. (iStock)
"It is also important to correct iron deficiencies, low iron stores and low vitamin D levels," Spann added.
Many vitamins and minerals play a role in healthy hair growth, according to Harvard Health.
Some of these include vitamins A, B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), B12, C, D and E, as well as iron, selenium and zinc.
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"Consuming adequate vitamins and minerals is important to preventing and managing hair loss," states the Harvard Health website. "Most people can cover all their nutritional needs through a healthy, balanced diet."
Those who have questions about choosing the right hair loss treatment should consult a medical provider, experts recommend.
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