Scalp Folliculitis – Is This Just a Fancy Name for Acne of the Scalp ?

Scalp folliculitis is a condition where hair follicles become clogged up and cause an inflammation.  It is quite a common condition known by  many names, including scalp acne, Barber's  Itch and Tinea Barbae to name but a few.  Who suffers from this condition?  It affects more or less anyone.  Men and women appear to be equally likely to experience this condition, and persons of all ages groups are affected.  Although it is known as scalp folliculitis, it can actually appear and frequently does, on any part of your body where there are hair follicles.  Therefore, your legs, arms,  armpits and face are some of the targeted areas. 

What does scalp folliculitis look like?  It is difficult for many people to see how it looks as it is most common on the top of the head. It appears as small whitish yellow pustules which are usually ringed by narrow red circle-like blisters.  Hair can still grow through these pustules even though it typically clogs the hair follicle.  Frequently, hair also will grow immediately next to the area where the pustule resides on the hair follicle.  If squeezed or picked pustules are likely to ooze sebum or bloodstained pus.  In rare cases, scalp folliculitis may develop further and boils or other skin infections will form.  Bacteria may enter through the infected hair follicle and travel into the blood stream, thereby invading the body, although this is not a common occurrence.

How can you tell if you have folliculitis?  If the area around the hairline is always itching, this may be an indication of scalp folliculitis.  Even if there are only a small amount of lesions, it may still be a sign of folliculitis.  Generally it only infects a small portion of the scalp, but in cases of more severity, it may spread to several areas of the scalp.  Once scratched the infections quickly become crusted and hard which in turn makes you want to scratch them even more.

What is the cause of this condition ?  It appears that this condition starts in more or less the same way as acne. It involves bacteria (and sometimes fungi)being  trapped in the pores.  With scalp situations like these, the bacteria propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are the main culprits along with another main contributor, the Staphylococcus bacterium, which is also responsible for a variety of nose and eye infections. Yeasts and mites also contribute to the dilemma.   When bacteria invade a hair follicle and mixes with sebum, the result is this annoying problem. 

Many cases of scalp irregularities develop when a person enters a hot tub or another warm moist location which is not well chlorinated.  The scalp moistens with the temperature thus allowing hair follicles to become more susceptible to infection.  Ingrowing hairs are another potential cause.   An ingrowing hair soon becomes a hotbed of bacterial activity.  Other contributing factors to the development of scalp folliculitis include diabetes, tight clothing, excessive sweating, exposure to heat and humidity,  unsanitary conditions, and other skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. 

Unfortunately, it is of a contagious nature and will be easily passed from one person to the next. Lingering colds and the flu may also add to the infection.   It is recommended that an infected person should always use a clean dry towel and avoid sharing towels, brushes, combs, or other  accessories for the hair or head. 

If you are concerned by a persistent case of scalp folliculitis you should visit your doctor.  He or she will check on your medical records history and try to ascertain if the infection is related to a bacteria or fungus.  Once the cause is established, an appropriate treatment plan can be devised just for you.  Most of the time, treatment consists of the use of an over the counter topical cream being applied to the affected area on a daily basis.  The cream prescribed or recommended by your doctor is most likely to be an antibiotic.  If this does not have the desired effect your doctor may suggest the prescription of a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic.  Many common topical antibiotics used to treat scalp folliculitis include Neomycin,  Bacitracin,  and Mycitracin.  These products should be applied to any infected areas three to four times each day. 

Remember it is important not to spread the infection by scratching or squeezing the sores. Keep the skin as clean and dry  as possible and make sure you read the instructions thoroughly and carefully when applying a treatment to your condition.