Treating Scalp Folliculitis: Signs, Pictures, Causes, and More (2024)

Scalp folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles, the skin pores that hold the roots of your hair. The inflammation causes pain, swelling, pus-filled blisters, or itchy bumps. It can result from scalp irritation or infection.Scalp folliculitis is when the inflammatory disorder of folliculitis affects the scalp’s skin. It results from irritation or infection of the follicles in that area.

Many cases of scalp folliculitis clear up on their own Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source. Other cases may require treatment.

This article discusses scalp folliculitis, and its symptoms, causes, and treatment. It will also show some examples of scalp folliculitis and explain what to expect from recovery.

With scalp folliculitis, you may initially notice small bumps on your scalp. Over time, the bumps may grow bigger, fill with pus, and scab over. The irritation may also spread to other follicles.

Symptoms include:

• inflamed, discolored, or flushed skin
• red or discolored round bumps
• white-headed pimples
• cysts, pustules, or lesions that contain fluid or pus
• lesions that bleed or weep fluid
• scabs or crusted sores
• itchiness or tenderness of the affected area
• pain or burning
• lesions that resemble acne

Sometimes the inflammation first appears along the hairline, but it can appear anywhere on the skin.

Below are some examples of what scalp folliculitis can look like.

Scalp folliculitis can cause red or flushed raised bumps along the hairline. These bumps may be itchy or painful.

nymphoenix/Getty Images

Folliculitis can occur anywhere on the head or other areas of the body. Lesions may bleed or crust over.

Dermatology11/Shutterstock

Areas affected by folliculitis may become flushed and itchy.

Photo by DermNet New Zealand

Blisters from folliculitis may contain fluid or pus.

Zay Nyi Nyi/Shutterstock

See Also

Folliculitis: Appearance, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Raised, flushed bumps due to folliculitis.

Lforlav, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Folliculitis on the scalp typically results Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source from bacterial infection.

However, there are several types of folliculitis that vary based on a wide range of different causes.

The causes of these different types of folliculitis can include:

• viral, yeast, or fungal infections
• exposure to water in hot tubs without chlorine
• inflammation of ingrown hairs
• other scalp irritation, such as from hair removal, chemotherapy, or insect bites
• advanced HIV cases with low CD4 counts

Seborrheic dermatitis and scalp folliculitis can appear similar, but they are not the same.

Seborrheic dermatitis is when scaly, inflamed patches of skin form on areas of the body where there are high concentrations of sebaceous glands, such as the scalp.

Scalp folliculitis, on the other hand, is when the hair follicles become inflamed. It usually results from a bacterial infection.

Males tend to develop scalp folliculitis more often, and certain factors may also increase your risk of developing folliculitis on the scalp. These factors can include:

• a weakened immune system
• acne or dermatitis
• use of acne medications such as topical corticosteroids
• recent or long-term use of antibiotics
• certain genetic variations
• curly hair
• increased or excessive sweating
• frequent behaviors that might irritate the scalp and hair, for example:
  • rubbing or twisting your hair
  • scratching your head
  • wearing tight-fitting hats, helmets, or accessories
  • shaving your head or using other hair removal methods such as laser hair removal
  • frequently wearing sports helmets

Frequent use of pools or hot tubs can also increase the risk of developing folliculitis. This is because some bacteria that can cause folliculitis survive well in pool conditions or contaminated water.

Contact your doctor for any new or persistent symptoms of irritation or infection.

It is also a good idea to contact your doctor for the following symptoms:

• reddened or discolored and painful hair follicles
• hair loss
• large pus-filled blisters
• persistent sores
• open sores that drain pus
• brittle hair

Get immediate care for any symptoms of a spreading or serious infection, such as:

• severe pain
• fever or chills
• flushed or discolored skin that rapidly spreads in an area or leaves streaks on the skin

If you contact your doctor and your symptoms do not improve after starting recommended treatment, contact them again for further advice on what may help you.

Scalp folliculitis is treatable. The goal of treatment is to resolve the underlying cause and reduce symptoms of inflammation and irritation.

Treatment methods include:

• Antibiotics: These medications can be effective in treating scalp folliculitis if it results from a bacterial infection. You may be able to use antibiotics topically in a cream, lotion, or gel.
• Topical steroid solution: This can help treat symptoms by reducing itchiness or inflammation.
• Laser removal: This uses a high powered light beam to remove follicles and clear folliculitis. It is also a preventive measure.
• Minor surgery: This involves surgically draining pus-filled lesions. A doctor will typically perform this procedure if the lesions are too large or do not respond to other treatments.

Avoiding the trigger of folliculitis can help resolve the condition. However, if a clinician links your folliculitis to a medication you take, such as antibiotics, it is important to continue using them as prescribed until your doctor gives you advice.

Mild cases of folliculitis on the scalp may respond to at-home care methods. These care techniques may also help prevent further development of the condition.

At-home care options can include:

• Keeping your scalp clean: Washing your scalp with anti-dandruff shampoo or antibacterial soap can help keep your scalp clean and avoid further infection.
• Applying a warm compress: You can apply a warm compress by dampening a clean washcloth with lukewarm water and applying it to your scalp.
• Using over-the-counter (OTC) products: You can use OTC products such as ointments to soothe your rash and alleviate symptoms. Get advice from a pharmacist about what product may be the most appropriate for you.
• Avoiding shaving and other hair removal: It is a good idea to avoid removing hair from the scalp or shaving until the folliculitis clears. When you resume shaving, use a new, clean razor each time you shave, and stop if any symptoms of irritation come back.
• Avoiding wearing tight-fitting headgear: Try to refrain from wearing tight-fitting hats and helmets because they can cause further irritation to your scalp.

These at-home remedies may help ease discomfort, speed recovery, and prevent complications such as infection or scarring.

Scalp folliculitis is generally not Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source a serious or life threatening condition.

In fact, many people find that their symptoms resolve with at-home care or medical treatment.

Some cases of folliculitis on the scalp clear up in a few days. However, other cases may persist, recur, or spread before resolving.

Sometimes, scalp folliculitis disappears completely after treatment. Other times, it may relapse for a while and return.

It is also possible to experience complications from folliculitis, or permanent scarring even after the folliculitis itself resolves.

Your doctor will typically try a different treatment approach if your symptoms are persistent or recurrent.

There are a few possible complications that clinicians associate with scalp folliculitis.

Possible complications include not only pain, but also:

• permanent scarring, skin damage, and hair loss
• destruction of hair follicles
• persistent, recurrent, or spreading infection

Early or effective treatment can help to reduce your risk of experiencing complications.

If you do experience complications, a doctor can also help resolve some effects with treatment and minimize their impact on your life.

Scalp folliculitis refers to inflammation of the hair follicles. Symptoms of inflammation with folliculitis include inflamed skin, fluid-filled papules, and itchy bumps, among other symptoms of skin irritation.

Common causes of folliculitis include bacterial and viral infection. Although, other sources of irritation can result in the condition.

In many cases, scalp folliculitis goes away on its own. However, others may require treatment, and some cases may lead to complications such as permanent scarring or a spreading infection.

Treatment options include antibiotic creams, topical steroid solutions, laser removal, and minor surgery. At-home care, such as warm compresses and regular washing, may also prove helpful in reducing irritation.

Contact your doctor promptly for any symptoms of scalp irritation or skin infection.