This post was originally published in August 2019. Updated in September 2022.
Scalp folliculitis is a skin disorder that affects babies, teenagers, and adults. This condition affects hair follicles due to bacterial or fungal infections.
Scalp folliculitis can be treated easily by using a shampoo that can help you get rid of scalp infections. You may also apply ointments or creams to clear the skin. If the condition becomes severe, it could cause hair loss and scarring.
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Scalp Folliculitis Symptoms
Scalp folliculitis causes red bumps that look like acne. Usually, red bumps start to appear along the hairline. In severe cases, bumps go deeper and spread to other parts of the scalp.
So the symptoms are:
- Clusters of red bumps appear on the scalp.
- Red bumps that look like acne with a white head.
- Itching.
- Pain.
- Severe scalp folliculitis causes hair loss.
- Blisters filled with pus surrounding hair follicles.
Other skin conditions can also cause red bumps to develop on the scalp, Check out this article.
Scalp Folliculitis Causes
What causes scalp folliculitis is still unknown. But researchers think that inflammation of hair follicles causes infection on your scalp which causes this skin disorder.
The infections that cause folliculitis include:
- Bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Propionibacterium acnes.
- Yeast: Malassezia species.
- Mites: Demodex folliculorum.
Damaging hair follicles on the scalp cause infections that lead to scalp folliculitis. Some things can damage hair follicles like:
- Wearing hats or scarves.
- Shaving the head frequently.
- Keep scratching and touching your head.
- Using products that can irritate the scalp and cause itching and inflammation.
- People who suffer from a compromised immune system are more prone to develop this disorder. Also, people with diabetes develop this skin condition more than other people.
Risk Factors
There are some factors that could make some people more susceptible to developing scalp folliculitis:
- Being a male.
- Having thick curly hair.
- Suffering from persistent acne.
- Cuts on the scalp that leads to Inflammation of hair follicles.
Treatment
Treating scalp folliculitis is often easy, especially in mild cases. Knowing the cause of this skin disorder helps you treat your scalp easily.
If you usually wear tight hats or shave your head, stop doing this for some time. If the scalp infection clears up, you should change your routine.
You should wash your hats more often. Also, change your usual shaving technique and use lotion to soothe your skin after shaving.
We can use an antibiotic ointment, cortisone cream, and anti-dandruff shampoo to treat scalp folliculitis. Antibiotic ointment and cortisone cream help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Anti-dandruff shampoos cleanse the scalp and reduce irritation. They also contain anti-fungal agents that can treat your scalp.
You can also apply a warm compress to your scalp daily to relieve itching. And wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can irritate the scalp and worsen the condition.
1- Ovante Folliculit Solution Shampoo
This shampoo treats severe and chronic cases of scalp folliculitis. It cleanses the scalp and reduces itching and inflammation. The shampoo contains natural oils, vitamins, and herbs.
Also, it’s an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial shampoo that helps clear up scalp infections. Moreover, it reduces redness and irritation.
Folliculit Solution Shampoo can also treat other scalp infections like dandruff, yeast, and ringworms.
This shampoo removes dead cells and helps prevent hair damage. And it also softens the hair due to its natural ingredients.
2- CLn Shampoo
CLn Shampoo is a super effective product that can reduce folliculitis symptoms. It helps cleanse the scalp and decrease itching and flaking.
It also treats dandruff and dermatitis. This product removes dead skin cells, dirt, oils, and residue from pores which keeps your scalp clean.
It also softens your hair and keeps it manageable. And it makes your hair look super healthy. It also helps your hair restore its shine and texture.
There is a milder version of CLn shampoo that suits people with sensitive or dry scalps more. Buy it on amazon.
3- Free & Clear Hair Shampoo
This shampoo is formulated for sensitive skin and scalp. It’s free of chemical irritants such as paraben and fragrance. It removes dead cells, flaking, and the buildup of hair products.
You can use it every day as it’s a gentle cleansing shampoo. Also, this product eases itching and reduces redness. And it can clear up perpetual blotches. Free & Clear Shampoo leaves the scalp and hair clean. And it also keeps your hair manageable.
4- DHS Zinc Shampoo
Zinc is used to treat different skin conditions as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. It can cleanse your scalp well. Zinc helps you get rid of yeast on the scalp. Also, it reduces inflammation and irritation. And it can relieve itchiness.
So DHS Zinc Shampoo can help you to get rid of layers of scales. And it reduces sores. Moreover, this product leaves your hair soft and soothes the scalp quickly.
5- ArtNaturals Therapeutic Argan Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo exfoliates the scalp and keeps it clean. It unclogs the scalp of flakes and calms irritation. ArtNaturals shampoo can also relieve itching and redness. It contains argan oil that can repair dry damaged hair.
Using this shampoo helps reduce flaking and dryness effectively. Also, ArtNaturals shampoo keeps your hair healthy and shiny.
6- Tree To Tub Soapberry Shampoo For Hair
Soapberry is an ultra-gentle shampoo that contains natural ingredients. And it’s also free of harsh chemicals. It balances scalp PH and reduces flaking and sores. It contains aloe vera, argan oil, olive leaves, and chamomile. Those ingredients moisturize your scalp and remove all impurities from it.
The ingredients have also antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that combat any infection. Soapberry suits all hair types and sensitive skin.
Moreover, soapberry soothes itchiness and calms irritation. And it also repairs damaged hair and restores its strength. So this product leaves your hair and scalp clean and fresh.
7- Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties that can heal any infection. Tea tree oil shampoo reduces greasiness and cleans the scalp and hair.
This product also clears blocked pores and moisturizes the scalp. The shampoo helps heal cuts fast before causing any scalp damage.
Scalp damage gives bacteria the chance to enter through the skin which causes scalp folliculitis. So this shampoo is ideal for treating this damage. Tea tree oil can decrease itchiness and irritation.
Also, it reduces flaking and sores. And it keeps the hair hydrated and restores its luster.
NOTE
It’s highly recommended to consult a doctor before using any of these shampoos. The doctor may prescribe also an oral antibiotic or antifungal cream. Some cases may need surgery or laser hair removal. So your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.
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