Scalp Infection Can be caused by either fungi, bacteria or virus. Enlisting common conditions below:
Tinea capitis is the name used for infection of the scalp with a dermatophyte fungus. Although common in children, tinea capitis is less frequently seen in adults.
Hair can be infected with Trichophyton (abbreviated as "T".) and Microsporum ("M".) fungi.
Clinical features of tinea capitis.
Tinea capitis is most prevalent between 3 and 7 years of age. It is slightly more common in boys than girls.
Tinea capitis may present in several ways.
Untreated may result in permanent scarring (bald areas).
Treatment of carriers:
Necessary to prevent spread of infection. Antifungal shampoo twice weekly for four weeks may be sufficient but if cultures remain positive, oral treatment is recommended.
Suitable shampoos include:
Skin condition in which there is inflamed hair follicle. The result is a tender red spot, often with a surface pustule.
Folliculitis may be superficial or deep. It can affect anywhere there are hairs, including chest, back, buttocks, arms and legs. Acne and its variants are also types of folliculitis.
Folliculitis can be due to infection, occlusion (blockage), irritation and various skin diseases.
To determine if folliculitis is due to an infection, swabs should be taken from the pustules for cytology and culture in the laboratory.
Bacterial folliculitis may result in a painful boil.
Treatment for bacterial folliculitis :
Also known as Malassezia folliculitis, itchy acne-like condition usually affecting the upper trunk of a young adult.
Also known as Malassezia folliculitis, itchy acne-like condition usually affecting the upper trunk of a young adult.
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) usually results in scaling and hair loss, but sometimes results in folliculitis.
Folliculitis may caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).
This tends to be tender.
Herpes zoster may also present as folliculitis with painful pustules and crusted spots within a dermatome.
Severe recurrent attacks may be treated with antiviral agents.
Folliculitis may arise as hairs regrow after shaving, waxing, electrolysis or plucking.
Swabs taken from the pustules are sterile.
Beard area irritant folliculitis is known as pseudofolliculitis barbae.
Folliculitis due to contact reactions
Paraffin-based ointments, moisturisers, and adhesive plasters may all result in a sterile folliculitis.
Use oil-free product, as it is less likely to cause occlusion.
Coal tar, cutting oils and other chemicals may cause an irritant folliculitis.
Avoid contact with the causative product.
Folliculitis may be due to drugs, particularly corticosteroids, androgens, ACTH, lithium, isoniazid , phenytoin and B-complex vitamins.
Certain uncommon inflammatory skin diseases may cause permanent hair loss and scarring because of deep seated sterile folliculitis. These include:
Treat the underlying condition and its severity.
Acne and acne-like or acneform disorders are also forms of folliculitis.
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