Hair follicles are small sacs from which hairs grow. Hair follicles are densest on the scalp, but they also occur in most other places on the body. Spots on the scalp are commonly the result of a bacterial infection referred to as folliculitis. Follucilitis occurs when bacteria, viruses or fungi infect the hair follicle. MayoClinic.com notes that the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of folliculitis.
Causes
Organisms are able to infect the hair follicle when the follicle becomes damaged. Damage to the follicle on the scalp can be caused by increased friction from wearing a hat, excessive sweating, shaving the hair on the scalp or injuries to the scalp. Inflammatory scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, can also cause damage to the hair follicle resulting in folliculitis.
Types
Two types of folliculitis can affect the scalp: superficial folliculitis and deep folliculitis. Superficial folliculitis affects the upper portion of the hair follicle and is characterized by clusters of small red bumps that occur around the follicle. The bumps are often accompanied by itching, tenderness, inflammation, redness and pus-filled blisters. Deep folliculitis starts deeper in the skin and affects the entire hair follicle, according to MayoClinic.com. Deep folliculitis is characterized by large swollen spots on the scalp, pain and pus-filled blisters.
Treatment
Most mild cases of folliculitis clear up on their own without any medical intervention. MedlinePlus notes that applying hot compresses to the area can help the hair follicles drain and speed up recovery time. More severe infections may require the use of topical or oral antibiotics or anti-fungal medications.
Prevention
MedlinePlus recommends several steps to prevent the development of folliculitis. Keeping the scalp clean is one of the most important. It is also important to avoid wearing dirty hats or cleaning the scalp with washcloths that might be contaminated. Fresh razors should always be used when shaving the head, as well.
Complications
If left untreated, mild cases of folliculitis can spread to other areas of the body and cause itchy patches on the skin. Severe folliculitis can cause a variety of complications. One of the most common complications is cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection that can affect the deeper layers of the skin. Furunculosis, which is the development of boils underneath the skin, may also develop. Severe folliculitis may also permanently damage the hair follicle on the scalp, which will result in permanent hair loss in that follicle.
