Do you have an itchy scalp? Are you struggling with hair loss?
There are several reasons like heredity, stress, hair treatments, use of cosmetic products, hair styling, and other things that can cause your hair loss. Scalp inflammation is one such reason that can damage your scalp and hair causing hair loss.
What is scalp inflammation?
There are several reasons why your scalp can become irritated, swollen, and painful. Conditions that can cause scalp inflammation are seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), and others. These can cause itchy bumps of red color to develop on your scalp.
Scalp inflammation is also called Scalp folliculitis.
It is an infection that affects your hair follicles and causes small bumps and soreness on your scalp. This soreness is red in color and often looks like acne and is painless but causes itchiness, dry scalp, and discomfort on your scalp. Folliculitis can mostly occur on the scalp but can develop anywhere in your body where hair is present.
Symptoms
Scalp folliculitis begins with little, swollen bumps surrounding the hairline. Over time, these bumps become more extensive, swollen, and red. If not treated early, they start to spread all over the scalp and cause hair fall and damaged hair.
A few uncommon symptoms include:
- A group of small, red bumps or pimples encircling hair follicles
- Pimples that ooze pus before crusting over
- Itchy, dry, or burning sensation on the skin.
- Sores with white, yellow, or brown discharge.
- Mild fever or headache.
If the above symptoms are not treated, they will cause a further infection that can lead to bacteria or fungi, which is an extreme case.
Scalp folliculitis can also be caused by several other factors, including:
- Dermatitis or acne
- Having frizzy or coarse hair
- Weak immune system.
- Use of chemicals or taking steroids.
Types of folliculitis
- Bacterial folliculitis. This is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that lives on our skin. Normally, they live on the surface of our skin, but if they enter our bodies, they can cause infection. It can enter through a cut or wound and infect our hair follicles which results in the itchy scalp, pus-filled lumps.
- Pseudomonas folliculitis. Pseudomonas bacteria are found in places where chlorine and pH levels are not properly controlled. This includes places like swimming pools, sauna tubs, bathtubs, heated pools, and such places. Within two days after being exposed to these bacteria, symptoms of infection begin to emerge including itchiness, a swollen bump, and red rashes.
- Razor bumps. This is a skin irritation caused by shaving or waxing. The ingrown hairs cause irritation and the skin gets red rashes. Shaving curly beard hairs or doing Brazilian wax can cause this infection. As a result, it caused dark patches and itchy skin in the affected area.
- Pityrosporum folliculitis. This one is caused due to yeast infection and its symptoms include, formation of pimples and acne anywhere on the body.
Scalp Inflammation and Hair Loss
Scalp inflammation or folliculitis can cause hair loss, but not always. Hair loss may also occur as a result of certain medical conditions that cause your scalp to become inflamed and result in your hair follicles being damaged.
Avoid these things to prevent hair follicle damage
- Scratching or massaging your head.
- Pulling or knotting your hair.
- Styling your hair in a way that pulls your hair like tight ponytails or braids.
- Wearing a hat that presses your hair.
- Using sports helmets.
- Use of hair products that have various chemicals.
Conclusion
Scalp Inflammation and Hair Loss can be prevented. If the situation is getting worse, consult a dermatologist. They can suggest treatments and medication that will control the infection, bacterial growth, and hair fall. Every skin type and hair type is different. Consulting a doctor will help you identify the causes and prevention of such situations.
