It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores.
Scaly Patches: Fungal infections regularly cause scaly, flaky patches on the scalp. Pustules and Blisters: Bacterial infections like folliculitis can result in pustules (pus-filled bumps) or blisters. Pain: Viral infections such as shingles can cause significant pain and discomfort.
For mild infection caused by bacteria, your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic lotion or gel. Infection-fighting pills (oral antibiotics) aren't routinely used for folliculitis, but you may need them for a severe or repeat infection. Creams, shampoos or pills to fight fungal infections.
A scalp yeast infection causes an itchy rash on your scalp. The rash may be red or purple and appear in patches of various shapes. The rash may crack and crusts may form. This crusting could cause hair loss.
The most common type of staph infection is the boil. This is a pocket of pus that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. The skin over the infected area usually becomes red and swollen. If a boil breaks open, it will probably drain pus.
What does MRSA look like? MRSA most often appears as a skin infection, such as a boil or abscess (a mass that is full of pus). At first, it might look like a pimple, but it can turn into a hard, painful lump that is red and filled with pus. Many people who have a staph skin infection often mistake it for a spider bite.
Antibiotics commonly prescribed to treat staph infections include cefazolin, nafcillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid. For serious staph infections, vancomycin may be required.
Folliculitis is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become inflamed. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing.
The following medications may be helpful for scalp folliculitis: Topical antibiotics (eg, fusidic acid gel), clindamycin solution, erythromycin solution. Mild topical steroid lotions or creams.
The appearance of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp is that of pus-filled lumps and nodules on the scalp with overlying scarring and hair loss. What other problems can occur? Other conditions related to hair follicle blockage, rupture and inflammation can occur with dissecting cellulitis of the scalp.
Scalp infections can be treated with antifungal tablets, sometimes combined with antifungal shampoo. If the skin is irritated or broken, it can lead to other bacterial infections, which may need treatment with antibiotics.
Head lice usually look grayish-white or tan in color, though they can camouflage. Adult lice are around the same size as a sesame seed. Lice eggs may look like tiny ovals on the hair shaft. Head lice are tiny parasites that live on the human head and feed on blood from the scalp.
Bacterial skin rashes happen when certain types of bacterial infect your skin, causing rashes to appear. These rashes can appear very differently, with some being red, some being bumpy, and some causing outbreaks of pus-filled spots.
Signs of the skin inflammation. The condition can lead to flakiness, redness, dandruff and other scalp buildup — and sometimes it's sign of other conditions. Flaky scalp, itchiness and painful patches can all be signs of scalp dermatitis, an inflammation of the scalp that can have as many causes as it does symptoms.
Folliculitis causes a red ring to develop around each hair follicle. On darker skin types, rather than a red appearance, it may look like gray or brown bumps. This may cause pain or itching. People may find relief from redness and itching by applying a warm washcloth to the skin.
Ketoconazole shampoo is an antifungal medication. It treats fungal or yeast infections in your skin. You can use this medicated shampoo as you would use a regular shampoo by massaging it into your skin. Follow the label for directions on how long you should let the product set before rinsing it off.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy. It's often added to foods,1 and some people also apply it to their skin, scalp, or hair. It's known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral actions,2 and it may also offer benefits for scalp flaking or thinning hair.
Staph infections occur most often on your skin. They often look like pimples — red and angry and filled with pus. They may leak fluid. You might think you have some kind of bite or ingrown hair.
Shampoos containing chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide are highly effective at reducing the superficial colonization of Staphylococcus.
Tinea capitis, or scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that affects your child's scalp and hair. Symptoms of tinea capitis include swollen red patches, dry scaly rashes, itchiness and hair loss.