TAILORED CARE FOR
EVERY STRAND
SCALP INFECTION
Scalp infections are caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Below are common conditions categorized by type:
SCALP RINGWORM
What is it?
An infection of the scalp caused by dermatophyte fungi such as Trichophyton and Microsporum. It is more common in children but may also occur in adults. Untreated cases may result in permanent scarring and baldness.
Clinical Features
- Dandruff-like scaling with moth-eaten hair loss.
- Smooth areas of hair loss.
- Broken hairs at the scalp surface.
- Inflamed mass resembling an abscess.
- Yellow crusts with matted hair.
- Carrier state: mild scaling without symptoms.
Diagnosis
- Suspected with a combination of scaling and bald patches.
- Wood’s light fluorescence.
- Microscopy and culture of skin scrapings and hair roots.
Treatment
- Oral Antifungals
- Topical Treatments: Antibiotics and antifungals.
- Antifungal shampoos twice weekly for 4 weeks, e.g.:
- 2.5% Selenium sulfide
- 1–2% Zinc pyrithione
- Povidone-iodine
- 2% Ketoconazole
FOLLICULITIS
What is it?
Inflammation of hair follicles leading to tender red spots, often with pustules.
Types and Causes
- Bacterial Folliculitis: Painful boils caused by bacterial infections.
- Yeast Folliculitis (Malassezia): Itchy, acne-like condition.
- Fungal Folliculitis: Associated with Tinea Capitis.
- Viral Folliculitis:
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Tender pustules.
- Herpes Zoster: Painful pustules and crusted spots along a dermatome.
- Irritant Folliculitis: Caused by regrowing hairs after shaving, waxing, or plucking.
- Contact Folliculitis: From occlusion by moisturizers, adhesive plasters, or chemicals.
- Drug-Induced Folliculitis: Caused by corticosteroids, androgens, or other medications.
- Inflammatory Folliculitis: From conditions like lichen planus or lupus erythematosus.
Clinical Features
- Red, inflamed pustules around hair follicles.
- Pain, itching, or irritation.
Treatment
- Bacterial: Hygiene, antiseptic cleansers, and antibiotics (topical/oral).
- Yeast: Avoid moisturizers; use topical or oral antifungal medication.
- Viral: Severe cases treated with antiviral agents.
- Irritant: Cease hair removal or use gentler methods.
- Contact: Switch to oil-free products; avoid causative chemicals.
- Drug-Induced: Discontinue offending drugs if possible.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Treat the underlying disease.
Acne Variants
What is it?
Acne and its variants are forms of folliculitis involving blocked and inflamed sebaceous glands.
Treatment
- Topical Therapy: Retinoids.
- Oral Antibiotics: For bacterial control.
- Antiandrogenic Therapy: Suitable for women with hormonal acne.
