What is it?

Known also as 'malassezia furfur,' scalp folliculitis can emerge in mild forms as small, itchy white heads along the hairline, by the forehead or ears, which usually respond well to over-the-counter treatments. Severe forms of scalp folliculitis, which can manifest with hardened, red bumps that are tender to the touch, is a medical condition and must be treated clinically by a doctor. And although scalp folliculitis isn't technically acne, the symptoms and treatment (for mild cases) are similar.

How do you get it?

Damage to the hair follicle is thought to be the primary reason. Once compromised, bacteria or fungus invade the damaged follicle and cause trouble. Unfortunately, damaging the hair follicle is relatively easy to do. Common offenders include: restrictive clothing or hats, harsh chemicals and solvents, aggressive shaving, excessive perspiration, and even exposure to heat and humidity, such as a sauna, whirlpool or improperly chlorinated pool. An excessively oily scalp can also exacerbate the condition.

Although anyone can suffer from folliculitis, certain people may be more prone to an outbreak. According to MayoClinic.com, these include: persons suffering from compromised immune systems or with HIV, diabetics or persons on long-term cancer treatment, persons already suffering from acute acne or on long-term antibiotic treatment for acne, trauma to the skin from surgery, obesity, topical corticosteroid therapy and living in a warm or very humid environment.

Treatment

To get your scalp into tip-top shape, start with the basics. Keep the area clean and as free from oil as possible; if needed, consider washing your hair one extra time per week. Also, for those visible bumps along the hairline, apply a salicylic acid treatment to the area with a cotton swab. And although benzoyl peroxide is an excellent treatment for acne, it is not excellent for hair: benzoyl peroxide may damage or cause a lightening of hair (similar to hydrogen peroxide) so avoid these products when treating scalp folliculitis.

Product Picks

Stubborn spots on the scalp can be treated with Bliss Change Your Spots, a salicylic acid product suitable for use on or near to the hair. Also, hair care products designed specifically for seborrhea are known to remedy scalp folliculitis such as Alterna Life Solutions Scalp Therapy Shampoo.

Special considerations

Because this condition is highly contagious, managing and treating all cases of scalp folliculitis is vitally important. To avoid spreading the disease (or re-infecting yourself) during any stage of an active breakout, always use clean, dry towels when bathing or swimming and never share towels, combs, brushes, or other hair accessories. Change your pillowcase nightly and brush the hair gently to avoid abrading the pustules. If your symptoms don’t improve within three or four days, or the outbreaks worsen, seek medical attention. Additionally, if left untreated, even the mildest case of scalp folliculitis can lead to more serious conditions, including: acne necrotica miliaris and perifolliculitis capitis. These are medical conditions which may require antibiotic treatment and must be treated by a doctor, as they can lead to scarring or hair loss.

While folliculitis may be aggravating and annoying, mild cases can be treated at home quite successfully. By being conscious of your hair care routine, including hair brushes, combs and elastic hair bands, the risk of developing this pesky problem can be greatly minimized.