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.
Up close, the scalp can look scaly and silvery with patches of broken hair. You may also see small black dots if the hair has broken off right at the scalp. Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It usually causes itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head.
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.
Oral antifungals are the primary treatment for scalp ringworm. These medications are designed to cure the infection by killing the fungi causing it. They include griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole (Leung, 2020; Al Aboud, 2021).
People may find relief from redness and itching by applying a warm washcloth to the skin. In some cases, a person may need to take medication for the infection, but it will usually clear up on its own.
Although infected scalp wounds are generally limited and readily treated, they can progress to devastating proportions if not promptly and aggressively managed. This report highlights three such cases of severe infection: extensive subgaleal abscess, fatal necrotizing fasciitis, and widespread carbunculosis.
Minor damage to the scalp may lead to intracranial infection. The postoperative state of the scalp, skull and meninges is especially noteworthy with respect to invasion of pathogens into the skull. A detailed medical history should be obtained even from patients with minor scalp injuries.
Prognosis. Once treated, a scalp infection caused by yeast usually clears up in two to eight weeks, depending on the strength of the antifungal medication. Prescription medications are stronger therefore, they usually work faster.
The most seen are: (1) Bacterial: Folliculitis, folliculitis decalvans, tufted hair folliculitis and acne keloidalis nuchae. (2) Fungal: Tinea capitis, favus and kerion celsi. (3) Protozoal: Syphilitic alopecia. Pediculosis capitis is the most common worldwide infestation of the scalp.
What can cause sores or scabs on the scalp? Sores or scabs on the scalp are often harmless and clear up on their own. However, they can sometimes be a sign of a condition that may require treatment, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or head lice.
Use an antifungal shampoo
Symptoms of a scalp infection include severe itching, patches of hair loss, scalp boils, and severe dandruff. If you have ringworm on your scalp, wash your hair with an over-the-counter medicated antifungal shampoo. These shampoos kill bacteria and fungus on the scalp and stop inflammation.
Dandruff flakes are actually dead skin cells that naturally fall off the scalp — more so if you scratch. Many people think that a dry scalp is synonymous with dandruff, but either a dry scalp or an overly oily scalp can cause excess cells to clump and fall off, forming dandruff flakes.
Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells. It's hard for shampoo alone to wash away your oily scalp issues. And issues like stress and weather can increase the scalp's sebum production, making you even oilier.
A scalp yeast infection is often curable with treatment. But if left untreated, Candida can cause more serious health concerns if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the: eyes. mouth.
Folliculitis, furunculosis, and carbunculosis are all infections of the hair follicles that can cause scalp sensitivity. These infections can be painful, sore, or warm to the touch. They often affect the back of the neck, the back of the scalp, or the armpit. Sometimes, pus can be squeezed out from these skin lesions.
Ketoconazole shampoo is a medicated shampoo designed to treat fungal infections affecting the scalp. You can use it for conditions like stubborn dandruff, psoriasis, and more. Shampoos containing ketoconazole are available both over the counter (OTC) and by prescription from your doctor.
Scalp folliculitis usually looks like clusters of small red bumps and can initially be mistaken for an acne breakout. If left untreated, folliculitis can spread to other hair follicles, and the bumps may get more inflamed. You may also get blisters that break open, ooze pus and turn crusty.
A fungal infection of the scalp by mold-like fungi is called tinea capitis. Tinea capitis (also called ringworm of the scalp) is a skin disorder that affects children almost exclusively. It can be persistent and very contagious.
Conditions that can affect your scalp include psoriasis, ringworm, lice, and lupus. Most are noncontagious. Treatment will depend on the cause and may include shampoos, ointments, or medications. Scabs and sores on the scalp can be itchy and unpleasant.
Dry scalp: Dry scalp is the most common cause of scabs on the scalp, often due to excessive hair washing, high mineral content in water, very hot water showers, harsh shampoos, and high heat treatments. Oily scalp: If your scalp is too oily, it can cause irritation and lead to scratching and scabbing.
Sores, blisters, or bumps on the scalp
Painful sores, blisters, or bumps that develop on the scalp may be caused by: Infection of the hair shafts (folliculitis) or the skin (such as impetigo). An allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis). Viral infections, such as chickenpox and shingles.