What Can Cause A Sore Scalp?

A sore scalp can be caused by different kinds of skin conditions

• Folliculitis• Psoriasis• Ringworm• Seborrheic Dermatitis• Impetigo

Folliculitis

Scalp Folliculitis

• Scalp folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles of the scalp

• The cause of scalp folliculitis are bacteria, yeast, or mites

• Folliculitis can be contracted if they are cuts or scalps to the scalp, restrictive clothing, and being in a hot tub or swimming pool that is not treated with chlorine

• The signs of folliculitis are the appearance of red pustules at the base of the hair follicles

• Treatment for folliculitis is anti-fungal shampoo and if it is a severe case than antibiotics

PsoriasisScalp Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is a common skin condition in which reddish scaly patches can develop. The excessive amount of skin causes flaking like dandruff

• The cause of psoriasis is an disorder of the immune system where your body attacks healthy skin cells instead of fighting off viruses and bacteria. The body responds by producing more skin cells

• Psoriasis can feel very itchy but those that itch excessively may lose their hair

• Treatment for psoriasis is medical shampoo and topical ointments

Ringworm

Ringworm

• Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus not by an actual worm

• Ringworm is typically caught from one person to another through sharing personal items or through physical contract

• Symptoms of ringworm include the development of bald patches in the infected area. The patches are usually inflamed and scaly

• Ringworm can be treated with anti-fungal creams and shampoos

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis

• Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition in which the there is dandruff as well as inflammation. In cases where the conditions worsens there may also be a rash

• The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is linked with a yeast named Malassezia. It is not contagious at all.

• Treatments for seborrheic dermatitis are anti-fungal shampoo or topical creams

Impetigo

Scalp Impetigo

• Scalp impetigo is a bacteria infection. The two types of bacteria are called Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

• Symptoms of impetigo is the appearance of sores and blisters. The blisters are inflamed and can rupture letting out fluids

• Impetigo is highly contagious and can be caught easily through touch or sharing items

• To treat impetigo doctors prescribe topical antibotics and oral antibiotics as well.

Seeking Treatment for A Sore Scalp

If you feel like you may have any of the conditions outlined in this presentation it is important to speak with your doctor or dermatologist to have it diagnosed. A sore scalp can continue

to cause pain and if left untreated may worsen leading to hair loss or permanent damage to your scalp.